Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a listing of the most common questions we receive from potential clients. We hope the answers are helpful. Of course if you have any questions that are not on this page please call us.

What is reponsible investment?

Responsible investment is simply the process of examining environmental, social, governance and carbon performance of a company in addition to financial measures of performance. Some may refer to it as Sustainable or Socially Responsible Investment.

In our opinion, it represents the most advanced investment screening and risk management process when it comes to investing your money for the future. Responsible investors wish to have their portfolios perform well financially but also demand that the companies they own do not participate in practices like child labour, corruption, environmental degradation, and serious air pollution.

What about investment returns?

There have been numerous studies completed on responsible investment and in the majority they conclude there is no difference in returns for investors pursuing responsble investment practices. Our firm has performed research in this area and we have come to the conclusion that there is no statistically significant difference. The question used to be "Why would you invest in this manner?" but has now become "Why would you NOT invest in this manner?"

What is discretionary investment management?

Discretionary investment management is simply the process of investing whereby an investment manager is engaged by an investor to handle the management of the investor's funds on a day to day basis without having to seek approval for each investment decision.

It is the process most wealthy investors use. It frees up time for the investor to pursue activities they enjoy while knowing their investment affairs are taken care of. Typically the investment manager charges a fee for this service based on the size of the account and reports to the investor on a regular basis regarding the progress of the account's investments.

How does your service benefit me?

There are numerous benefits in working with our firm. First, having your assets managed on a discretionary basis frees up your time to pursue activites you enjoy or have a true passion for. Second, by pursuing a responsible investment process you can be proud the investments you hold have a much lower chance of engaging in activities that may be detrimental to their reputation and financial strength. And lastly, you can rest easy knowing your investment portfolio is being attended to regularly by professionals with a passion for investing.

You are located in Nelson, BC. How do we meet?

We are. And our firm is registered with the securities commissions to provide discretionary investment management services in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. We visit the major cities in these provinces to see our clients on a regular basis. With internet, phone, and facsimile services we are able to serve clients no matter where they live and we travel enough that we should be able to meet in person on a regular basis if that is required.

When you actually think about how often you see your financial advisor, it really does not matter where we are located. Some of the wealthiest clients in the world have investment management advisors on the other side of the planet. We do ensure however that we personally meet with each client according to their individual requirements.

But Blue Marble Capital Management Limited is a small firm. How does that help me?

We are. We currently have three staff. But like all firms that start out small we do not intend to stay that way. We are aggressively working to add clients and build our business. Quite likely just the way you, as a business person, professional, or employee built your business or career. The owner, Trevor Giles, has 22 years experience in the investment industry and Blue Marble Capital Management Limited was formed in 1997 and began providing discretionary investment management services in February 2000.

We have an enviable 10 year performance record. We also have one of the largest financial institutions in Canada as our partner. TD Waterhouse Institutional Services provides all of our back office and administration for client accounts. Because of this we are able to offer the same products and trading that a larger firm can but with the confidentiality and personal touch of an independently owned firm. Small can be beautiful and benficial for investors just like you.