Information for

Consumers

Information for Consumers

Financial decisions are part of life, and even though they can be complex, as the consumer, you should be in control. While nothing is guaranteed, you can help manage risk by working with a financial professional who is licensed or registered with the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick.

Make checking licensing and registration part of your financial self-care toolkit.

If your financial professional doesn’t encourage this pause, you can still make sure it happens.

Can you show me your licence or registration with FCNB?

Three ways to implement Permission to Pause:

  1. Understand and define your needs before you begin your search for a service provider. Not all providers offer the same products or services, and not everyone will be a good personal fit. They’re working for you, so make sure you’re comfortable with them.

  2. Check to ensure the professional you are working with or considering is licensed or registered with the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick.*

  3. Read through the paperwork (yes - even the dreaded fine print!) and ask questions before signing on the dotted line.

*Note: online apps like trading and crypto platforms also need to be registered!

FAQ

  • The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick licenses and registers individuals and firms who sell or provide advice in areas that include: buying and selling real estate, brokering mortgages, insurance, investments, payday loans, direct sellers, and more. If you can’t find the name of the company or individual in the Commission’s licence or registration search tools, or they refuse to show you their licence or registration, contact the Commission.

  • There are requirements in New Brunswick’s financial and consumer protection laws for acquiring and maintaining licence and registration, and rules governing what is and is not permitted. Sometimes information the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick receives from a complaint, audit, compliance activity or other source leads to an investigation. If the investigation indicates that a firm or individual violated these requirements, the Commission can use its legislated authority to hold them accountable. This may look like revoking their licence or registration, imposing limitations or terms and conditions on their licence or registration, or even freezing accounts to stop a behaviour.

    If you have a concern about a financial professional or firm, you can contact the Commission, or visit our Submit a Complaint page.

  • As a consumer, you have the right to be treated fairly and honestly. If you feel a firm or individual has failed to meet their legislated responsibility as laid out in New Brunswick’s financial and consumer protection laws, making a complaint may help you resolve the problem.

    Before making a complaint:

    • Check if the company or individual has a policy or procedure in place that handles your complaint.

    • Re-read the terms and conditions or contract you agreed to in order to see if there was a violation. Check the cancellation terms and cooling off period.

    • Define what you want as a resolution. It’s not always possible to get your money back, so it’s good to manage your expectations.

    Here are some things to keep in mind:

    • Refunds and exchanges: Businesses don’t have to give refunds or take stuff back unless it’s defective. Check if there’s a return or exchange policy and read through it.

    • Defective products: The seller may repair or replace the item or issue a refund.

    • Private sales: Consumer protection legislation does not cover private sales between individuals (like through classified ads or social media marketplaces).

    If you are unsure where to make your complaint, or need help with this process, you can contact the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick, or visit our Submit a Complaint page.