BURLINGTON, Ontario — Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI), the dedicated distributor of the Children’s Education Trust of Canada Registered Education Savings Plans, has announced a significant change to its portfolio advisory structure. Effective June 30, 2026, RBC Global Asset Management Inc. / PH&N Institutional (PH&N) will assume responsibility for managing a portion of the assets within the Scholarship Plans, specifically taking over the Canadian equity portfolio.
The announcement, made on June 11, 2026, details that PH&N will replace Fiera Capital Corporation (Fiera) in this capacity. Fiera, however, will maintain its role as a portfolio adviser, continuing to manage the fixed income portfolio of the Scholarship Plans. This strategic adjustment aims to optimize the management of the plans’ diverse asset classes, ensuring specialized expertise is applied to each segment.
Strategic Reallocation of Portfolio Management
The Scholarship Plans, which encompass the Group Option Plan, the Achievers Plan, and the Self-Initiated Option Plan, are designed to assist Canadian families in saving for post-secondary education. The decision to bring PH&N on board as a new portfolio adviser for Canadian equities reflects a targeted approach to asset management.
According to the announcement from Children’s Education Funds Inc., the change is specific to the Canadian equity allocation. Fiera Capital Corporation, a long-standing partner, will continue to oversee the fixed income components, indicating a division of responsibilities based on asset class specialization. This dual-adviser model allows for distinct strategies to be applied to different parts of the overall portfolio.
Crucially, CEFI emphasized that there will be no alterations to the fundamental investment objectives of the Scholarship Plans as a direct result of this portfolio adviser change. This assurance is vital for plan holders, indicating continuity in the overarching financial goals and risk parameters of their education savings.
Introducing PH&N Institutional
RBC Global Asset Management Inc. / PH&N Institutional brings substantial experience and resources to its new role. As the Canadian institutional business arm within RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM), PH&N benefits from the extensive operational capabilities and global reach of its parent company. RBC GAM is a prominent global asset manager, overseeing an impressive excess of CAD $785 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026. This vast scale is supported by a network of 17 investment teams strategically located across the globe.
PH&N Institutional is recognized for its comprehensive suite of investment solutions tailored for institutional clients. Its services extend beyond traditional investment strategy manufacturing, encompassing strategic investment policy advisory, dynamic and tactical risk management, and robust governance services. This broad spectrum of capabilities positions PH&N to provide sophisticated management for the Canadian equity portfolio of the Scholarship Plans.
Children’s Education Funds Inc. Commitment
Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI) has been a cornerstone in Canadian education savings since its inception in 1991. For over three decades, CEFI has been dedicated to helping families establish and grow Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs). The organization’s mission is to assist parents in achieving their savings goals, thereby nurturing the educational aspirations of their children.
CEFI operates through a network of trained and licensed Dealing Representatives who work directly with families. These representatives provide personalized guidance, helping parents tailor savings plans to their individual needs and financial circumstances. The continuity of CEFI’s mission remains paramount, with the recent adviser change designed to enhance the underlying investment management without altering the core promise to its clients.
The transition of the Canadian equity portfolio management to PH&N Institutional by the end of June 2026 represents a strategic evolution in the management of the Children’s Education Trust of Canada Registered Education Savings Plans. This move leverages specialized expertise from a globally recognized asset manager while maintaining the established investment objectives, reinforcing CEFI’s commitment to its plan holders and their long-term educational savings goals.
