Licensing and Registration

Who needs to be licensed or registered?

The Commission regulates over 44,000 industry participants across a wide range of sectors. This includes:

• Securities and investments (including crypto trading platforms)

• Insurance

• Pensions

• Credit unions

• Trust and loan companies

• Co-operatives

• Mortgages

• Real estate

• Door-to-door sales

• Debt collection

• Payday lending
  

If someone works in one of these areas, they may need to be licensed or registered with the Commission. If they aren’t, they may not be qualified, you may not have recourse if they don’t follow the rules, or they could be operating illegally.

Why licensing and registration matter

Registered professionals must follow rules that protect consumers and investors. These rules include:

• Acting in your best interest

• Giving advice that suits your needs

• Explaining fees and conflicts of interest

• Keeping your personal information safe

How to check licence and registration

Before you work with someone, check their licence or registration status:

• Visit FCNB.ca/Check-Now

• Contact the Commission directly

If you find someone who isn’t registered or is on a caution list, report it to FCNB.

Investor Warnings and Consumer Alerts

The Commission maintains a list of individuals and firms that may pose a risk to consumers. Before working with anyone, check:

• Investor Warnings

• Consumer Alerts

If you find someone on the list, or suspect wrongdoing, report it to the Commission immediately