Our Business

Local Canadian Dealer for Global Issuers

As an Exempt Market Dealer (EMD), Highness offers premium placement agency services to global investment managers, non-Canadian issuers and foreign investment advisors seeking allocations from sophisticated investors. Supported by a network of leading Canadian service providers, our goal is to be a dedicated and valuable resource from our global clients so they can easily navigate the Canadian regulatory landscape.

With over two decades of experience in the global alternative investment industry, we’re the experts in the Canadian exempt market. We provide best-in-class compliance and placement agency services, led by a seasoned securities counsel with expertise in legal and regulatory affairs.

Navigating the Canadian regulatory landscape can be confusing, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our streamlined process ensures swift and successful completion of your transaction, with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and professionalism.

As your dedicated Canadian partner, we offer singular support for your capital-raising efforts. We do not produce, manufacture, or distribute our own products, so you can trust that our advice is unbiased. Our in-house legal expertise ensures cost management throughout our relationship, while our focus on privacy and confidentiality ensures the highest level of discretion.

Our pristine track record and high pedigree make us the trusted partner for discerning global managers who value reputation, professionalism, and integrity. We work with sophisticated investors and large clientele and have been referred by service providers, lawyers, prime brokers, and investors alike.

We’re committed to continually enhancing your Canadian experience by providing access to our deep network and relevant market intelligence. Let us help you secure your Canadian investments with ease and the utmost professionalism.

We are currently registered as an EMD in Ontario with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), Quebec with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), Alberta with the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), and BC with the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC).

Download THE HIGHNESS EMD/PLACEMENT AGENCY SERVICESDownload THE HIGHNESS QUICK GUIDE FOR GLOBAL MANAGERSDownload CANADIAN REGULATORY OVERVIEW FOR FOREIGN FUND MANAGERSDownload CANADIAN AML GUIDE

Origination & Sourcing

Highness specializes in originating and sourcing debt, equity, capital and other commercial opportunities for global organizations including family offices, investment funds, private equity/credit firms, investment banks and other strategic organizations. Highness has access to various opportunities on and off market through its vast international network and referral partners. With extensive experience in the global capital markets, Highness is able to vet prospective options to ensure only high quality and well-suited opportunities are presented. In addition, the analysis is layered with a strong sense of the competitive landscape to add further value to clients. Deal origination is at the foundation of a successful investment opportunity and Highness has built a distinguished reputation for prospecting, unearthing, and accessing quality deal flow.

Sophisticated Capital Liaison

We may occasionally engage in the introduction of investment opportunities (funds, private deals, etc.) to eligible sophisticated investors including ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNW), family offices (FO) and institutional/institutional-grade investors (II).

With a deep and diverse professional network, we can make meaningful introductions to new and early stage companies to help them achieve their business objectives. We also source specific investment opportunities that fulfil the precise investment criteria of our investors to help achieve their portfolio construction objectives. We will also introduce third-party products to our network when we believe it is bringing something unique such as special access, innovative strategies, emerging talent and/or a niche opportunity.

As an EMD, we will engage in referral agreements and abide by applicable securities regulations that govern such agreements.

Regulatory Compliance Consultant

With seasoned securities law experience and specific expertise in the Canadian capital markets, Highness offers marketing and business compliance consulting to Canadian dealers and to non-Canadian firms wishing to transact in Canada. Our compliance consulting spans from an analysis of internal infrastructure and operational processes to a review of all client-facing collateral including (but not limited to): application forms, pitch decks, marketing materials and other print and online resources.

Highness’ edge in compliance is that our consulting work always has your business development and growth in mind. Our recommendations are to ensure you operate within the regulatory landscape and manage risk while supporting your business goals. Our compliance consulting services are tailored to your specific needs and are openly structured so we are your trusted compliance advisor who you can reach when and as you need. It is our goal to help you implement a new foundation of compliance, or correct your existing compliance infrastructure, so that ongoing management and maintenance is painless. We would like you to shine in your regulatory reviews and audits. Most importantly, we would like to help you ensure that compliance is not a roadblock to your financial success.

Business Architect | Business Advisor

We have helped create, nurture and grow businesses in various industries including alternative investments, art, health, wellness and luxury. Our interdisciplinary strengths have contributed to the success of these businesses with ideation/blueprinting, branding including realignment, marketing (research, positioning and strategy), strategic road mapping, organizational infrastructure, and general advisory services.

We work in a multitude of ways as board/advisory board members, project-based consultants and long-term partnership models where we are invested in the continued success of our clients. Speak to us about how we can help you turn your idea into a viable business, leverage your existing strengths to overcome a current hurdle, and/or scale up to a competitive business structure in order to monetize the opportunity set that lies ahead.