MSB scope assessment
We map your planned services, customers, countries, transaction flow and Canadian presence to identify the appropriate FINTRAC registration route.
✓Included in the coordinated scopeCANADA MSB REGISTRATION SERVICES
Launch your Canada MSB through one clear, professionally coordinated process.
FINTRAC registration support, a tailored AML/ATF compliance program and, when needed, Canadian company formation. Every part is built around the same business model, ownership structure and transaction flow.
See an indicative scope and fee before sharing your contact details.
WHAT YOU GET
A complete Canada MSB registration project, built as one system.
You do not receive disconnected templates. The company, registration information, compliance program and operating plan are aligned with the same factual model.
Canadian company coordination
When the selected route requires a Canadian company, we coordinate its formation and align its core corporate records with the MSB project.
✓Included in the coordinated scopeFINTRAC registration support
We prepare and professionally coordinate the registration information around the agreed business model, ownership and operating structure.
✓Included in the coordinated scopeAML/ATF compliance program
We build the risk assessment, policies, procedures and controls around how your business will actually onboard customers and process transactions.
✓Included in the coordinated scopeLaunch-readiness plan
We organise the practical next steps for provider onboarding, operations, record keeping and the transition into ongoing compliance.
✓Included in the coordinated scopeTHE MSB DESK ROUTE
Three clear stages from model to operational readiness.
We confirm what applies first, then prepare the agreed work in the right order. Each stage ends with a practical result.
STAGE 01
Map
Confirm the business model, regulated services, ownership, customers, markets and expected transaction flows.
STAGE 02
Build
Prepare the company, FINTRAC registration information and business-specific AML/ATF compliance materials as one coordinated package.
STAGE 03
Launch
Support implementation, provider readiness and the move from registration preparation into compliant operations.
FASTEST PREPARED ROUTEFrom 4 weeks
TYPICAL PROJECT6 to 10 weeks
COMPLEX OR EXTENDED10 to 16+ weeks
THE CORRECT FINTRAC ROUTE
Canada MSB or foreign money services business?
The everyday search phrase is often “Canada MSB,” but FINTRAC distinguishes between a Canadian money services business and a foreign money services business. The correct category depends on where the business operates and how it serves Canada.
We do not choose the label first and force the facts to fit it. We review the place of business, services, customers, direction of activities and operating structure before confirming the registration route.
Read the detailed MSB vs FMSB guide →Place of business in Canada
A business may fall within the Canadian MSB category when it has a place of business in Canada and offers covered money services.
Outside Canada, directed at Canada
A business outside Canada may fall within the FMSB category when it directs covered services at people or entities in Canada and meets FINTRAC’s criteria.
WHO THIS SERVICE IS FOR
Built for businesses that move, exchange or facilitate value.
The scope is adapted to the risks and transaction flow of each model, from a focused remittance service to a multi-service payment or crypto platform.
01Payment service providers
02Crypto exchanges and OTC desks
03Money transfer and remittance businesses
04Foreign exchange businesses
05Fintech startups
06Multi-service payment platforms
PRICING
Start with a clear indicative fee, then confirm the exact scope.
The standard professional fee starts from €14,900 for a suitable existing Canadian company with a defined service scope. The estimator shows the likely fee impact of company formation and other selected needs before asking for contact details.
See My MSB EstimateFINTRAC AND RPAA
Two different regimes may apply to one payment business.
FINTRAC’s MSB registration regime addresses anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing obligations. The Bank of Canada’s RPAA regime addresses retail payment service providers. Registration with one does not automatically replace registration with the other.
We include an initial RPAA applicability check in the MSB project. If the business appears to fall within the RPAA, the separate work is identified before launch.
FAQ
Clear answers before you start.
These answers explain the service at a practical level. The final route and scope are confirmed from your specific facts.
What are Canada MSB registration services?
They are professional services that help a business assess its FINTRAC route, prepare registration information, build an AML/ATF compliance program and organise the practical steps needed to launch. MSB Desk coordinates these workstreams around one agreed business model.
Do I need an MSB or FMSB registration?
A business with a place of business in Canada may fall within the Canadian MSB category. A business outside Canada that directs covered services at people or entities in Canada may fall within the foreign money services business category. The correct route depends on the facts, so we confirm it during the scope assessment.
Can a non-resident founder register a Canada MSB?
A non-resident founder can own a Canadian company, subject to the applicable corporate requirements. Whether the business should register as an MSB or FMSB depends on its actual place of business, operating model and how it serves the Canadian market.
What is included in the starting price?
The standard starting price applies to a suitable existing Canadian company with a defined service scope. It includes the initial MSB route assessment, FINTRAC registration support, a tailored AML/ATF compliance program and launch-readiness guidance. Company formation and optional ongoing services are quoted separately when needed.
How long does the Canada MSB process take?
Most standard projects are planned for 6 to 10 weeks from complete documentation to FINTRAC registration. A fully prepared file can move faster, while company formation, complex ownership or regulator clarification requests can extend the timetable.
Does FINTRAC registration also cover the Bank of Canada RPAA regime?
No. FINTRAC registration and Bank of Canada registration under the Retail Payment Activities Act are separate regimes. A payment business may need one or both depending on its activities. We include an initial RPAA applicability check and can scope separate RPAA support when relevant.
Can MSB Desk help after registration?
Yes. Optional support can include a Canadian registered office and mail handling, ongoing Compliance Officer services, KYC and KYT provider setup, operating controls, and preparation for bank or payment-provider onboarding.
YOUR NEXT STEP
See the likely scope and fee for your Canada MSB project.
Answer two quick questions. Your estimate appears before we ask for contact details.