Fellow of CSI (FCSI®)

The FCSI® is the pinnacle financial services credential. It represents the highest achievement in Canadian financial services and is limited to an exclusive group of professionals who have demonstrated, and who continue to demonstrate, unparalleled experience, ethics and leadership. FCSI®s are active leaders in the financial industry pushing for betterment, setting new standards and paving the way for future leaders. FCSI®s are committed to “giving back” to the industry and are even required to have education outside of their core discipline to round out their knowledge. FCSI®s exemplify excellence. With excellence comes exclusivity—there are currently only 3,500 FCSI®s in Canada.

FCSI® candidates must fulfil each of the following:

• 1 CSI designation (FCSI®, CIM®, CIWM, MTI®, FICB® or PFP, CIM, MTI®, FMA, DMS)
  OR
  1 non-CSI designation (CFP®, CFA®, CLU®)
• 2 accepted courses from a different stream than the one that led to the designation from the list above
• Successful completion of the Financial Services Industry: Business Drivers and Challenges (FSDC)

See the Educational Requirements section for details.

• Have 7 years of relevant work experience out of the last 10 years
• Sign a Code of Ethics
• Sign a Trademark Licence Agreement
• Provide contact information for an individual who is either a direct supervisor or a sponsor who is a practicing FCSI® and who will endorse your application.

See the FCSI® Requirements section for a detailed list of requirements for earning the FCSI®.

For a list of approved courses, visit the Educational Requirements section.

Yes. Applicants who hold the CFA, CFP or CLU will be eligible for the FCSI®. CSI will also consider external courses to be used for the additional course requirement, as long as they are consistent with CSI’s regimen. Regardless, all external designation holders MUST complete the Financial Services Industry: Business Drivers and Challenges (FSDC) course.

No. As of December 31, 2014, CSI no longer accepts the PBP course completion towards the FCSI® application.

Experience is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the FCSI®. You will not be granted the FCSI® unless you meet ALL requirements. Unlike our designations, where you must apply within 5 years of completing the final educational component, there’s no time cap on applying for the FCSI® as long as you’ve had at least 7 years of experience in the last 10.

CSI will provide multiple spaces on the application form for you to provide your supervisors’ contact information.

The supervisor contact will provide your employer endorsement.

If you don’t know an active FCSI®, join the FCSI® LinkedIn Group, where you can connect with an FCSI® who could write you a letter of endorsement. It’s a fantastic way to expand your network and learn from the best. In case, you are not able to connect with an existing FCSI®, reach out to us for such reference at designations@csi.ca with your current profile or resume.

You will receive a congratulatory letter from the FCSI® Advisory Council with instructions to complete your profile for the FCSI® Directory.

Yes. A framed wall certificate will be mailed to you and typically arrives 6 – 8 weeks from when you were granted your FCSI®.

Yes.

National promotion and advertising campaigns that create awareness of the FCSI®, including opportunities to be featured Listing in the FCSI® Directory, which helps clients find you and verify your credentials Leadership opportunities (e.g., volunteering with Junior Achievement of Canada) Access to:

• FCSI® trademark letters: the right to use in marketing materials to promote your credentials
• FCSI® Portal login: unlock online resources, publications and customizable marketing materials
• FCSI® LinkedIn community: network and contribute to valuable discussion
• Exclusive webinars: stay on top of the latest industry topics

Front-of-the-line VIP customer service.

The benefits are behind the FCSI® Login. When we announce any exclusive webinars, we will notify you by email.

To maintain your FCSI®, you must do the following every year:

• Complete industry contribution requirements
• Agree to the FCSI® Code of Ethics
• Agree to the FCSI® Trademark Licence Agreement
• Pay the annual licence fee of $325

No. However, FCSI®s must complete 12 industry contribution hours annually

To maintain your FCSI®, you must complete a minimum of 12 industry contribution hours each calendar year. This could include:

• Volunteering with Junior Achievement
• Speaking engagements
• Marking of exams
• Participation in industry committees
• Volunteering
• Writing

When renewing your licence, you’re required to declare completion of your industry contribution hours. A percentage of renewal applicants will be audited for proof of completion of the industry contribution requirements.

CSI conducts periodic audits of the industry contribution hours required to maintain your credential. Make sure you keep a record of your hours for at least 2 years. More information on the auditing process is available on the FCSI® website.

All FCSI®s must renew their designation annually by their anniversary date (the date the designation was originally granted).

You will receive email notices 4 weeks and 1 week prior to expiry to remind you to renew your licence.

CSI is pleased to offer a tiered discount structure for those who hold multiple credentials (FCSI®, PFP®, CIM®, CIWM, MTI®) in good standing.

• 2 CSI credentials in good standing: $50 off the renewal of each credential ($275 each)
• 3 CSI credentials in good standing: $100 off the renewal of each credential ($225 each)
• 4 CSI credentials in good standing: $150 off the renewal of each credential ($175 each)

You can renew your FCSI® online via the My CSI. Click on the “My Credentials” tab and then select “Renew Now.”

FCSI®s who do not renew are declared to be “not in good standing.” You will no longer have access to benefits from CSI and will be removed from the FCSI® Directory. You will also receive a letter stating that you’re no longer eligible to use the FCSI® trademarks. If you continue to use them, legal action may be taken.

What you need to know:
FCSI®s are given the opportunity to reactivate their licence after a lapse of up to 5 years. After 5 years, you’ll be required to re-take and successfully complete the FSDC course. If the lapse is 5 years or less, you can reactivate by completing the following steps:

• Prove industry contribution requirements have been met
• Pay a $50 late fee
• Agree to the FCSI® Code of Ethics and Trademark Licence Agreement
• Pay the annual licence fee of $325

We have set up a special inbox. If your response can be answered directly by our customer service team, the turn-around time is 24 hours. If your request requires further investigation, we’ll strive to get back to you within 3 business days.

Yes. CSI offers front-of-the line VIP customer service for FCSI®s. Call 416-364-9130 or 1-866-866-2601 (toll-free) and press 5.