Research
Evidence-based research serves as the core of all of IFIC’s submissions and communications. We draw on Canada’s most respected research bodies to ensure that the research we publish and promote is independent and follows the highest professional standards, including the use of recognized scientific methodologies, rigorous analysis, and ethical principles. .
Working with leading domestic organizations such as the Conference Board of Canada, the Fraser Institute, Calgary School of Public Policy and Montreal Economic Institute and Pollara, as well as global research powerhouses such as PwC and Strategic Insight, our goal is to contribute to policy discussions and create better understanding of the industry through factual analysis.
In addition to IFIC-sponsored research, we promote member and stakeholder awareness of independently produced research such as the ground-breaking work of Montreal-based CIRANO on the value of advice.
Finally, drawing from internal and external data, and drawing from third-party research, we conduct analyses and produce summaries and white papers on topics ranging from international regulatory developments to how advice helps the modest investor.
Research Reports
This report provides an annual snapshot of mutual fund and ETF sales activity and assets under management. This year, the report was expanded to include insights on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mutual funds and ETFs in Canada in 2020.
(January 26, 2021)The annual survey measures the attitudes, opinions, and behaviours of mutual fund and exchange-traded fund investors in Canada. This year, the survey has been expanded to include investor responses on responsible investing.
(September 21, 2020)This research report is an update of the Conference Board of Canada's 2014 paper "Boosting Retirement Readiness and the Economy Through Financial Advice". It evaluates the impact of advice on individual savings, and the resulting positive effects on the Canadian economy.
(June 25, 2020)The report provides an overview of responsible investing (RI) in Canada and around the world, including terminology, financial performance and the future of RI.
(June 11, 2020)This report examines online interactive disclosure and its potential to enhance the understanding of investment fee and performance reporting.
(March 12, 2020)This report provides statistics and analysis of mutual fund and exchange traded fund (ETF) sales and assets under management.
(January 23, 2020)Annual survey has been expanded to include responses from both mutual fund and exchange-traded fund (ETF) investors.
(September 26, 2019)This report quantifies the economic footprint of the Canadian investment funds industry.
(August 7, 2019)This report has been commissioned by The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) as an update to the data, analysis and information originally developed in 2012 as part of a study into the cost of ownership (CoO) of mutual funds in Canada and the United States. The analysis was expanded to include the cost of ownership of fund in the U.K. and Europe.
(July 25, 2019)The report examines the current state of the investment funds industry in Canada, including trends that impact investors.
(June 6, 2019)This report explores how behavioural economics principles can be used to enhance aspects of fee and performance reporting.
(March 6, 2019)This web-based year-end report provides asset and fund sales information for both mutual funds and exchange traded funds for 2018.
(January 23, 2019)The 13th wave of Pollara's telephone survey of mutual fund investors in Canada. The study was initiated to better understand Canadian mutual fund holders, to identify their attitudes, opinions, needs, expectations and behaviours and to track these over time.
(September 26, 2018)The survey aims to understand what financial services clients mean by "advice" and how this may evolve and differ under a variety of circumstances.
(February 28, 2018)The 12th wave of Pollara's telephone survey of mutual fund investors in Canada. The study was initiated to better understand Canadian mutual fund holders, to identify their attitudes, opinions, needs, expectations and behaviours and to track these over time.
(November 22, 2017)This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the full cost of owning mutual funds in Canada and the United States. 2017 update to the 2012 study by Strategic Insight.
(October 4, 2017)(June 7, 2017)
