Who can use the title and as of when | Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario

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.

As of March 28, 2024, anyone using the Financial Advisor (or similar) title in Ontario must have an approved credential from a FSRA-approved credentialing body.

Anyone using the Financial Planner (or similar) title may be able to use the title if they qualify for the transition period and / or have an approved credential from a FSRA-approved credentialing body. Please refer to the following chart to help you determine whether an individual you are working with can use the Financial Planner (or similar) title.

Sharon - following examples of Financial Planners and Financial Advisors to determine transition and/or title use eligibility

Robert - following examples of Financial Planners and Financial Advisors to determine transition and/or title use eligibility

Felicia - following examples of Financial Planners and Financial Advisors to determine transition and/or title use eligibility

Sharon

using FP title before January 1, 2020
has an approved credential from a FSRA approved-CB

Sharon may continue to use the title

Robert

using FP title before January 1, 2020
does not have an approved credential from a FSRA approved-CB

Robert qualifies for the transition period and may continue to use the title for a specified time and must obtain a credential from a FSRA-approved CB to continue title-usage after the transition period

Felicia

using FP title after January 1, 2020
does not have an approved credential from a FSRA approved-CB

Felicia does not qualify for the transition period and will have to stop using the title until she obtains a credential from a FSRA-approved CB

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. Use FSRA’s Check Credentials Tool to help you research your financial professional’s credentials. The tool lets you easily verify if your financial professional has the credentials to use the Financial Planner or Financial Advisor (or similar) titles in Ontario.