Does FINTRAC charge a fee for MSB registration?
No. FINTRAC states that it does not charge registration fees. Our price is our professional fee for the corporate and compliance work.
How long is a FINTRAC registration valid?
Two years. It must be renewed before its expiry date. Changes to the registration information must be reported to FINTRAC within 30 days.
Can a FINTRAC registration be transferred to my own company?
No. The registration is tied to the registrant and its declared activities. In an acquisition you buy the corporation that holds the registration, and the changes are reported to FINTRAC.
Is a bank account included?
No. Bank and payment accounts are not included and are granted solely at the discretion of the financial institution. Introductions to banking partners are available on our compliance services page, without any promise of an account.
How often must a FINTRAC MSB registration be renewed?
Every two years, before its expiry date. Changes to the registration information must be reported to FINTRAC within 30 days. FINTRAC does not charge registration or renewal fees.
Can you renew the registration of an MSB we acquired?
Yes. We check that every change after the acquisition was reported in time and prepare the renewal from the current information. Changes that require a new registration, and provincial licences, are not included.
Do I need to be in Canada to register an MSB?
No, a foreign MSB can register with FINTRAC, but it must meet Canadian requirements — a compliance programme and a compliance officer. In Quebec a separate provincial licence may be required.
What are the risks after registration?
FINTRAC examinations, reporting obligations and the two-year effectiveness review; missing them can lead to penalties or revocation.
What happens if the registration is not renewed?
An MSB registration must be renewed every two years; without renewal the registration lapses.