Regulators · Resource briefing
FINTRAC — MSB Registration
Understand FINTRAC registration scope, prepare business information and separate AML registration from other permissions.
Independent editorial summary of FINTRAC material. Not legal advice or a statement from the authority.
Start with the activities, not the business label
FINTRAC registration applies to businesses carrying on covered money-services activities. Map the services you actually provide, including how customers send, receive or exchange funds and virtual currency. A technology platform, an agency relationship and a direct customer-facing service can raise different scope questions.
Canadian and foreign money services businesses have separate registration considerations. Use FINTRAC’s current definitions and guidance to assess your connection to Canada rather than treating a Canadian company address as the deciding factor.
Registration is not an operating licence for every service
FINTRAC registration is part of Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing framework. It does not amount to a regulator’s endorsement or permission to offer every banking, payment or investment service. Assess provincial requirements, payment supervision and securities obligations separately.
Prepare for the application and ongoing operation
The official MSB pages explain the registration process and information FINTRAC requires. Reconcile that information with your business model, ownership and locations before applying. Registration does not replace the compliance program, identification, recordkeeping and reporting work needed to operate.
Operational checklist
- Document each money-services activity and who contracts with the customer.
- Check whether domestic or foreign MSB requirements apply.
- Prepare current business, ownership and service information for the official process.
- Assess payment, securities and provincial permissions separately.
Further reading
FINTRAC MSB Registration: Scope, Application and Operational Readiness →A practical guide to deciding whether you are in scope, preparing a complete application and building controls that work after registration.
Source & current guidance
Confirm the requirements for your activities in the original material. Official guidance and participation terms can change.
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