Investment Industry Association of Canada

Office address: 100 Wellington St West, Suite 1910, Toronto, ON M5K 1H6 
Website: https://iiac-accvm.ca/ 
Year established: 2006 
Company type: financial services provider 
Employees: 11-50 
Expertise: organization, financial services 
Parent company: N/A 
CEO and key people: Laura Paglia, President and CEO 
Financing status:

The Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) is the national association of investment firms in the country. The association plays a crucial role in engaging with government and regulators to advocate for a healthy, growing, and compliant market for investors. The IIAC is part of the International Council of Securities Associations (ICSA). 

History of Investment Industry Association of Canada 

The Investment Industry Association of Canada was established in 2006 to support investment firms and investors. Throughout the years, it has lent its voice to pressing issues affecting Canada’s financial industry. In 2022, for example, it shared feedback on the then-planned merger of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. 

Products and Services of the Investment Industry Association of Canada 

The Investment Industry Association of Canada offers these services to its members and to Canadian investors: 

  • advocacy: the IIAC helps drive change on crucial matters impacting capital markets, promoting dynamic regulations, responsible practices, and economic growth for all 
  • forums: stakeholders come together to discuss and address current and emerging issues affecting the industry 
  • education: the IIAC hosts and organizes continuing education conferences for industry professionals and client education sessions for investors 
  • resources:  industry data, tools, templates, surveys, and other resources are available to support investment advisors in their profession  

Culture at Investment Industry Association of Canada 

The culture at IIAC is based on a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and advocacy. As a representative body for investment firms, IIAC fosters an environment that values informed dialogue, ethical practices, and a proactive approach to addressing industry challenges.  

The organization's culture is shaped by its role in bringing together diverse members from across the investment industry, promoting a unified voice on regulatory and policy matters. 

About Investment Industry Association of Canada President and CEO Laura Paglia 

Laura Paglia was named President and CEO of IIAC in 2021. Before that, she was a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP law firm where she led its Securities Litigation and Regulatory Group. 

Paglia's career is marked by her involvement with various professionals and boards, contributing significantly through speaking engagements and thought leadership pieces on industry issues.  

Paglia was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1997 and holds both an LLB and an LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School. 

Future at Investment Industry Association of Canada 

The organization's future involves ongoing advocacy for fair and efficient capital markets, adapting to emerging trends and regulatory changes, and enhancing the competitiveness of its member firms.  

With advancements in the financial industry, particularly in areas like digital assets, ESG investing, and global economic shifts, IIAC's role in guiding and supporting its members becomes increasingly vital. 

Canada should make bold income tax cuts to shore up economy, says IIAC

Impact of tariffs will require supportive measures from policymakers

Inside a year of advocacy at the IIAC

President & CEO explains the weighty challenges and David vs. Goliath battles her organization has taken on

Canada's equity markets decline as firms opt for foreign buyers and private options

A new report from the IIAC reveals causes and solutions to revive Canada's shrinking public markets

IIAC proposes bold tax and investment reforms for 2025

IIAC recommends innovative tax policies and investment schemes to boost Canada's economic growth

Why raising RRIF conversion to 75 would benefit clients

How increasing age limit could help employed retirees and clients with rental income

How BIPOC advisor carved a niche as a cross-border specialist

From wholesaling to advising, he's picked up the best practices to serve his clients

'Digital assets are here now and will remain'

Head of Calgary-based trust company says despite recent volatility, safe storage for digital assets remains critical

New SRO must ‘provide a better investor experience’

CEO says merger will ultimately be judged from client perspective

A big thank you to the judges of the 2022 Wealth Professional Awards

The panel included 12 prominent leaders and experts in the Canadian planning and investment industry

Don't disregard households in suitability considerations, says IIAC

Industry association calls for adjustments to guidance in CFRs and IIROC KYC guidelines to reflect joint report's findings