Launch a Trusts, Estates, and Agency Accounts Firm in Fredericton
This page offers a practical roadmap to launching a Trusts, Estates, and Agency Accounts business in Fredericton (NAICS 525920). Learn what the field covers, who you’ll serve, and the essential steps to get started. We break down the 10 requirements you’ll meet, plus the permits, registrations, and upfront costs involved so you can plan with confidence.
What you’ll learn: the exact licenses and registrations, typical cost ranges, and a realistic timeline from idea to launch. You’ll gain a clear view of compliance basics, fiduciary duties, record keeping, insurance, and ongoing reporting, plus a simple 10-step overview to help you manage the approvals efficiently.
Why Fredericton works: A growing hub for professional services, supportive regulators, and a close-knit community of lawyers, notaries, and financial planners. With lower overhead than larger cities and easy access to clients across New Brunswick, Fredericton is a smart place to start a trusts, estates, and agency accounts practice.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a trusts, estates, and agency accounts business in Fredericton is the Trust Company License. This license is a legal prerequisite issued by New Brunswick’s financial regulator, and you cannot legally offer trust administration, estate services, or agency accounts without it. It is non-negotiable and must be obtained before you begin client work or any related registrations. Think of it as the gate you must pass through before building the rest of your regulatory foundation.
Beyond licensing, you’ll need to cover daily operations and regulatory duties. Ensure you have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB employer coverage to meet workplace safety obligations. For the financial side, implement anti-money laundering controls as required for securities activities to protect clients and stay compliant. Also align any required permits and registrations tied to your business structure, such as a Business Licence, and be prepared for partnership-related registrations if your practice uses a partnership.
Business registration and tax numbers are essential for legitimacy and proper reporting. Register your business name in New Brunswick (SNB) and, if you’re forming a corporation, complete NB Corporation Registration. You’ll also obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for tax and filing purposes, and register for GST/HST if you’ll collect the tax. If you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration as part of payroll compliance.
Next steps: map out a practical timeline, gather the necessary documents, and check in with Service NB and the provincial regulator to lock in your licenses. Start with the Trust Company License, then work through BN, SNB, GST/HST, and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can help you build a simple checklist and realistic milestones to keep you on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a trusts, estates, and agency accounts in Fredericton:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Fredericton. Apply to City of Fredericton 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 Fredericton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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