A community-first insurer

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Desjardins Insurance sets itself apart with a community-first approach. The insurer strives to provide advisors with valuable tools and resources, and its communities with deep support and authentic relationships

IN THE insurance industry, there’s a common refrain about the importance of putting people first. But for Desjardins Insurance, it’s a notion that’s woven into its model and essential to its identity since its creation in 1944. Desjardins Insurance was built to address the needs of its communities and support initiatives that benefit Canadians. As part of the largest financial cooperative group in North America, it is uniquely positioned to align its operations with the needs of the community, clients, and advisors. This distinction shapes its product offerings, advisory services, and relationships with advisors, ensuring that every solution is designed with long-term, meaningful impact in mind. For advisors, this translates into an opportunity to work with a partner that doesn’t only offer insurance but actively invests in the success of advisors and their clients. “Most insurers will tell you they put people first, and that’s great,” said Brent Swatuk, regional vice president of sales for Ontario and Atlantic Canada at Desjardins Insurance. “But we don’t just serve individuals; we serve communities. It’s the foundation of how we operate and make decisions.” One of the ways Desjardins Insurance backs up this commitment is through a three-pronged approach: offering extensive insurance products and services, prioritizing knowledge and training for advisors, and investing in community engagement. “By combining products, education, and community involvement, we work alongside advisors to create meaningful impact,” Swatuk said.

Desjardins Insurance offers a wide range of life and health insurance and savings and investment solutions through our extensive distribution networks. More than five million Canadians are counting on our solid expertise and our people-focused approach at every stage of their lives. Choosing Desjardins Insurance means choosing Desjardins Group, the largest cooperative financial group in North America.

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“We don’t just serve individuals; we serve communities. It’s the foundation of how we operate and make decisions”

Brent Swatuk, Desjardins Insurance

In an evolving market, staying educated isn’t optional. Desjardins Insurance is focused on equipping advisors with the right tools and best practices to serve their clients more effectively. The company’s approach to advisor education is multi-layered, offering different formats for different needs. It facilitates peer-to-peer learning through platforms like the Discovery Series webcast, where advisors speak about topics that help them better educate and support their clients on financial matters. There’s also technical training for advisors through Desjardins Insurance’s Master Class Series webinars (or Séries Experts avec Desjardins in French), which provide advisors with in-depth, technical training on products and concepts. “These opportunities provide deep industry insights, breaking down complex topics like taxation and economic updates into actionable knowledge advisors can use to make an impact in their communities and clients’ lives,” Swatuk said.

When it comes to product innovation, Desjardins Insurance is pushing to offer more than just the standard life and health insurance options, developing solutions that address real challenges faced by advisors and their clients. Innovation in the insurance industry is often slow-moving, but Desjardins Insurance is taking deliberate steps to ensure its offerings stay relevant and competitive. “It’s the bedrock of every insurance company, to have great products and concepts. But what sets us apart is our constant evolution to meet advisor needs, which are ultimately driven by client needs,” said Swatuk. One example of this innovation is that Desjardins Insurance is the first Canadian insurer to offer a Simplified Temporary Insurance Agreement (TIA) without any immediate payment, making it easier for advisors to do business with us to help protect their clients right away.

But the knowledge isn’t limited to advisors. Financial literacy is another area where Desjardins Insurance is making strides. Understanding financial products is a challenge for many Canadians, and the company is working to bridge that gap through its products and services.

“By combining products, education, and community involvement, we work alongside advisors to create meaningful impact”

Brent Swatuk, Desjardins Insurance

Desjardins Insurance operates within a stable financial group with 125 years of experience and $470.9 billion in assets. This financial strength allows it to channel resources back into Canadian communities and make long-term investments in economic sustainability. To date, Desjardins has redistributed $557 million in 2024 into communities, supporting members and thriving local initiatives. It has launched and participated in numerous programs designed to make a direct impact, such as those that provided funding to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Swatuk, whose career background has centred on working with business owners and high-net-worth Canadians, said he’s particularly passionate about their impact. “It personally resonates with me because it’s one of those unsung efforts in the marketplace that can make such a difference,” he said. “When we help businesses grow and succeed, we’re strengthening the very fabric of our economy. That’s what creates jobs. It’s not just about being there in tough times, making sure families are protected with life insurance and financial planning; it’s also about lifting them up from the start.”

Another key initiative is the Desjardins Cares and Shares Program, which partners with organizations like United Way, Red Cross, and Desjardins Foundation to support community needs. In 2024, the program donated more than $10 million to fighting poverty, preventing social isolation, and keeping children in school. Whether through community support, advisor education, or product innovation, Desjardins is proving that financial institutions can be a force for good. “At the end of the day, it feels like we’re always engaged in something that enriches the community,” Swatuk said. “We’re ensuring that people not only experience financial success with us but also see us out there, making life better for Canadians.” Find out more about Desjardins Insurance here.

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Published April 7, 2025

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Desjardins Insurance has also ensured that accredited learning is an option, so advisors can continue to grow their expertise in a structured, professional setting. In an industry where outdated practices can put both advisors and their clients at risk, continuous education is critical to business success. “Regulations change, client expectations shift, and new challenges emerge,” Swatuk said. “We want to ensure advisors are always ahead of the curve.”

Products and services

Knowledge and training

Community engagement

Putting Canadian communities first

Desjardins' commitment to community involvement

$3 million in grants

to Canadian small businesses in 2024

more than 3,000 initiatives supporting 1 million young Canadians

Together For Our Youth

Over $10 million donated to charity organizations in 2024

Cares and Shares Program

Source: Our Commitment to Community Development - Desjardins

Source: Together For Our Youth - Desjardins

Source: Desjardins Group, Facebook page, December 11, 2024

Source: About Desjardins General Insurance | Desjardins Source: Desjardins market watch, November 2024 Source: Desjardins Group posts excellent 2024 results for the benefit of members and clients," Desjardins press release, February 2025 CP_T4_2024_AN (page 7) Source: "Desjardins Group posts excellent 2024 results for the benefit of members and clients," Desjardins press release, February 2025 CP_T4_2024_AN (page 4) Source: Desjardins Group, Facebook page, December 11, 2024 Thanks to the commitment and... - Desjardins Group | Facebook Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company. Desjardins®, Desjardins Insurance®, all trademarks containing the word Desjardins, as well as related logos are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.

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Desjardins Insurance’s three-pronged approach

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