Governance
Focus on Integrity, Accountability, Responsibility
Corporate governance and oversight at Genus extend beyond compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. They provide provide a framework for establishing and maintaining a culture of business integrity, accountability, and responsible business practices.
Board of Directors
The Genus Board of Directors provides management oversight and guides the firm’s strategic direction.
Established in 2008, the board is chaired by Jamie Bruce, an outside shareholder in the firm. It includes Wayne Wachell, CEO and Chief Investment Officer, and Leslie G. Cliff, Director of Wealth Management. Tracy McVicar, an outside shareholder of the firm, serves as an advisor to the board.
Ethics and Standards
Genus and its portfolio managers are registered with the provincial securities commissions in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland & Labrador and are regulated by them.
We adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. In addition, every employee is expected to remain informed about and comply with the Genus Policies & Procedures Standards and Code of Ethics. We review and update these documents annually.
Investment Counsel Association of Canada
Genus is a member in good standing with the Investment Counsel Association of Canada (ICAC). The association is the representative organization for Investment Counsel and Portfolio Managers in Canada. Member firms are only in the business of managing investments for clients in keeping with each client's needs and objectives and risk tolerance.
Canadian Coalition for Good Governance
Genus is a member of the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance. The Coalition is a not-for-profit corporation and has 44 members with approximately $1.4 trillion in total assets under management. The Coalition promotes good governance practices in Canadian Public Companies listed on the S&P/TSX Composite Index and advocates the improvement of the regulatory environment to best align the interests of boards and management with those of their shareholders.
Custodial, Audit and Legal
The Genus components (funds) are governed by a Trust indenture between RBC Dexia Investor Services as trustees, and Genus Capital Management as manager. RBC serves as the custodian and record keeper for our pooled funds. The Genus components are audited annually by Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Accountants. Legal services are provided by Lawson Lundell LLP.
Investment Management Fees
The fees charged by Genus are for investment management only and are calculated as a percentage of assets under management.
Board of Directors
The Genus Board of Directors guides our strategic direction and provides management oversight, with an emphasis accountability.