Experienced leadership pairs with forward-thinking vision
Macdonald, Shymko and Company Ltd. (MSC) is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022. Our principals leverage over 250 years of combined professional experience. Here are some key highlights in the history of MSC.
Forming of the Company: 1972
Macdonald Shymko and Company (MSC) was born in May 1972 when Doug Macdonald and David Shymko determined that Canadians needed comprehensive, unbiased financial advice to supplement their investment, insurance and other financial activities. Opting not to sell products, Doug and David suggested that people would pay for financial expertise and counselling. “Something for nothing is worth nothing,” Doug reasoned. Larry Jacobson joined them as a principal of the firm in 1975.
Leaders in the Profession: 1984
Early in 1984, MSC’s principals undertook what turned out to be a significant involvement and leadership role in the Canadian Association of Financial Planners (CAFP). Dedicated to raising the standards of the financial planning profession, Macdonald, Shymko & Company Ltd. implemented the requirement that all its planners and advisors earn the professional designation R.F.P. (Registered Financial Planner) – the hallmark of the Professional Financial Planner in Canada.
Celebrating 25 years: 1997
MSC celebrated its 25th anniversary by launching the MSC Foundation. It was felt that through the work of the MSC Foundation, the Company could give something back to the community, which had supported its growth and development over the years
National Recognition: 2000s
In 2006, Doug Macdonald is awarded the esteemed Advisor’s Edge Career Achievement Award for his exemplary leadership among Canadian financial professionals and advocacy for investor protections. In a related article, Doug is dubbed, “the godfather of financial planning”. Two years later, the National Post profiles Doug Macdonald and his contributions to the fee for service financial planning model. In 2016, Doug was also honoured with The Invesco Canada Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Canadian Wealth Professional Awards.
Succession Planning: 2000 -2013
Over this period of time, five new principals of the firm are added. In 2000, Ian Black and Brinsley Saleken become principals. In 2009, Keith Copping became a principal, followed by Hamish Macdonald in 2012 and Ngoc Day in 2013.
Approaching 50 Years: 2020s
Today succession planning has been completed with the involvement of our three founders still actively engaging with clients. We continue to be active within the various professional financial planning bodies (FP Canada, Institute of Advanced Financial Planners, Step Canada and others). We look towards future growth through embracing new technology and mentoring the next generation of financial leaders. We hope the next 50 years will be as successful as the past 50.