To help the industry, and their clients, adapt to the new title protection regulations, Financial Planner and Financial Advisor title protection is being phased in over time.
The transition period for using the Financial Advisor (or similar) title concluded on March 28, 2024. If you want to use the Financial Advisor (or similar) title in Ontario you must have an approved credential from a FSRA-approved credentialing body.
The transition period for using the Financial Planner (or similar) title in Ontario will conclude on March 28, 2026. The transition period only applies if you were using the Financial Planner title on or before January 1, 2020. Before the transition period ends, you must do the following to continue using the title and avoid regulatory action:
- determine whether your existing designation or licence is approved by FSRA and offered by a FSRA-approved credentialing body
- obtain a FSRA-approved credential from a FSRA-approved credentialing body
If you started using the Financial Planner (or similar) title after January 1, 2020, you are only permitted to use the title if you hold a FSRA-approved credential from a FSRA-approved credentialing body.
Please refer to the following flow chart to determine if the transition period applies to you.