Launch Your Other Financial Vehicles Business in Saint John
This page helps you launch an Other Financial Vehicles business in Saint John. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of what it takes to operate under NAICS code 525990—covering the 10 key requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to get up and running. Use it as your one-stop checklist to move from idea to open doors with confidence.
Learn exactly what each requirement involves, where to file registrations, and which authorities issue approvals. We break down estimated startup costs—licensing, professional services, insurance, technology, and initial office or workspace—so you can budget accurately. You’ll also get a practical timeline with milestones for planning, submitting applications, waiting for approvals, and launching your services.
Saint John offers a supportive, affordable base for financial ventures, with local business resources, practical mentorship, and access to Atlantic markets. The city’s growing financial services community helps you connect with partners, customers, and service providers as you establish and grow your Other Financial Vehicles business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Saint John is the Trust Company License. This license is specifically required to conduct fiduciary or trust-related financial activities, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable and must be in place before you offer such services. In addition to this key license, you’ll also need to handle other essential registrations and licenses based on your exact business structure and services.
Operational readiness also matters. You’ll need anti-money laundering controls for securities and full compliance with relevant securities rules, plus employer coverage under New Brunswick WorkSafeNB if you hire staff. If you’re forming a partnership or other entity, complete Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration as part of setting up. And if you have employees, plan for payroll deductions and related payroll tax compliance to stay on the right side of the law.
Business Registration & Tax: For your business to be recognized across levels of government, register the New Brunswick business name (SNB) and obtain a federal Business Number (BN) for tax accounts. Depending on your activities, you may also need GST/HST registration. If you choose to incorporate, NB Corporation Registration becomes relevant. Aligning SNB, BN, GST/HST, payroll, and WorkSafeNB registrations from the start helps you stay compliant and organized as you grow.
Next steps: confirm the exact licensing requirements with Service NB and the financial regulator for Saint John, gather the necessary documents, and set a realistic timeline. Start with obtaining the Trust Company License, then complete the business name and BN registrations, and layer in GST/HST, payroll, and safety registrations as you scale. With practical planning and local guidance, you’ll move forward confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other financial vehicles in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Trust Company License RequiredTrust companies must be licensed by federal (OSFI) or provincial regulators and comply with fiduciary standards, capital requirements, and trust administration rules. OSFI Trust and Loan Companies Act licensing. Federal trust company charter. Capital requirements. Contact OSFI: 1-800-385-8647.
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Anti-Money Laundering (Securities) ConditionalRequired for securities activities. Securities dealers and fund managers must implement AML/ATF programs, conduct client identification and verification, report suspicious transactions to FINTRAC, and maintain compliance. FINTRAC registration and AML/ATF compliance for securities dealers. Know Your Client (KYC). Customer Due Diligence (CDD). Suspicious Transaction Reporting. Annual review. Training requirements. Contact FINTRAC: 1-866-346-8722.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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