Final answer:
The sales representative should reassess the client's investment strategy to ensure it aligns with their stated high-risk tolerance and investment knowledge. An individual's investment risk level should generally change throughout life, with higher risk investments typically being suitable in the early career stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that the client has a high-risk tolerance and substantial investment knowledge, yet has only invested in Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) which are low-risk instruments, the registered sales representative could approach this discrepancy by initiating a conversation with the client. They should gather information regarding the client's long-term financial goals, current financial situation, and understand the reasons behind the client's conservative investment choices despite their high-risk tolerance. It's important to reassess the client's investment strategy to ensure it aligns with their risk tolerance and investment knowledge.
Throughout one's life, it is advisable that an individual's investment risk level should evolve in response to changes in their financial situation, life goals, and proximity to retirement. During the early part of a career, it's often recommended to take on higher risk investments for the potential of higher returns, given that there is more time to recover from potential losses.