SAINT JOHN – The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick (Commission) is launching a campaign during Investor Education Month to help New Brunswickers understand what the titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner” mean – and why credentials matter when choosing someone for financial guidance.
The campaign will explain how the province’s new financial title protection legislation provides New Brunswickers with the clarity, confidence and protection they need when entrusting someone to help with important financial decisions. It will help consumers understand what protected financial titles mean, why credentials matter and what to ask before choosing someone for financial advice.
“Understanding the qualifications of the person providing you with financial guidance is an important part of making informed financial decisions,” said Marissa Sollows, the Commission’s director of Communications and Public Affairs. “The new legislation brings clarity where there was once ambiguity and reinforces trust where trust is imperative.”
The Financial Advisor and Financial Planner Title Protection Act came into force on January 1, 2026. Under the legislation, individuals using the titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner,” or similar titles, must hold a credential approved by the Commission and be overseen by an approved credentialing body. To give industry time to adjust, transition periods are available to individuals who were already using these titles before the legislation came into effect to allow them to meet the new requirements.
Throughout October, Finfo – the Commission’s consumer education program – will share easy-to-understand resources through its website and social media channels to help New Brunswickers better understand the benefits of the legislation, the different roles of financial advisors and financial planners, and why credentials matter when seeking financial guidance.
“If you are considering working with a financial professional, take the time to ask questions about a financial professional’s qualifications and the services they provide before making a financial decision,” Sollows added. “Knowing what these titles mean can help you choose the professional who is the right fit for you and your financial goals.”
New Brunswickers who believe someone is improperly using the titles “financial advisor” or “financial planner” and who does not qualify for the transition periods can submit a complaint to the Commission.
For more information about the campaign and the resources being shared, visit Finfo.ca and follow Finfo on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact:
1 866 933-2222 or media@fcnb.ca.
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick has the mandate to provide regulatory services that protect the public interest while enhancing public confidence, and to promote understanding of the regulated sectors through educational programs. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of financial and consumers services legislation for mortgage brokers, payday lenders, real estate, securities, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, cooperatives, the unclaimed property program, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. To fulfil its education mandate, the Commission offers Finfo, a consumer education program designed to help New Brunswickers make sense of everyday financial decisions related to its regulated sectors. It is a Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online resources related to our regulated sectors are available at www.fcnb.ca.