A message from our CEO: A year of opportunity

If there’s one thing that seems to have become the norm in the past few years, it’s significant change in quick succession. Change leads to new challenges, but new challenges lead to new ways forward for those who are resilient and adaptable.

At 7IM, we’ve faced this whirlwind of change head on, turning challenges into opportunities and staying focused on what matters most: delivering for our clients. And as we step into 2025, I feel genuinely optimistic about the opportunities ahead.

Reflecting on 2024, it’s clear that our industry and those we serve have faced their fair share of challenges – from geopolitical tensions to a new Labour government introducing austerity measures that will shape financial planning for years to come.

Markets, too, have experienced their own challenges with growth concentrated amongst a handful of dominant players – making diversification, one of our core investment principles, more important than ever. While concentrated markets can work in favour for some over a short period, we remain steadfast in our belief that a well-diversified, long-term approach will ultimately reward our clients.

On the regulatory front, we’ve seen the spotlight intensify on ensuring clients receive good outcomes, whether that’s from the Consumer Duty to the FCA’s review of retirement income advice. These changes align closely with 7IM’s ethos: putting clients first, simplifying the complex, and delivering clarity in an often-daunting landscape.

Of course, adapting to change while executing on the plan is never easy and would be impossible without the understanding and support of our majority shareholder Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. At 7IM we’re fortunate that Ontario Teachers’ have offered us the resources and support to continue growing in a demanding landscape, while remaining true to our core beliefs.

Thanks to Ontario Teachers’ backing, we have also been able to welcome several firms who share our core beliefs into the 7IM family.

Looking ahead, with opportunity in mind, we continue to invest heavily in our technology, most notably in our proprietary platform, our wealth and asset management capabilities, and importantly, our people so we can continue to deliver on our vision of providing an unrivalled experience.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. Wishing you a successful and wonderful 2025.

Dean.