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SHARP ROUTE FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD.

(Operating as HiPoint Financial)

USE OF TITLE POLICY & AGENT COMPLIANCE CHEAT SHEET

(Life Insurance Agents – FSRA Aligned)

1. PURPOSE

This Policy establishes standards for the use of professional titles by all licensed life insurance agents affiliated with Sharp Route Financial Services Ltd.

  • Ensure compliance with FSRA requirements
  • Prevent misleading or deceptive representation
  • Promote transparency and consumer protection
  • Maintain professional integrity

2. SCOPE

  • All licensed life insurance agents
  • Supervisors and compliance personnel
  • All communication channels (verbal, written, digital)

3. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

  • Insurance Act (Ontario)
  • Financial Professionals Title Protection Act, 2019
  • FSRA Title Protection Rule

Regulatory Principle

  • Use titles that accurately reflect licensing
  • Avoid titles that may mislead or confuse consumers
  • Only use restricted titles when properly credentialed

4. DEFINITIONS

Agent: Individual licensed to sell life and/or accident & sickness insurance

Title: Any designation used to describe professional role

Approved Credential: FSRA-recognized certification allowing restricted title usage

5. APPROVED TITLE USAGE

5.1 Permitted Titles (Always Safe)

  • Life Insurance Agent
  • Insurance Agent
  • Licensed Insurance Agent
  • Life & Health Insurance Agent

5.2 Restricted Titles (Conditional Use Only)

  • Financial Advisor
  • Financial Planner
  • Wealth Advisor
  • Retirement Planner

Condition: Must hold a valid credential from an approved body.

6. PROHIBITED TITLE USAGE

  • Use titles implying qualifications not held
  • Use restricted titles without credentials
  • Misrepresent licensing or expertise

Examples:

  • “Financial Advisor” (without credential)
  • “Investment Advisor” (without securities license)
  • “Certified Financial Expert” (without certification)

7. CONSISTENCY REQUIREMENTS

  • Business cards
  • Email signatures
  • Social media
  • Websites
  • Marketing materials
  • Client documents

8. DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

  • Licensing status (Life Insurance Agent)
  • Scope of services
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Relationship with insurers

9. MARKETING & ADVERTISING COMPLIANCE

  • Clear and not misleading
  • Reflect actual credentials
  • Avoid exaggerated or unverifiable claims

10. SUPERVISION & GOVERNANCE

Brokerage Responsibilities

  • Monitor agent title usage
  • Conduct compliance reviews
  • Maintain audit records

Agent Responsibilities

  • Use only compliant titles
  • Update titles when credentials change
  • Seek approval for new titles

11. RECORD KEEPING (AUDIT REQUIREMENT)

  • Business cards
  • Email signatures
  • Marketing samples
  • Credential proof

12. BREACH OF POLICY

  • Disciplinary action
  • Mandatory retraining
  • Suspension or termination
  • Regulatory reporting

13. BEST PRACTICE STANDARD (HIPOINT)

Recommended title: Licensed Life Insurance Agent

  • Insurance Agent – Retirement Planning Focus
  • Insurance Agent – Tax & Estate Strategies

14. AGENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Name: _______________________

Signature: ___________________

Date: _______________________