By Info FCNB–September 15, 2026–4 min read
Choosing someone to help with your money can feel like a big step. It’s not always clear where to begin, or what kind of help you might need.
You might have questions like:
“How do I start investing?”
“What is a retirement plan?”
“Who do I go to for help?”
As you explore your options, you may come across terms like financial advisor or financial planner. These terms are often used in everyday conversation.
For example, you might hear someone use financial advisor as a general term for someone who helps you with your money, like an employee of a financial institution. In New Brunswick, however, the titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner” have specific meanings under the law.
Both financial advisors and financial planners can help you make financial decisions. They will ask about your goals, finances, and current situation, and use that information to suggest options that fit your needs.
There are differences in the requirements to use these titles. Each title has its own approved credentials, with standards for knowledge, skills, and competencies.
A financial advisor can help with specific financial products and services. They may:
Explain different investment options
Provide recommendations related to financial products and services
Help you choose products that fit your needs and situation
Financial advisors are expected to have expertise in at least one investment product, like mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or stocks.
A financial planner takes a broad view of the financial aspects of your life and focuses on creating a financial plan. They are expected to be skilled in all areas of a financial plan, like:
Saving for retirement
Managing taxes
Planning your estate
Reviewing your investments
Thinking about insurance and risk
Budgeting and day-to-day money management
In New Brunswick, the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick (Commission) sets rules about who can use the titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner” (and similar titles) under the Financial Advisors and Financial Planners Title Protection Act.
To use “financial advisor” or “financial planner” (or a similar title), a person must hold a credential from a Commission-approved credentialing body. These credentials are meant to ensure individuals meet certain standards for knowledge, skills, and competencies.
Similar titles include but are not limited to Financial Wealth Advisor, Personal Financial Planner, etc. Learn more about similar titles.
No matter what title someone uses, anyone who sells investments or provides advice about investments must be registered with the Commission.
You can use the Commission’s Check Licence and Registration tool to confirm whether an individual or firm is registered.
The titles “financial advisor” and “financial planner” can shape how you understand someone’s role and how much trust you place in them.
Without clear rules, these titles could be used in different ways. That can make it harder to know what they mean, or what kind of training or credentials a person has.
Title protection helps make these titles more meaningful and consistent by:
Limiting who can use the titles financial advisor and financial planner
Requiring individuals who use these titles to hold approved credentials
Setting minimum standards for knowledge, skills, and competencies
Requiring oversight by credentialing bodies that set standards and handle complaints
If you’re thinking about working with a financial professional, it’s important to take your time and ask questions.
Consider asking:
What title do you use, and what does it mean for the services you offer?
What kind of training or education do you have?
What can you help me with - and what is outside your role?
What is your area of expertise?
Are you registered to sell products or give investment advice?
There’s no pressure to decide who you want to work with right away. Asking questions can help you feel more comfortable and in control.
If someone is using the title “financial advisor” or “financial planner” (or a similar title) but doesn’t hold an approved credential, it doesn’t always mean they are breaking the rules. The Act came into force in January 2026. Some individuals may still be in a transition period as they complete the required education and credentials.
If you want to learn more about the transition period or how to check someone’s credentials, visit FCNB.ca.
Titles don’t tell you everything about the services someone offers. But, knowing that someone using the title “financial advisor” or “financial planner” in New Brunswick must meet certain requirements can make it easier to ask questions, compare options, and feel more confident when choosing who to work with.