Whether you’re looking to make your savings goals more realistic or get out of debt, Canadian financial advisors can help. But it’s important to understand how these experts make a living, and the ways they charge their clients for their services.

Generally speaking, anyone in Canada who sells investments or offers financial advice must be registered with provincial securities regulators as an “advising representative,” or a similar designation. But that doesn’t mean they all have the same qualifications or that their services will be the same. The more specific designations — such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Registered Financial Planner (RFP) — can have stricter standards.

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For example, CFP holders must have three years of qualifying work experience and pass a rigorous exam. RFPs are regulated by FP Canada, a non-profit that promotes professional standards in the industry. Both CFPs and RFPs are held to a fiduciary standard, meaning they must put their client’s best interests first. Other types of advisors are only required to act in their client’s best interests if they are registered as portfolio managers or offer certain other products and services.

Many of the most successful Canadian financial planners have carved out niches in their markets by offering unique services and strategies that cater to different needs. But breaking into the wealth sector is no easy feat. These 10 rising stars from Wealth Professional Canada have managed to beat the odds and become renowned financial planners.