- Learning
- Certificate in Financial Services Advice (CFSA)
- Certificate in Advanced Financial Advice (CAFA)
- Certificate in Advanced Investment Advice (CAIA)
- Certificate in Small Business Banking (CSBB)
- Certificate in Technical Analysis (CITA)
- Certificate in Investment Dealer Compliance (CIDC)
- Certificate in Derivatives Market Strategies (CDMS)
- Certificate in Retirement Strategy (CRS)
- Certificate in Estate Planning & Trust Strategy (CETS)
- Certificate in Commercial Credit (CICC)
- Certificate in Fixed Income Trading and Sales (CFIT)
- Certificate in Equity Trading and Sales (CEQT)
- Certificate in Personal Banking (CPB)
- Certificate In Bank Management (CBM)
- Micro-Certificate in Alternative Investments (MCAI)
- View All Certificate Pathways
- Fellow of CSI (FCSI®)
- Personal Financial Planner (PFP®)
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®)
- Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM)
- Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSA™)
- Estate & Trust Professional (MTI®)
- CSI Path to Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- CSI Path to Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP™)
- CSI Path to Financial Planning Program – Quebec (IQPF)
- View All Designation Pathways
- Personal Financial Services Advice (PFSA)
- Financial Planning I (FP I)
- Financial Planning II (FP II)
- Financial Planning Supplement (FPSU)
- Investment Advisors Training Program (IATP)
- Financial Planning Integration Course (FPIC)
- Applied Financial Planning Certification Exam (AFP)
- CIWM Certification Examination
- Life Licence Qualification Program Insurance Course (LLQP)
- View All Courses
Featured Product
CFSA: Preferred Credential for Personal Bankers
Better understand your clients' unique financial needs and goals to build positive client relationships with the CFSA.
Featured Product
PFP® Approved Under FSRA Title Regulation
FSRA has approved the Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation for Financial Planner title use in Ontario.
Featured Product
Explore Multiple Career Paths
Explore different roles and opportunities available in the financial services industry and view the recommended courses and credentials.
Featured Product
Meet CE Requirements Quickly and Easily
Explore continuing education courses and meet your requirements for CSI, IIROC, CSF and other professional associations or certifications.
Featured Product
Drive Effective Client Conversations
Get started with the Personal Financial Services Advice (PFSA) course to enhance your soft skills and build profitable client relationships.
Featured Product
Explore Multiple Career Paths
Explore different roles and opportunities available in the financial services industry and view the recommended courses and credentials.
- Exams & Support
Featured Product
Canadian Securities Course CSC®
Featured Product
Preparing to Take Your CSI Exam?
Write your exam through Remote Proctoring from any location (including your home) or In-Person at one of our test centres.
- Credentials
Featured Product
Credentials That Matter
Meet the highest standards of experience & education for financial professionals with CSI certificates, designations & fellowship.
Featured Product
FCSI® – The Highest Honour in Financial Services
Join an elite group of leaders in financial services and make a meaningful impact for your clients with the Fellow of CSI (FCSI®).
Featured Product
PFP® – The Premier Credential for Financial Planners
Master financial planning skills with the ISO and FSRA-certified Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation.
Featured Product
CIM® – The Recognized Credential for Investment Managers
Learn how to manage money on a discretionary basis for sophisticated clients with Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®).
Featured Product
CIWM – The Leading Credential for Wealth Managers
Establish your credibility to address the unique needs of affluent clients with Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM).
Featured Product
MTI® – Prestigious Credential for Trust & Wealth Managers
Gain expertise in the regulations and tax implications that are crucial for management and transfer of wealth with MTI®.
- Platforms
Featured Product
Webinars to Boost Financial Literacy
During Financial Literacy Month we aim to help Canadians understand their finances better & navigate the changing economic landscape.
Featured Product
Become a Speaker With CSI
CSI Podium offers designation holders opportunities to speak on topics to benefit their clients, colleagues, and the investing public via webinars.
Featured Product
Find Qualified Candidates Faster
Talent Pro connects organizations with qualified and licensed candidates to fill active opportunities in the banking industry.
- About
Featured Product
PFP® Approved Under FSRA Title Regulation
FSRA has approved the Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation for Financial Planner title use in Ontario.
Featured Product
PFP® Approved Under FSRA Title Regulation
FSRA has approved the Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation for Financial Planner title use in Ontario.
Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSATM)
What is the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSATM) designation?
The Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSATM) designation is a leading credential for financial advice in Canada. It is approved by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) for using the Financial Advisor title in the province of Ontario. Used by Canada’s largest financial institutions, it ensures that financial advisors have the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate advice to address a client’s financial situation.
What are the requirements to earn the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSATM) designation?
The requirements to earn the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSATM) designation are defined by the DFSA Competency Profile. This profile is aligned with industry best practices and provides the knowledge and skills applied by advisors. It also drives the pre-requisite requirements, education and ongoing maintenance requirements.
To be eligible to earn the DFSA designation, candidates must complete Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) and agree to:
- Complete one of the educational paths;
- Complete application form and attestation;
- Abide by the Code of Ethics, the Ethical Misconduct Process and the Trademark License Agreement; and
- Commit to ongoing continuing education once the designation education path has been completed.
Note: Completion of the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) grants an exemption to the IFC.
If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please contact your employer directly.
What is the path to the Designated Financial Services Advisor (DFSATM) designation?
CSI offers three educational paths to achieve the DFSATM designation. The DFSATM requires applicants to complete an approved education path within 2 years of being granted the designation. If you do not successfully complete the post-licensing courses, you will lose the right to use the designation and the right to use the title Financial Advisor in the province of Ontario.
Course Pathway for Banking and Credit Union Employees1
Course Pathway for Investment Advisors2
Mobile_DFSA – Pathway for Investment Advisors
Course Pathway for Independent Mutual Fund Advisors3
