The Financial Advisor and Financial Planner Title Protection Act (Act) came into force on January 1, 2026.
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 using these titles will have to meet minimum education standards and be overseen by an approved credentialing body.
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 more information on the title protection regime and how it is being phased in, please visit the Financial Advisors and Financial Planners section on our website.