Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does “barrantagh” mean?
“Barrantagh” is a Gaelic word from the Isle of Man. It means “trustworthy” and “dependable.”
Top
2. What is the minimum size for an account with Barrantagh?
For private client families, the minimum account size is $1 million. This may well be comprised of several accounts for various family members, including both RRSP and taxable accounts.
For institutional investors, our minimum account size is also $1 million.
Top
3. As a private client, are my assets safe at Barrantagh?
To protect you and give you peace of mind, we neither hold nor handle any of your securities or cash. Instead, your assets are held in a segregated account at the custodian, RBC Global Services (formerly Royal Trust). RBC Global Services is part of the RBC Financial Group, the largest financial services company in Canada, which includes the Royal Bank of Canada.
Your account is governed by a separate custodial agreement between you and RBC Global Services. This means that we are always at arm’s length from your actual assets.
We manage the investment of your accounts under a signed investment management contract with you.
Top
4. Do you ever use mutual funds or pooled funds?
No we do not.
At Barrantagh, every client account is established on a “segregated” basis. This means that your assets are invested in a unique portfolio that we manage separately from the accounts of our other clients.
In this way, we can tailor your portfolio to meet your specific needs and objectives. We can also accommodate any special constraints you may wish to impose, and we can work to accommodate your specific tax situation as well.
Top
5. How do you make sure that my portfolio complies with my investment policy?
Barrantagh’s portfolio managers review your portfolio frequently to ensure it complies with your policy. In addition, before any transaction we review your account to make sure the transaction will be compliant with your policy. The transaction will only be applied to your account if it passes this compliance check.
Finally, our Compliance Officer reviews all accounts monthly as a final check on compliance.
Top
6. Do you manage all clients’ accounts the same way?
We apply the same proven, value-oriented investment philosophy and approach to every client’s account. We take your specific and personal investment objectives, policy and constraints into account when we apply our philosophy on your behalf.
Thus, your portfolio will reflect your unique needs and preferences while also reflecting our consistent Barrantagh investment approach.
Top
7. What fees do I pay?
Barrantagh’s only source of revenue is investment management fees based on the value of the assets in your account. Our investment management fees are competitive with other investment counseling fees, and are generally significantly lower than the fees charged by mutual funds and similar arrangements.
RBC Global Services also levies a modest custodial fee.
There are no costs, no fees and no penalties involved in opening or closing your Barrantagh account.
Top
8. I’m a private client. How do I deposit more money into my account, or withdraw money from it?
It is always easy to add to your account, or to remove money for an unexpected need that may arise. You can find detailed instructions by clicking on administrative guidelines. And if you still have questions, just call us!
Top
9. What protections do I have against the irregularities in the securities business that I’ve been reading about in the press?
Barrantagh is a leader in compliance matters. We have a detailed written policy manual covering all aspects of our operations. The guiding principles behind all of our policies are:
|
•
|
Our clients’ interests must always come first; and
|
|
•
|
All clients are to be treated equitably and fairly.
|
Top
10. Why should we choose Barrantagh?
At Barrantagh, we offer you access to a deeply experienced and successful investment team. We use a time-tested value-oriented approach to preserve your capital while generating investment growth to meet your needs. You will meet directly with Barrantagh partners — owners of our firm whose financial well-being is directly tied to your own.
As a Barrantagh client you can expect:
|
•
|
Customized portfolios to meet your unique investment needs
|
|
•
|
Open communication with Barrantagh’s senior professionals
|
|
•
|
Consistent investment decisions based on a time-tested value philosophy
|
|
•
|
Diversified portfolios with below-average risk
|
|
•
|
Low portfolio turnover – reduced trading costs (and, for taxable accounts, greater tax efficiency)
|
|
•
|
No surprises!
|
Top
|
