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How to find a  DFSA™ Holder?

Use the DFSA™ Directory to locate qualified financial advisors who have attained the DFSA™ designation.

When you hire an accredited CSI financial professional, you’re hiring an expert who has been trained by Canada’s most trusted and respected financial services education provider. Since it was established in 1970 as the Canadian Securities Institute, over three-quarters of a million financial professionals have chosen CSI for their career training and development.

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Why choose a  DFSA™ Holder?

Everyone’s financial “personality” is unique—from needs and goals to risk appetite. As we transition into different life stages, our financial situations evolve. Solid financial advice and a designated financial advisor to guide us through—is critical. A financial advisor can help clients to keep on track, even when life throws us curveballs.

The Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA™) designation is recognized by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority in Ontario as a credential meeting the requirements to use the title “Financial Advisor,” and it is a  leading credential for financial advice in Canada. It ensures that those who earn it are qualified to provide appropriate financial advice for clients.

Those who choose to work with a DFSA™ can feel confident that they are receiving financial advice that fits their unique needs. Not only do DFSA™ holders provide clients with financial advice, but they are also held to high professional standards. They are required to abide by a Code of Ethics and fulfil maintenance requirements to make sure they always bring their best to the table.

Public Complaints and Ethical Misconduct Process

To submit a complaint, please visit our complaints page.

What is the  DFSA™ Competency Profile?

The DFSA™ Professional Competency Profile provides an overview of the responsibilities, skills and knowledge that are unique to someone who holds the DFSA™ designation. It is the foundational document for the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA™ ) designation that describes the required competencies (i.e., the knowledge, skills and abilities) of professionals awarded the designation.

The Competency Profile is the defining resource for what a financial advisor can and should do in practice. As such, it is used to set the requirements for the pre-requisite education programs, the work experience component and for continuing education requirements.

As the DFSA™ designation continues to progress to meet the changing needs of clients, employers, and, most recently, regulators, CSI revises the Competency Profile every 5 years through an extensive consultative process involving a range of stakeholders.

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