Financial Advisors and Financial Planners
Under the Financial Advisors and Financial Planners Title Protection Act (the Act), professionals who use the titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner” (or similar titles) need to meet minimum educational standards to be credentialed and are subject to the code of ethics and continuing education requirements of their credentialing body.
The Act came into force on January 1, 2026. It limits the use of these titles to qualified professionals in the interest of protecting the financial well-being of New Brunswickers.
To help the industry and their clients adapt to the new title protection legislation, the framework is being phased in over time.
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick is the regulatory body for financial advisor and financial planner title use in New Brunswick. It approves and oversees credentialing bodies to ensure they have policies and procedures in place for the effective administration of a credential program and approves the credentials required to use the two regulated titles.
Credentialing bodies will be responsible for overseeing the conduct of the “financial advisors” and “financial planners” (or similar titles) they credential. For more information on becoming a Commission-approved credentialing body, visit this page: Title protection credentialing bodies.
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 came into force on January 1, 2026.
Value to consumers
The aim of the legislation is to increase consumer and investor protection by providing New Brunswickers clarity and confidence when working with individuals using the “financial advisor” and “financial planner” (or similar) titles.
Under the Act, professionals who use these titles must meet minimum education standards and be overseen by a credentialing body approved by the Commission.
Learn more on what it will mean for New Brunswickers by visiting Working with a financial advisor or financial planner.
Benefits to industry
As a financial services professional, you can have confidence knowing that New Brunswick’s title protection legislation is promoting consistency, professionalism and credibility among your colleagues and New Brunswickers. For example, the legislation:
- Leverages existing credentialing and regulatory regimes in Canada, ensuring qualified individuals can continue using the protected titles with minimal disruption and cost.
- Will help promote consistency among individuals using the titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner” (or similar).
- Will make it easier for professionals using these titles to communicate their value to New Brunswickers and confirm their education and expertise.
- Will provide credibility to title users as those using these titles will be required to hold minimum education requirements.
- Will provide active supervision and will take action against those who are not credentialed to use these titles.
The title protection legislation will be phased in over time. The transition periods – two years for financial advisors and four years for financial planners – give individuals time to comply with the framework. These periods apply to individuals using these titles without an approved credential on or before January 1, 2026.
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