FINTRAC's fee: none
FINTRAC doesn't charge a fee to register a money services business, or to renew. If anyone tells you there's a government fee for FINTRAC MSB registration, ask what it's for.
The real costs of registering
- Criminal record checks for the CEO, president, directors and anyone owning or controlling 20% or more. Costs vary by country, and checks must be dated within six months of submission.
- Translations of any checks or documents that aren't in English or French.
- Corporate documents showing the business exists and how it's owned and controlled.
- Time: gathering, checking and answering FINTRAC's questions.
- A Canadian company, if you don't have one yet. Government incorporation fees are currently CA$200 federally online or CA$300 in Ontario online.
- Provincial licensing where it applies. Quebec licenses money-services businesses separately through Revenu Québec, with its own fees.
What it costs to operate once registered
Registration is the entry ticket. To operate, an MSB needs a compliance program (compliance officer, policies and procedures, risk assessment, training and a two-year effectiveness review), and it has to report to FINTRAC and keep records. Those are ongoing costs, whether you staff them in-house or outsource them.
What professional help costs with us
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Canadian company incorporation | US$1,500, fixed (government fees separate) |
| FINTRAC MSB registration | US$3,500, fixed |
| PCMLTFA compliance program (14 documents) | US$3,500, fixed |
| Outsourced compliance officer | US$1,500 per 10 hours |
| Canadian business address | US$200 per month |
| Registered MSB to acquire | From €28,000 |
All fees are on our pricing page. Every engagement starts with a consultation and a written scope, so you know the fee before any work begins.
Registering vs buying a registered MSB
Some businesses buy a company that's already registered instead of registering a new one. It costs more up front, and it still needs due diligence, updates to FINTRAC within 30 days of changes like new owners and directors, and a compliance program that fits the new owners. See MSB for sale.
Sources: FINTRAC, Register your MSB or FMSB; Update, renew or cancel your registration; Compliance program requirements; Revenu Québec, Money-services business licence. Checked 11 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.