Financial Services Research

We conduct both custom qualitative and quantitative research studies with financial advisors. This includes leading focus groups, in-depth interviews, and various types of surveys. Our flagship research offerings for financial advisors include the annual Advisor Perception Study, Wholesaler/Inside Sales Effectiveness Studies, and our continuous touchpoint tracking programs. We have a large panel of over 8,000 independent financial advisors, which allows us to deliver high-quality insights. Our experience enables us to explore topics such as advisor licensing, brand performance, product concept, awareness, and practice management.

Providing insight into the rapidly expanding financial technology sector. Canadian investors face plenty of important decisions as they seek to grow their savings and build wealth. As an industry leader in financial services research, and in the understanding of Canadian Social Values, Environics Research is uniquely positioned to provide relevant, actionable insight into the rapidly evolving FinTech sector.

Understanding the needs and expectations of insurance advisors and customers. Insurance coverage is critical to financial security, for individuals and organizations alike. Having the right coverage in place – to protect against property damage, injury and illness, inability to work or loss of life – can make the difference between resilience and catastrophe. For employers, offering the right mix of group insurance benefits can also be a powerful tool for the recruitment and retention of top talent. We work collaboratively with insurance providers to make business gains by identifying needs and opportunities among individual policy-holders, employee group plan members and group plan sponsors. We also work with plan consultants and advisors as they serve each of these client groups – from individuals seeking appropriate coverage to group plan sponsors developing competitive benefits packages.

Providing insight into investors and advisor needs and expectations. Canadian investors face plenty of important decisions as they seek to grow their savings and build wealth. In addition to choosing from the wide range of available investment products, individual investors need to determine how to adapt their savings strategies across different life stages; how much personal control to take (versus how much to delegate to advisors); and which advice channels to rely on. Advisors also need to navigate an array of important decisions and trade-offs as they help clients meet their goals. We help investment firms learn how investors and advisors see their options, and reveal the deep motivations that shape their choices.