Privacy Policy
Your privacy matters to us. Here's how we protect and handle your personal information.
Overview
At Merion, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our investment mindset services.
We operate under Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and follow industry best practices for data protection. This policy applies to all information collected through our website, email communications, and direct interactions with our team.
Information We Collect
We collect information that you provide directly to us and information that is automatically gathered when you interact with our services. Understanding what we collect helps you make informed decisions about sharing your information with us.
Personal Information
Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when you contact us or sign up for our services. We also collect professional information relevant to investment planning.
Usage Data
Information about how you use our website, including pages visited, time spent on site, and interaction patterns. This helps us improve our content and user experience.
Communication Records
Records of our communications with you, including emails, phone calls, and meeting notes. This helps us provide consistent and personalized service.
Financial Information
Investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial objectives you share with us during consultations. This information is essential for providing relevant investment guidance.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to provide, maintain, and improve our services. Our primary goal is to help you develop a stronger investment mindset and achieve your financial objectives.
- Providing personalized investment education and guidance tailored to your specific situation and goals
- Responding to your inquiries, comments, and requests for information about our services
- Sending you relevant educational content, market insights, and updates about our services
- Improving our website functionality and developing new educational resources
- Analyzing usage patterns to better understand how our clients engage with our content
- Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements in the financial services industry
- Protecting against fraud and ensuring the security of our systems and your information
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes. We only share your information in limited circumstances that support our ability to serve you effectively.
When We Share Information
- With trusted service providers who help us operate our business, such as email marketing platforms and website hosting services
- When required by law, regulation, or court order, or to protect our rights and the rights of others
- With professional advisors, such as lawyers and accountants, who are bound by confidentiality obligations
- If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, though we would notify you beforehand
All third-party service providers are carefully selected and required to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information. They are only authorized to use your information as necessary to provide their services to us.
Data Security and Protection
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices are regularly reviewed and updated.
- Encryption of sensitive data both in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
- Secure hosting environments with regular security updates and monitoring
- Access controls that limit who can view your information to authorized personnel only
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of our systems
- Employee training on privacy and security best practices
- Secure disposal of information that is no longer needed
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage you to take steps to protect your own information, such as using strong passwords and keeping your contact information current.
Your Privacy Rights
Under Canadian privacy law, you have several important rights regarding your personal information. We respect these rights and have established procedures to help you exercise them.
Access Your Information
You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. We'll provide this information in a clear and understandable format.
Correct Your Information
If any of your personal information is inaccurate or incomplete, you can request that we correct or update it promptly.
Withdraw Consent
You can withdraw your consent for certain uses of your information, though this may affect our ability to provide some services.
Request Deletion
You can request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal and regulatory requirements we must meet.
File a Complaint
If you believe we've mishandled your information, you can file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Opt Out of Communications
You can unsubscribe from our marketing communications at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us directly.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. Different types of information are retained for different periods based on legal requirements and business needs.
Active Client Information
Personal and financial information for active clients is retained throughout the duration of our professional relationship and for seven years thereafter, as required by financial services regulations.
Marketing Communications
Contact information for marketing purposes is retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion. We review our marketing lists annually to remove inactive contacts.
Website Usage Data
Anonymous usage data and analytics are typically retained for 26 months to help us understand long-term trends and improve our services.
Communication Records
Records of our communications, including emails and meeting notes, are retained for seven years to ensure continuity of service and meet regulatory requirements.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience and help us understand how our site is used. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline them if you prefer.
Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential cookies that are necessary for the website to function properly
- Analytics cookies that help us understand how visitors interact with our website
- Preference cookies that remember your settings and improve your user experience
- Marketing cookies that help us deliver relevant content and measure the effectiveness of our campaigns
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website and your ability to access some features.
Children's Privacy
Our services are designed for adults and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.
If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately so we can address the situation appropriately.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date.
We encourage you to review this privacy policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us About Privacy
If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your personal information, we're here to help.
Email us at [email protected]
Call us at +12049663487
1175 Douglas St unit 916, Victoria, BC V8W 2E1, Canada
We typically respond to privacy inquiries within 30 days.