SAINT JOHN – New Brunswick has taken an important step in protecting the titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner.”
On January 1, the Financial Advisor and Financial Planner Title Protection Act (Act) came into force. The aim of the legislation is to increase consumer and investor protection by providing New Brunswickers with clarity and confidence when working with individuals using those or similar titles.
“Under the Act, professionals who use these titles will have to meet minimum education standards and be overseen by a credentialing body approved by the Commission,” said Marissa Sollows, the director of Communication and Public Affairs for the Commission. “Until now, the titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner” were unregulated in the province.”
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick will be the regulatory body for the title protection regime in New Brunswick. It will approve and oversee credentialing bodies and will approve the credentials required to use the two regulated titles.
To help the industry and their clients adapt to the new title protection legislation, the framework is being phased in over time. The transition periods – two years for financial advisors and four years for financial planners – will give individuals time to comply. These periods apply to individuals using these titles without an approved credential on or before January 1, 2026.
The title protection regime is voluntary. Professionals will be able to choose whether to obtain an approved credential, which will allow them to use one of the protected (or similar) titles, or choose not to use one of the protected titles.
“For those who choose to participate, they can have confidence knowing that New Brunswick’s title protection legislation is promoting consistency, professionalism and credibility among their colleagues and New Brunswickers,” Sollows said.
Background
Concerned about the wide array of titles used by individuals in New Brunswick’s financial marketplace, the New Brunswick government mandated the Commission in 2021 to develop a title protection regime for the province.
Following a public consultation with industry stakeholders and consumer and investor advocates in August 2021, the Commission proposed legislation to the province in May 2022. The Act received Royal Assent on June 16, 2023, and two proposed rules to support the title protection framework were published in January 2024 for a 90-day comment period.
The two rules were approved by the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board on November 7, 2025 and the Act was proclaimed on January 1, 2026.
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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, financial advisors and financial planners, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, cooperatives, the unclaimed property program, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. It is a Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online educational tools and resources are available at www.fcnb.ca.