- FSRA does not issue paper or PDF copies of mortgage agent, agent level 2 or broker licences, so status is confirmed through its public registry.
- The registry is reached through the Mortgage Brokering section of fsrao.ca, under Licensing Link.
- FSRA publishes consumer warnings that name unlicensed operators offering mortgage brokering services in Ontario.
- If a broker cannot be found on the registry, stop and get answers before you share documents or pay anything.
If you live in a smaller Ontario town, your choice of mortgage broker may come from a neighbour, a real estate agent, an online ad or a social media post. Most people never check whether the person is actually licensed, yet a mortgage is likely the biggest debt you will ever take on.
This article explains how licence status is confirmed in Ontario, what to ask a broker before you hand over personal documents, and what to do if the person you are dealing with does not appear to be licensed.
Why the licence check matters
A mortgage broker or agent helps you find a lender and arranges the loan. In the process you share your income details, identification, credit information and banking records. Knowing the person is licensed is a basic first step before you share any of that.
FSRA, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario, publishes consumer warnings that name unlicensed operators offering mortgage brokering services in Ontario. It also publishes a list of mortgage brokerage licences that have been revoked, and 24 were listed as revoked in September 2026. These are reminders that licence status can change, so a check is worth doing even if someone was recommended to you.
How licence status is confirmed
Do not expect a broker to hand you an official certificate. FSRA does not issue paper or PDF copies of mortgage agent, agent level 2 or broker licences. Instead, licence status is confirmed through FSRA's public registry.
You reach that registry through the Mortgage Brokering sector section of the FSRA website, fsrao.ca, under Licensing Link. Type the website address yourself rather than following a link from an email, text or advertisement, so you know you are on the real site.
- Get the full legal name of the individual and the name of the brokerage.
- Use the registry to check their status rather than relying on a business card or website.
- Compare what the registry shows with what you were told, and ask about any difference.
- Note the date you checked and keep a screenshot or written note for your records.
- Check again if time passes before you sign, since status can change.
Questions to ask before you share documents
A licence check tells you who is regulated. It does not tell you whether the advice suits you. A few plain questions help you judge the person you are dealing with.
- What is your full name, your brokerage's name and your licence level?
- Which lenders can you place my mortgage with, and will you explain why you are recommending one?
- How are you paid, and will I be charged any fees directly? Ask for the answer in writing.
- What costs will I face on top of the interest rate? Costs of borrowing against a home can include appraisal, title search, title insurance and legal fees.
- Will a lawyer or notary be involved in registering the mortgage?
Be cautious if someone pressures you to sign quickly, asks for money before any lender has been identified, or becomes vague when you ask for their name and brokerage.
If you cannot find the broker on the registry
There can be innocent reasons for a mismatch, such as a different spelling, a name change or a brokerage using a trade name. Ask the person to explain, and search again using the exact legal names. If you still cannot confirm that they are licensed, do not continue until you can.
| Situation | Sensible next step |
|---|---|
| Name found, details match what you were told | Carry on with your usual questions about fees and lenders. |
| Name found, but details differ from what you were told | Ask for an explanation in writing before sharing documents. |
| Name not found | Pause. Re-check spelling and the brokerage name, then ask for clarification. |
| Name matches an FSRA consumer warning or a revoked licence | Be very cautious, and think carefully before sending money or documents. A lawyer can help you decide what to do. |
If you have already sent documents or money to someone who turns out to be unlicensed, keep every email, text, receipt and document. Consider speaking with a lawyer about your options, since the right steps depend on what happened.
What to do next
- Write down the broker's full name and brokerage name.
- Go to fsrao.ca yourself and use the Mortgage Brokering section to reach Licensing Link.
- Compare the registry details with what you were told, and save a record of the check.
- Look at FSRA's consumer warnings and its list of revoked brokerage licences.
- Ask about fees and lenders in writing before you share personal documents.
- Have a real estate lawyer review your mortgage commitment before you sign if anything seems unclear.
Frequently asked questions
Can a broker give me a copy of their licence?
Not as an official document from FSRA. FSRA does not issue paper or PDF copies of mortgage agent, agent level 2 or broker licences. Licence status is confirmed through its public registry instead.
Where do I find the registry?
It is reached through the Mortgage Brokering sector section of fsrao.ca, under Licensing Link. Enter the website address yourself instead of clicking a link someone sent you.
How do I know if a company has been flagged as unlicensed?
FSRA publishes consumer warnings that name unlicensed operators offering mortgage brokering services in Ontario. It also publishes a list of revoked brokerage licences.
Should I still use a bank directly instead?
That is your choice. A broker can compare lenders, while going directly to a bank means dealing with one lender. Either way, read the commitment carefully and consider having a lawyer review it.
Sources
- FCAC – Borrowing against home equity — canada.ca
- FSRA – Requesting official documents (mortgage agent, broker or principal broker) — fsrao.ca
- FSRA – Mortgage brokerage licences revoked — fsrao.ca
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
This is a real estate question
Start a file online — flat, published fees, reviewed by a licensed lawyer before a dollar is owed.