Why registration exists
In Quebec, offering insurance products, mutual fund dealing, or mortgage brokerage requires registration in a specified sector and category. Registration also conditions access to compensation and complaint mechanisms.
The registers to consult
The Autorité des marchés financiers maintains a public register of the individuals and firms it oversees. For investment dealers and their representatives, the Canadian self-regulatory organization also publishes a verification tool. Both are free.
What the register shows
The name, the authorized sector or sectors, the firm of attachment, the period of validity, and where applicable any conditions, restrictions, or disciplinary sanctions. A sector not listed means the person is not authorized to offer that product.
The sector must match the product
A person registered in insurance of persons is not authorized to advise you on mutual funds, and vice versa. Verify that the listed sector matches exactly the product being discussed.
Signals that justify stopping
A refusal to give a full name and firm number, pressure to sign quickly, a promised return, a request to pay an individual rather than an institution, or absence from the register. None of these has an explanation.
Where to complain
The Autorité des marchés financiers receives complaints about the individuals and firms it oversees and publishes the process to follow. Every firm must also have its own complaint-handling policy, which it must provide on request.
No rate, price, or recommendation on this page. Amounts and limits change: verify them with official sources before deciding.