How CBGA Supports MSB Registration and Compliance

CBGA provides structured support for MSB registration in Canada, aligned with the regulatory expectations of FINTRAC and the practical realities of operating a regulated financial business.

What we do

Regulatory assessment

Assess whether the business falls within MSB or Foreign MSB regulation and determine the applicable FINTRAC requirements based on the business model.

FINTRAC registration support

Prepare and submit the MSB registration, ensuring accurate and consistent disclosure of ownership, activities, and operational structure.

AML and KYC framework

Develop AML and KYC policies and procedures tailored to your risk profile, transaction flows, and service structure, with a focus on regulatory clarity and audit readiness.

Ongoing compliance alignment

Support ongoing compliance, including regulatory reporting, updates to registration details, and preparation for renewals or supervisory reviews.

MSB Regulatory Requirements

MSB registration in Canada involves ongoing regulatory obligations overseen by FINTRAC.
These include:

Registration with FINTRAC and renewal every two years

A risk-based AML and KYC framework aligned with the business model

Transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting

Record-keeping and mandatory reporting for cash and virtual currency activities

These requirements apply on an ongoing basis and are subject to regulatory oversight.

MSB Registration Process

The registration process involves a defined sequence of corporate and regulatory steps.

Step 1. Company setup in Canada

The business must be incorporated in Canada and have a basic operational structure in place, including governance and registered presence.

Step 2. FINTRAC review and information disclosure

Preliminary information may be reviewed to confirm the business model, scope of services, and regulatory classification.

Step 3. MSB registration with FINTRAC

Formal registration includes disclosure of ownership, management, banking arrangements, compliance roles, and expected transaction activity. Once registered, the business is listed in FINTRAC’s public MSB registry and becomes subject to ongoing compliance obligations.

Why CBGA?

Regulatory focus

Assess whether the business falls within MSB or Foreign MSB regulation and determine the applicable FINTRAC requirements based on the business model.

Structured end-to-end support

From company setup and MSB registration to AML documentation and ongoing compliance alignment, support is structured across the full regulatory lifecycle.

Practical experience with regulated businesses

Guidance based on hands-on experience with regulated financial and fintech businesses in Canada, balancing regulatory and operational requirements.

How CBGA Supports MSB Registration and Compliance

What we do

Service Fees

When Does a Business Need MSB Registration?

MSB Regulatory Requirements

MSB Registration Process

Looking for a deeper overview of MSB licensing requirements?

Why CBGA?

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