Focal Strengthens Commitment to Canadian Advisors with Microsoft’s Canadian Data Centre Storage

Focal, the AI-powered productivity platform and meeting assistant purpose-built for financial advisors, today announces that it has selected the Microsoft Azure Canada Central data centre in Toronto to host all data for Canadian advisors on its platform. This move reinforces Focal’s commitment to security, privacy and compliance by ensuring that client data remains securely housed within Canadian borders.

As AI note-taking and workflow automation platforms become more widely adopted, the need for secure, compliant technology has never been more critical for advisors. In selecting the Microsoft Azure Canada Central data centre, Focal combines local data residency with Microsoft Azure’s enterprise-grade security and performance. This supports improved advisor workflows while providing peace of mind that client data is safeguarded in compliance with Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) guidance and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

“At a time when more data than ever is being generated and transmitted, it’s critical that advisors know their clients’ sensitive information is stored securely,” said John Connell, chief executive officer, Focal. “With local storage and the superior security and reliability of Microsoft Azure, we can offer both regulatory compliance and the functionality advisors need to serve their clients effectively. This is part of our larger emphasis on ensuring advisors in Canada have a customized platform that addresses their unique needs.”

Focal combines meeting assistant AI, performance coaching and workflow automation with intelligent systems that securely connect and manage processes across any advisor tool or platform, with or without an API. In expanding its platform, Focal has introduced functionality that specifically addresses the needs of Canadian-based advisors. Focal now supports more than 99 languages, including English and French, recognizing and transcribing local financial terminology and helping advisors serve clients across all provinces efficiently and accurately.

“As a Canadian myself, ensuring that we design for the unique requirements of Canadian advisors and their clients is top of mind,” said Jerry Bai, chief product officer, Focal. “By integrating Canadian nomenclature, bilingual transcription and AI-driven workflow automation, Focal empowers advisors across Canada to streamline administrative tasks, improve client engagement and maximize the value they deliver in every interaction.”

Thirty firms across Canada, managing billions in assets under management, are already leveraging Focal to improve client service and operational efficiency. This momentum highlights advisors’ increasing demand for technology that meets both Canadian regulatory requirements and real-world practice management needs.

“Focal is designed for advisors by professionals who understand the market,” said Jason Pereira, senior partner at Woodgate Financial Inc., Focal Advisory Board member, and current customer. “Having a local data centre and regulatory-compliant offering in place means we can confidently use Focal to serve our clients without compromise. This, in addition to Focal’s differentiated features that combine workforce automation and performance coaching tools, are helping advisors across Canada streamline their workflows and focus more on delivering value to their clients.”

Focal captures data from advisors’ conversations and existing software to power workflow automation and enhance client service. With features including AI note-taking, pre-meeting prep, CRM syncing, onboarding and KYC workflow support, Focal intuitively transforms conversations into action, empowering advisors to reclaim up to 50 hours per month and serve up to 30% more clients.

As Focal continues to expand its offerings, Canadian advisors are seeing tangible improvements in their day-to-day workflows.

“Focal has transformed how we manage client relationships,” said Christian Battistelli, a current Focal customer and a senior wealth advisor at Assante Financial Management Ltd. “With Focal’s more intuitive workforce automation solutions, we can confidently streamline administrative tasks, maintain compliance and leverage AI to maximize efficiency and client value.”

To learn more about Focal, or to request a demonstration of the platform, please email info@meetwithfocal.com.

About Focal

Focal is an AI-powered productivity platform built for financial advisors and enterprise wealth teams. By transforming conversations into actions, Focal streamlines meeting prep, note-taking, CRM workflows, performance coaching, KYC and onboarding. With enterprise-grade security and compliance-first design, Focal enables advisors to reclaim time, increase capacity and improve client outcomes. To learn more or request a demo, email sales@meetwithfocal.com or visit meetwithfocal.com and follow Focal on LinkedIn.

Opinions expressed in this press release are those of the advisor only and do not necessarily reflect those of Assante Financial Management Ltd.

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