Free CSI IFC Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 5

The Annual Information Form (AIF) is a document that provides detailed information about a mutual fund, such as its history, structure, management, fees, expenses, risks, policies, and performance. The AIF also contains information regarding the Independent Review Committee (IRC) compensation, which is the amount of fees and expenses paid by the fund to the IRC members for their services. The IRC is a committee of independent individuals who oversee the fund manager’s decisions on conflict of interest matters and act in the best interests of the fund and its investors12

References = web search results from search_web(query="Independent Review Committee compensation")12 and Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 2: Investment Products - Section 2.2: Mutual Funds3

3: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-2.pdf

Foreign dividend income is taxed at the investor’s marginal tax rate without the benefit of a dividend tax credit, unlike Canadian dividend income, which qualifies for a tax credit. The feedback from the document states:

"Foreign dividend income is not eligible for any dividend tax credit, and is taxed at an investor’s marginal tax rate."

Investment funds, commonly referred to as mutual funds, are the longest-established form of managed funds. The Investment Funds in Canada course explains that mutual funds have existed for decades and were created to allow individual investors to pool their money and gain access to professionally managed, diversified portfolios. This structure predates hedge funds, segregated funds, and discretionary portfolio management services.

Hedge funds are a relatively recent development and are generally restricted to accredited or sophisticated investors. Segregated funds were introduced later by insurance companies and combine investment features with insurance guarantees. Discretionary management is a service model rather than a fund structure and became more prominent as wealth management evolved.

The CIFC text emphasizes that mutual funds form the foundation of the Canadian managed products industry due to their accessibility, regulatory oversight, and long history. Because investment (mutual) funds were the first widely available managed investment vehicle, Option B is the correct and fully verified answer.

The correct answer is D. Ratio. According to the Investment Funds in Canada curriculum, a ratio systematic withdrawal plan determines withdrawals as a fixed percentage of the portfolio’s value, recalculated each year. As a result, the dollar amount withdrawn varies annually based on market performance and the remaining account balance.

The withdrawal amounts shown in the table decline over time as the portfolio value decreases, which is consistent with a ratio-based approach. Under this method, when the portfolio experiences negative or modest growth, withdrawals naturally fall because they are calculated as a percentage of the current value. Conversely, in stronger market years, withdrawals would increase.

This differs from a constant withdrawal plan, where the same dollar amount is withdrawn each year regardless of portfolio performance. It also differs from a variable plan, which adjusts withdrawals based on income needs rather than a formula, and a lifetime plan, which is structured to provide income for life based on actuarial assumptions.

The CIFC text emphasizes that ratio plans help reduce the risk of premature depletion of capital, as withdrawals automatically adjust downward during poor market conditions. However, income certainty is lower because payments fluctuate.

Because the withdrawals change each year in proportion to the portfolio’s value, the investor is clearly using a ratio systematic withdrawal plan, making Option D the correct and fully CIFC-verified answer.

A target date fund is a type of mutual fund that adjusts its asset allocation and risk level according to a predetermined future date, such as retirement or college education. A target date fund typically starts with a higher proportion of stocks and a lower proportion of bonds and cash, and gradually shifts to a more conservative mix as the target date approaches. This is called the fund’s glide path, which shows the asset mix through the life of the fund until the future date. Russell is permitted to include this information on his website, as it is factual and relevant to the fund’s characteristics and suitability. Russell is also permitted to include information about the expected decline in the fund’s risk level as the fund reaches its target date, as this is part of the fund’s objective and strategy. However, Russell is not permitted to include any information that implies or suggests that the target date fund offers a guaranteed return or a promised growth on the future date, as this would be misleading and inaccurate. Target date funds are not guaranteed investments, and their performance depends on the market conditions and the fund manager’s decisions. Russell must not make any false or exaggerated claims about the target date fund’s benefits or returns on his website.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 7: Know Your Product1

PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) requires firms to obtain informed consent when collecting, using, or disclosing personal information.

B (prohibit disclosure) is too absolute; exceptions exist (e.g., legal requirements).

C (verify client ID) is under AML rules, not PIPEDA.

D (must provide service if info refused) is incorrect; firms may deny services if info is not provided.

When an investor purchases a mutual fund, the price is based on the next NAVPS (Net Asset Value Per Share) calculated after the order is entered. Orders placed before 4:00 p.m. ET are priced at that day’s closing NAV; orders after 4:00 p.m. are priced using the next business day’s NAV.

Since the order was placed at 2:30 p.m. ET, today’s NAV applies.

A labour-sponsored investment fund (LSIF) is a type of mutual fund that invests in small and medium-sized businesses that are not publicly traded. LSIFs are sponsored by labour unions or associations and offer tax credits to investors. However, LSIFs are also very risky and illiquid investments that may not be suitable for investors with a medium risk profile, such as Banji. Therefore, Quinton should not proceed with the purchase of the Prospect Labour-Sponsored Fund because it is not suitable for Banji based on her current KYC. Therefore, C is the correct answer. References: Labour-Sponsored Investment Funds (LSIFs): Definition and How They Work - Investopedia, Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute

Sales communication is any written or electronic communication that is intended to promote the sale of a mutual fund, or to influence a person to buy or sell a mutual fund. Sales communication includes any advertisement, brochure, report, newsletter, or other material that is distributed to existing or potential clients. A marketing brochure is an example of sales communication, as it is designed to inform and persuade clients about the features and benefits of a mutual fund. A prospectus, a fund facts, and an annual information form are not considered sales communication, as they are legal documents that provide essential information about a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, strategies, risks, fees, and performance. These documents are required by securities regulators and must be delivered to investors before or after they purchase a mutual fund.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 7: The Regulatory Environment, Lesson 2: Sales Communication, Section 7.2.1: Definition and Scope of Sales Communication1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 7: The Regulatory Environment, Question 7.2.1 2

A beta of 1.4 indicates that the Optima Equity Fund is 1.4 times more volatile than the market. If the market rises by 5%, the fund is expected to rise by 5% × 1.4 = 7%. The feedback from the document states:

"One way to measure market risk is by calculating a portfolio’s beta. Beta shows how much a portfolio fluctuates when the market as a whole fluctuates. A higher beta means that the portfolio is exposed to more risk. The market has a beta of 1.0. In this example: The Optima Equity Fund has a beta of 1.4, which means the Fund is expected to be 1.4 times more volatile than the market as a whole. If the S&P/TSX Composite Index is used to measure the performance of the Optima Fund, then if the Index rose by 10% you would expect to see the Optima Fund rise by 14% (1.4 × 10%)."