To help the industry, and their clients, adapt to the new title protection regulations, Financial Planner and Financial Advisor title protection will be phased in over time. FSRA’s transition periods – four years for Financial Planners and two years for Financial Advisors – provide individuals who were using these titles prior to and on January 1, 2020, ample time to comply with the framework following its implementation. Those commencing use of these titles after January 1, 2020, will have to get credentials from a FSRA-approved credentialing body.

Please refer to the following examples of Financial Planners and Financial Advisors to determine transition and/or title use eligibility.

Transition and/or title use eligibility for Financial Planners and Financial Advisors

Speak to your financial services professional and ask if they are permitted to use the Financial Planner or Financial Advisor title and/or if they are eligible to use the transition period. You can also check to see if they have a valid credential from a FSRA-approved credentialing body. FSRA-approved credentialing bodies and credentials will be added as they are approved.

Please note that not all financial services professionals are required to have a credential from a FSRA-approved credentialing body. Also, financial services professionals are not required to use Financial Planner or Financial Advisor titles in order to provide financial planning / advisory services. The financial services professional you are working with may be registered/licensed with one or more regulatory bodies, who are responsible for setting rigorous conduct and proficiency standards.

Ask if they are registered or licensed with another regulatory body and contact the regulatory body to inquire about their qualifications.

You may also contact the employer(s) of the financial services professional you are working with to obtain this information.