Why I do this, and how I got here.
I spent thirty years as an investment and insurance advisor. I sold the business in 2017, and the sale left me with a substantial tax bill.
I did what anyone in that position does. I went looking for something legitimate that would reduce the bill and I was skeptical of pretty much everything I found. What I landed on was a structured transaction using flow-through shares. I subscribed for the shares and sold them the next moment at prices agreed to before I committed. The deduction and the credit were mine to keep. The share price and illiquidity risks were eliminated - never became an issue.
It solved my problem. That’s why I believe in it.
Since then I’ve worked with accredited investors who pay tax at the top marginal rate, owners of Canadian-controlled private corporations, donors and registered charities whose donors would give more if giving cost less. I am registered as a Dealing Representative with WCPD, an Exempt Market Dealer, under supervision by the Ontario Securities Commission. I work with individuals, investment advisors, tax professionals and charities across Canada.
Dealing Representative - Exempt Market Dealer, Ontario Securities Commission
Structured flow-through share transactions
Thirty years as an investment and insurance advisor, starting in 1992. Sold the investment business in 2017 and continued the insurance business for several years after.
MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table), IFIC World Hedge Funds, and published YouTube interviews
B.Sc. Boston University (1973). Continuing professional education in investments, insurance, finance and taxation.
Podcast and video interviews on flow-through structures and charitable giving
Background
Experience
Thirty years as an investment and insurance advisor in Canada. Sold the investment business in 2017.
Registration
Registered as a dealing representative with WCPD, an Exempt Market Dealer, Ontario Securities Commission.
Speaking
MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) · IFIC World Hedge Funds · Published YouTube interviews
Away from the desk
When I’m not working I’m often on a golf course. I’ve been playing since I was 12 and I’m considerably more enthusiastic about golf than I am good at it. Otherwise, I’m grocery shopping and cooking at home, where the results are much more reliable. I do my best to stretch, get on the treadmill every day, and I’ve worked with the same personal trainer for more than sixteen years, which may say something about both of us.
My wife and I have four grown children, their partners, and three grandchildren (so far). Most of them are in the GTA, with one family in Brooklyn. The best times are when we get everybody in the same place, at the same time, especially on a family holiday.
What colleagues say about Ken
"It has been my pleasure to know Ken Stern and to call him friend for over 20 years. I met Ken during my years working with a highly respected actuarial consulting firm. Ken has always enjoyed analyzing what some would consider to be complicated or complex financial structures and then making them understandable to his clients. His intelligence and caring is on display when it comes to the area of Flow Through Shares. That structure has changed dramatically since my time as a Financial Advisor, and in the right circumstances and for the right clients they really make sense. They provide the tax relief to entrepreneurs, professionals and affluent individuals who are challenged daily by our unfortunate tax system.
Ken is a man of true gravitas. A dedicated father, grandfather and husband who has travelled extensively and has a life experience that shows every day in his work. Ken understands that his work helps better the economic circumstances of individuals, families, communities and businesses alike. He is on the forefront of new intelligent and timely financial products showing his dedication to hard work and an unwavering ethical code."
"Ken has a rare ability to take a complex tax strategy and Fisher-Price it — plain language, clear steps, easy to execute. That's why I never hesitate sending people his way."
"Ken and I have known and worked together for more than 30 years. He has a rare ability to explain complex tax and charitable-planning ideas in a clear, practical way. Just as importantly, Ken never loses sight of the people and charitable goals behind the planning. He genuinely cares about helping clients make informed decisions and create a greater impact with their giving."
"When Ken first contacted me, I was skeptical because my past experience with flow-throughs involved the limited partnership structure. As soon as I had a chance to see how things could be arranged using bought deals, I was hooked. Way simpler and way more certainty."
Testimonials reflect the personal views of the individuals quoted. They are not investment advice, and they do not indicate or guarantee any tax outcome or investment result.
Ask a question, or book a meeting.
If you’d rather I speak with your accountant first, send them the For Accountants page. I’m happy to take it from there.
