The Real Advisor R/Evolution: How Will Advisors Demonstrate Their Value in the Age of AI?

With new fee transparency requirements approaching and artificial intelligence transforming financial services, how will advisors demonstrate the value of their advice?

Beginning in January 2027, CRM3 (Total Cost Reporting) will bring greater transparency to investment costs, including embedded fund fees. For advisors, this raises important questions about how clients perceive the costs they pay and the value they receive in return.

At the 2026 Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors, Michael van Lierop, RWM™, FDFS™, will explore these challenges in “The Real Advisor R/Evolution: Real Advice in a World of Artificial Intelligence,” a practice management session sponsored by New Outlook Wealth (NOW).

CRM3: A New Era of Fee Transparency

Under the new reporting requirements, clients will receive more comprehensive information about the costs associated with their investments, including fees embedded within investment funds.

The additional transparency will place particular scrutiny on high-cost mutual funds and create new challenges for advisors in explaining the relationship between investment costs and professional advice.

What will this mean for advisors and their clients? And how should advisors prepare for the questions that may arise when more detailed cost reporting begins?

Reduce Fees, Change Investments or Demonstrate Value?

Michael's session will address three important strategic questions identified in the conference agenda:

• Should advisors reduce their fees?
• Should they shift clients toward lower-cost investment options?
• Or should they maintain their current approach?

These decisions are particularly relevant as advisors consider how to communicate and reflect the value of their services in an increasingly transparent environment.

Real Advice in a World of Artificial Intelligence

Advancing AI technology adds another dimension to the changing advisory landscape.

As new technologies influence financial services, the session will examine the importance of focusing on advice and clearly demonstrating its value. Michael will discuss best practices for advisors navigating these changes, with an emphasis on value reflection and the role of professional advice.

The Bottom Line

The combination of CRM3 reporting requirements and advancing AI technology is bringing renewed attention to the value of financial advice.

For advisors, the questions extend beyond investment costs to how their services are understood, communicated and valued by clients.

Join Michael van Lierop, RWM™, FDFS™, on November 23 at the 2026 Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors for The Real Advisor R/Evolution: Real Advice in a World of Artificial Intelligence, sponsored by New Outlook Wealth (NOW).

The Conference takes place November 22–24 at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria, B.C., bringing together tax, accounting and financial professionals for multidisciplinary education, networking and up to 20 CE/CPD credits.

Learn more at the 2026 Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors. View the detailed agenda and register online by the October 30 early-bird deadline!

About Sponsor New Outlook Wealth (NOW)

New Outlook Wealth (NOW) is a boutique Winnipeg-based financial advisory network of independent financial planners who enjoy unrestricted access to an industry-leading, 3rd party investment management, insurance distribution, technology management, operational and marketing support service model.

The NOW model, which deliberately separates asset management from financial advice, is the most client-centric, conflict-free model for serious financial planners in Canada. NOW advisors benefit from a rich sense of community and family, while having total control and independence over how they operate their financial advisory practice.

New Outlook Wealth enjoys several exclusive referral partnerships (also known as “shared service” or "co-servicing" arrangements) with over a dozen portfolio management firms in Canada. These investment counsels manage client assets custodied at some of the country’s largest custodians: Fidelity Clearing Canada (FCC), National Bank Independent Network (NBIN), Aviso Wealth, and CI Financial.

The NOW Asset Management Ecosystem represents over $40 Billion in Assets under Management (AUM) spread out among 10 leading Portfolio Management firms in Canada.