Getting CPH after CSC
Just finished my CSC and trying to figure out my next move — did I choose the wrong path?
Background: I'm a licensed insurance advisor (LLQP) in Toronto with about 2 years of experience. I recently completed the CSC to transition into wealth management and financial advisory roles at banks.
Here's my dilemma. I finished the CSC in 2026, not realizing that CIRO changed the proficiency rules on January 1, 2026 — the CSC no longer satisfies investment dealer registration under the new model (CIRE replaced it for that path). So I'm now questioning whether getting the CSC was a mistake.
That said, I've been looking at bank advisor roles at the Big 5 and they keep requiring a Mutual Funds licence (CSC + CPH + CIRO-MFD registration). The CPH is $700 and I've heard I can knock it out in about 2 weeks. I'm currently unemployed so the timing is actually good.
My questions:
- Did I mess up going CSC in 2026, or is it still a solid foundation for the bank advisory path?
- Is the CPH worth the $700 given that it's still required for mutual fund dealer registration at banks?
- Anyone currently working at a Big 5 in a wealth/advisory role — did CSC + CPH actually get your foot in the door?
Appreciate any honest takes, especially from people who've gone through this recently.