Richard Canfield
Leading Authority and Educator in the Infinite Banking Concept
Richard Canfield is a Canadian authority on the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC), specializing in adapting and teaching the process for Canadian families and professionals.
As an Authorized Infinite Banking Practitioner with the Nelson Nash Institute® (NNI), he helps clients gain financial autonomy and create generational wealth through the strategic use of whole life insurance.
Professional Background and Entry into IBC
Canfield’s interest in finance began early. Nicknamed “The bank” in his family, he developed a natural tendency toward saving and lending money.
At 18, the realization of how banks profit through interest, while purchasing his second rental property, sparked his deeper financial curiosity.
He initially trained as a Journeyman Electrician and later became a licensed Realtor in Edmonton in 2008, focusing on helping first-time investors. His hands-on experience in real estate and cash flow management set the foundation for his later work in financial strategy.
A pivotal moment came in 2009 when he read Becoming Your Own Banker by R. Nelson Nash. The experience prompted a full shift in his financial philosophy and led to his lifelong commitment to IBC education.
Mentorship and Influence of R. Nelson Nash
In 2012, Canfield began a close mentorship with Nash, who personally endorsed him as a top practitioner and communicator of the IBC philosophy. Nash once stated:
“Richard understands this system as well as or better than anyone I’ve ever taught… he’s a genius at teaching it to others.”
Canfield was the 11th person globally authorized by NNI and remains actively involved in the organization. He helped co-create the 2017 documentary This is Nelson Nash, which preserves the founder’s message, and continues to serve as a Mentor and Practitioner Council Member.
In 2024, he contributed to developing the NNI Coaching Academy—a program to train current and future practitioners in Nash’s original vision and methods.
Teaching Approach and Philosophy
Canfield emphasizes that banking is a function, not a product, and advocates for individuals to reclaim that function personally. He educates clients using analogies and tools that make financial concepts accessible, focusing on:
- Control of capital and cash flow.
- Structuring participating whole life insurance policies correctly.
- Tax-advantaged, uninterrupted growth.
- Shifting the mindset to view premiums as financial assets.
He works with clients who are committed to mastering their financial future and implementing IBC principles with long-term discipline.
Books, Media, and Public Presence
Canfield is the co-author of several financial books, including:
- Don’t Spread the Wealth (USA Today Bestseller).
- Cash Follows the Leader (Amazon Bestseller).
- Keep Taxes Away From Your Wealth.
- Canadian Guide to Wealth Building Without Risk.
He co-hosts the podcast Wealth on Main Street (formerly Wealth Without Bay Street), a top Canadian source for IBC education, and appears regularly on finance and entrepreneurship podcasts.
Guest Appearances on Leading Podcasts
