Legal

Fee & Refund Policy

Last updated: 1 March 2025

This Fee and Refund Policy describes how Meridian Capital Advisors Ltd ("we", "us", or "Meridian") structures, charges, and — where applicable — refunds fees for our advisory and planning services. It should be read alongside your individual Client Service Agreement.

1. Our Fee Philosophy

Meridian operates on a strict fee-only basis. We do not accept commissions, trailer fees, or any form of compensation from financial product manufacturers or distributors. Our sole source of remuneration is the fees paid directly by our clients. This structure eliminates financial conflicts of interest and ensures that all advice we provide is genuinely aligned with your best outcomes.

2. Fee Structures

2.1 Discretionary Wealth Management

Fees for discretionary portfolio management are charged as an annual percentage of assets under management (AUM), billed quarterly in arrears. Fee tiers are as follows:

  • Up to CAD $500,000: 1.00% per annum
  • CAD $500,001 – $1,000,000: 0.80% per annum
  • CAD $1,000,001 – $2,500,000: 0.65% per annum
  • Above CAD $2,500,000: 0.50% per annum (negotiable for larger mandates)

AUM is calculated based on the value of the portfolio on the last business day of each quarter.

2.2 Comprehensive Financial Planning

Financial planning engagements are typically structured on a fixed-fee basis, agreed upon in advance and specified in your engagement letter. Fees generally range from CAD $2,500 to $8,000 depending on the scope and complexity of the plan. Ongoing plan maintenance retainers are available at an annual fixed fee.

2.3 Hourly Advisory Consultation

For specific, targeted advice or second-opinion reviews, we offer hourly consultation at CAD $350 per hour, billed in 30-minute increments, with a one-hour minimum. Time estimates are provided in advance.

2.4 Initial Consultation

Your first 60-minute discovery meeting is provided free of charge and carries no obligation to engage our services.

3. Billing and Payment

AUM-based fees are deducted directly from your investment account with our custodian, as authorised in your Client Service Agreement. Fixed fees and hourly fees are invoiced by email, with payment due within 14 days of the invoice date. We accept payment by electronic funds transfer and major credit cards.

4. Fee Adjustments and Refunds

4.1 Wealth Management Fees

If you terminate your wealth management engagement part-way through a billing quarter, your final fee will be pro-rated to the date of termination. Any AUM fee charged for the portion of the quarter following termination will be refunded to your account within 30 days of the formal termination date.

4.2 Fixed-Fee Engagements

If you cancel a fixed-fee engagement before work has commenced, you are entitled to a full refund of any upfront payment made. Once substantive work has begun (typically defined as the completion and delivery of the data-gathering questionnaire review), refunds will be pro-rated based on the percentage of work completed at the time of cancellation.

4.3 Hourly Fees

Hourly fees are billed for time actually worked and are non-refundable once the advisory session or work product has been delivered.

4.4 Circumstances Beyond Our Control

Meridian will not be liable for delays or failures in service delivery caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including force majeure events. In such circumstances, we will notify you promptly and work with you to agree on an appropriate resolution.

5. Requesting a Refund

To request a fee adjustment or refund, please contact your relationship manager directly or email us at [email protected] with your account details and a description of the matter. We aim to acknowledge all refund requests within two business days and to resolve them within 14 business days.

6. Disputes

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our billing, we encourage you to raise the matter with your relationship manager in the first instance. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, it may be escalated to our Compliance Officer. Meridian is committed to resolving all fee disputes fairly and transparently.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may revise this policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to active clients in writing at least 30 days before taking effect. The most current version of this policy is always available on our website.

8. Contact

Meridian Capital Advisors Ltd
850 West Hastings Street, Suite 1200, Vancouver, BC V6C 1E1
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (778) 432-8951