Advisory Excellence in 2026: A Skills Blueprint by CIRO for the New Proficiency Model
- My Advisor Group Canada
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
The Canadian investment industry is on the brink of a major shift. With the new CIRO proficiency model coming into effect on January 1, 2026, advisors will face higher expectations than ever before. Success in this new environment won’t just be about passing regulatory requirements — it will be about building the complete advisor skillset.
Why the Shift?
The financial industry is more complex than ever:
Clients face more investment choices (from ETFs to private markets).
Technology and AI are reshaping how advice is delivered.
Regulators are cracking down on conflicts of interest and weak suitability practices.
Trust in financial professionals has been shaken by high-profile misconduct cases.
CIRO’s new model is designed to ensure advisors have a complete competency set — not just product knowledge, but also ethics, judgment, and communication skills that build long-term trust.
So, what does excellence look like in 2026, and how can you prepare?
Why the New Model Matters
The upcoming CIRO framework raises the bar. Advisors will be expected to demonstrate not only product knowledge and regulatory awareness but also the relationship and ethical competencies that define a trusted professional.
Firms and clients alike will expect advisors to:
Show deeper understanding of conflicts and ethics
Build and maintain trust-based client relationships
Apply technical and market knowledge with confidence
Uphold suitability, market integrity, and execution standards
In short, compliance alone won’t cut it. Advisors need to excel across three dimensions:
Understanding – knowing the rules, products, and market impacts
Applying – using that knowledge in real client interactions
Connecting – building relationships rooted in trust and clarity
The Skills Blueprint for 2026
Think of the new model as a skills blueprint. The most successful advisors will master a balanced mix of:
Regulatory Skills – Conflicts, ethics, confidentiality, compliance obligations
Technical Skills – Product knowledge, suitability analysis, market impact awareness
Relationship Skills – Initiating and maintaining client relationships, empathy, communication, trust-building
Together, these create a professional standard that positions you not just as an advisor, but as a trusted partner in your clients’ financial journey.
The Competency Gap
Here’s the challenge: many advisors are strong in one area (often technical), but fall short in others. For example:
Advisors who know the markets but stumble on conflict management.
Advisors who connect with clients but overlook suitability obligations.
Advisors who stay compliant but struggle to explain complex products simply.
The new model makes it clear: you can’t afford to have gaps..
How to Get Ahead Now
Waiting until 2026 to adapt is too late. The advisors who thrive will be those who start building these competencies today.
That’s why we created our My Advisor Group Training Program — a practical, step-by-step learning experience designed to help you:
Understand the new standards inside and out
Apply them confidently in daily practice
Develop the relationship and communication skills that set you apart
Final Word
The 2026 proficiency model isn’t just a regulatory hurdle — it’s an opportunity. Advisors who embrace the full competency blueprint will stand out as leaders of trust, compliance, and client success.
The question is: Will you be ready?
Join our training today and build the skills blueprint for your future success.
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