The 4 pillars of Canadian Financial Players:
| Functions | |
| Banks | deposit taking and lending |
| Trust Companies | financial fiduciary services |
| Insurance Companies | insurance protection |
| Investment Dealers | securities underwriting and trading |
| Other Financial Players | Mortgage companies, pension plans, credit union |
However, the distinction between these 4 pillars are eroding by the fast transforming of financial industry. The range of services and products offered by most of the financial players broadened, and M&A activities further spurred the disappreance of these distinctions.