CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence

Jurisdiction: Canada | Alberta

What is a CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence?

The CONP0046 is the official application to get licensed as a collection agency or a debt repayment agency in Alberta. You use it to start a new licence, renew an expired one, or update key details that affect your licence status. The licence confirms you meet Alberta’s regulatory standards before you collect debts for others or offer debt repayment services to consumers.

A collection agency licence covers businesses that collect or attempt to collect debts on behalf of another person or business. You might run call centres, send demand letters, negotiate repayment on behalf of creditors, or handle funds received from debtors. If you collect for someone else, you generally need this licence.

A debt repayment agency licence covers businesses that help consumers deal with their debts for a fee. You might assess a consumer’s debts, negotiate with creditors, consolidate or schedule payments, hold funds in trust, and provide repayment plans. You act for the consumer rather than for the creditor. If you advise or negotiate changes to a consumer’s debt obligations for a fee, you generally need this licence.

Who typically uses this form?

Business owners, directors, and authorized officers of corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. Out‑of‑province companies expanding into Alberta use it as well. Compliance managers often prepare it, but an authorized signing officer must sign. If you plan to operate under more than one trade name or at more than one location, you use the same application to disclose those details.

Why would you need this form?

Because you cannot legally operate as a collection agency or debt repayment agency in Alberta without a licence. Lenders and service partners will ask for your licence number. You need it to open and maintain required trust accounts, obtain a surety bond or other security, and hire collectors. It also signals to clients and consumers that you follow Alberta’s rules on fair practices, trust handling, and disclosures.

Typical usage scenarios

• You are starting a new collection agency in Alberta and need initial approval.
• You operate a debt settlement business elsewhere and now want to serve Alberta consumers.
• Your agency is changing ownership, directors, or legal structure, and you must update the regulator.
• Your business moved locations or added a branch, and you need to amend location details.
• Your licence lapsed, and you are applying to reinstate it before resuming operations.
• You are adding “debt repayment agency” services to an existing collection agency or vice versa.

In short, the CONP0046 is the gateway. Once approved, you receive a licence certificate with conditions. You can then lawfully engage in collection or debt repayment activities in Alberta.

When Would You Use a CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence?

Use this form before you begin any collection or debt repayment work in Alberta. Do not wait until you have clients. You must be licensed first. If you plan an Alberta office, apply before you open the doors. If you will operate remotely from another province, you still apply before contacting Alberta consumers or debtors.

You would use it when launching a new business line. For example, if your financial services company will now negotiate consumer debts and manage repayment plans, you apply for a debt repayment agency licence before marketing or onboarding clients. If you run a call centre that will contact Alberta debtors on behalf of creditors, you apply for a collection agency licence before your first call.

Use it when your corporate details change. Changes to legal entity, directors, officers, partners, trade names, or locations can affect your licence. You must update the regulator promptly, and in some cases, you must file a new application. For instance, if new directors join your board, or you merge with another entity, you use the form to disclose those changes and submit any required background information.

Use it when you expand across borders. If you are registered in another province and want to collect or provide debt repayment services to people in Alberta, you complete this application and meet Alberta’s security and trust requirements. That applies even if your staff and servers are elsewhere.

Use it when you reactivate or transfer operations. If your licence expired, you must apply again before resuming activity. If you purchase an agency’s assets, do not assume you can use their licence. Licences are not transferable. File your own CONP0046 under your entity name.

Typical users

• Business owners
• Compliance officers,
• Corporate secretaries preparing director and ownership disclosures.
• Sole proprietors use it to apply under their legal name and any registered trade names.
• Partnerships submit partner details and attach registration records.
• Corporations provide incorporation certificates and lists of directors and officers.

In every case, an authorized individual signs.

You may not need the form if you fall within a statutory exemption. For example, a creditor collecting its own debts under its own name does not usually need a collection agency licence. Lawyers acting in the ordinary course of legal practice may also be exempt from licensing as agencies. If your activities stray outside those bounds, or you use a separate brand to collect, licensing can still apply. When in doubt, err on the side of applying before you begin.

Legal Characteristics of the CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence

The application is a statutory filing. It is legally significant because it triggers the issuance of a provincial licence under consumer protection legislation and related regulations. When you sign, you certify that the information is true and complete. False or misleading statements can lead to refusal, suspension, cancellation, administrative penalties, or prosecution. You also consent to background checks and ongoing compliance monitoring.

The licence you obtain is a regulatory authorization, not a contract. However, the statements and commitments you make in the application become part of your licence record. The regulator can impose conditions, and you must follow them. You must also comply with the regulations that govern collection practices and debt repayment services. Those rules cover trust accounting, disclosures to consumers, fee charging, record keeping, and prohibited practices.

What ensures enforceability?

• Statutory authority. Alberta law requires licensing and sets standards for registrants. Operating without a licence is an offence. The regulator can inspect, investigate, and enforce.
• Security requirements. You must post financial security, usually a surety bond, in the prescribed form and amount. This security protects consumers and creditors from losses caused by non‑compliance, such as mishandled trust funds.
• Trust account controls. If you hold client or consumer funds, you must maintain a designated trust account. You must handle transfers and disbursements under strict rules. The regulator may ask for bank confirmations, sample reconciliations, or audited financials.
• Fit and proper standards. You must disclose directors, officers, partners, and controllers. You must report criminal charges or convictions, bankruptcies, prior regulatory actions, and civil judgments related to fraud or dishonesty. The regulator uses this to assess suitability.
• Ongoing duties. You must notify the regulator of changes to ownership, management, locations, or trade names. You must renew on time. You must retain records for the required period and make them available on request.

The legal effect is two‑fold. First, without a licence you cannot market, solicit, collect, or manage debt repayment funds in Alberta. Second, by obtaining a licence, you accept oversight and the potential consequences of any breach. This structure protects consumers and creditors, and it sets a level playing field for agencies that follow the rules.

How to Fill Out a CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence

Approach the form like a compliance project. Gather documents, complete all sections, obtain signatures, and attach required schedules. Use clear, consistent information across all parts. Do not leave gaps. If a section does not apply, state “Not applicable.”

1) Decide your licence type

• Choose collection agency, debt repayment agency, or both. Pick both only if you will operate both lines. The security, trust accounts, and compliance duties differ. Selecting both without the capacity to meet both sets of rules can delay approval.

2) Confirm your legal entity and registrations

• Identify your legal structure: corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship.
• Provide the exact legal name as registered. Include your Alberta corporate access number or extra‑provincial registration number if applicable.
• Attach proof of registration:
• Corporations: certificate of incorporation or registration, and a current corporate registry printout.
• Partnerships: partnership registration.
• Sole proprietors: proof of trade name registration if you use a name other than your personal name.
• List all trade names under which you will operate. This includes collection letterheads and consumer‑facing brands.

3) Provide business locations and contact details

• List your principal Alberta business location. If you operate from outside Alberta, list your head office and any Alberta branch locations or mailing address.
• Include phone, email, and business hours. Indicate if you will operate online only. If you will meet consumers in person for debt repayment services, disclose the physical location.
• If you plan multiple branches, attach a schedule with each address and a local manager.

4) Appoint the individual in charge

• Name the person responsible for regulatory compliance and day‑to‑day operations in Alberta. This is often a branch manager or compliance officer.
• Provide their title, phone, email, and Alberta work location.
• Confirm their authority to implement policies, supervise staff, and liaise with the regulator.

5) Disclose ownership, directors, officers, and partners

• List all directors and officers for a corporation, or all partners for a partnership. For sole proprietors, list the proprietor.
• For each person, provide full legal name, all prior names, date of birth, home address, position, and start date.
• Disclose any direct or indirect owners who control the business. Include holding companies and beneficial owners if applicable.
• Attach a schedule if needed to include all individuals.

6) Complete background and fitness disclosures

• Answer questions about criminal charges and convictions, bankruptcies or proposals, prior regulatory actions, licence refusals, civil judgments for fraud or dishonesty, and outstanding fines.
• Provide explanations for any “yes” responses. Include dates, jurisdictions, and outcomes. Attach court or regulator documents if requested.
• Each listed individual may need to complete a personal disclosure and consent form. Ensure original signatures where required. If instructed, provide recent police information checks for key individuals.

7) Describe your business activities and controls

For collection agencies:

• Describe the types of creditors you serve (e.g., utilities, retail, financial).
• State whether you will handle trust funds and remit to creditors.
• Outline your policies for call frequency, message content, and cease‑and‑desist handling.
• Confirm your record retention period and system used.

For debt repayment agencies:

• Describe intake, assessment, proposal or repayment plan workflows, and creditor negotiation.
• Outline fee structures and when you charge fees.
• Confirm consumer disclosures and cancellation rights procedures.
• Provide your trust accounting process and reconciliation frequency.
• Attach sample documents if requested, such as consumer agreements, disclosure statements, and creditor authorization templates.

8) Set up and document your trust account

• If you will hold client or consumer funds, open a designated trust account at a Canadian financial institution.
• Name the account as a trust account. Do not co‑mingled with operating funds.
• Provide a bank letter or void cheque that confirms the account name and number.
• Identify authorized signatories and internal controls for deposits, disbursements, and reconciliations.

9) Obtain and attach required security

• Secure a surety bond or other acceptable security in the prescribed amount for your licence type. The surety must issue the bond in your exact legal name, including any trade names if required.
• The bond must reference the correct licence category. Make sure the effective date aligns with your planned start.
• Attach the original bond document or the format specified. Keep a copy for your records. You must maintain continuous coverage. Lapses can lead to immediate suspension.

10) Provide staffing details

• Identify the number of collectors or counsellors you will employ. Indicate whether you will use contractors.
• For collection agencies, confirm that your collectors will follow Alberta’s contact time limits and disclosure requirements. Provide a training outline.
• For debt repayment agencies, confirm that staff understand budgeting, creditor negotiations, and trust handling.

11) Confirm consumer interaction methods

• Describe how you will communicate: phone, email, text, mail, online portals. Confirm how you verify debtor or consumer identity before discussing accounts.
• Provide your complaint handling process. Name a contact person and give a direct email and phone number. State response timelines.

12) Attach financial information if requested

• Some applications request recent financial statements or net worth confirmations. Provide prepared statements if available. If not, include a balance sheet that demonstrates solvency.
• If your agency is new, provide opening capital and operating budget. Include evidence of funding if necessary.

13) Consent to information checks

• The application includes consent for credit, criminal, and regulatory checks. Read it carefully. Each individual listed should sign their consent. Use wet ink signatures if required.

14) Review declarations and sign

• The authorized signing officer must certify the application. That person should be a director, officer, partner, or the sole proprietor. Do not delegate this step to a consultant.
• Check that the signatory name, title, and date are complete and consistent with registry records.
• If the form includes a statutory declaration, sign in front of a commissioner or other authorized official as instructed.

15) Pay the fees

• Calculate the fees for the licence type and number of locations. Some fees are non‑refundable. Ensure your payment method is accepted.
• Include the payment form or reference number in your package.

16) Submit and track

• Submit the completed application, attachments, bond, trust documents, and payment together to avoid delays.
• Keep a complete copy for your records. Note the submission date and any reference number.
• Do not begin operations until you receive written approval and your licence certificate.

17) After approval: display and maintain

• Display your licence at each business location. Include the licence number on consumer‑facing materials where appropriate.
• Train staff on Alberta’s rules before they contact debtors or consumers.
• Maintain your bond and trust account at all times. Reconcile monthly. Remit funds promptly according to agreements.

18) Report changes promptly

• Report changes to legal name, trade names, locations, directors, officers, partners, and ownership within the required time. Use the application or amendment process as instructed.
• If your bond is replaced, send the new original before the old one is cancelled.
• If you close a branch or cease operations, notify the regulator and deal with outstanding trust balances.

Practical tips to avoid delays

• Match names exactly. Your bond, trust account, registry records, and application must show the same legal name and any trade names in the same format.
• Be complete. List every director, officer, and partner. Attach extra pages rather than abbreviate.
• Explain “yes” answers. Short, factual explanations with dates help. Attach supporting documents upfront.
• Show controls. Briefly describing training, call scripts, approval checkpoints, and trust reconciliation demonstrates readiness.
• Time your bond and trust setup. Do not let the bond start too early and expire before approval. Confirm your bank letter shows the trust designation.
• Plan for renewal. Licences have an expiry date. Track it. Start your renewal process well before that date to avoid lapses.

Real‑world examples

• You run a Vancouver debt settlement firm. You want to serve Alberta consumers online. You select “Debt Repayment Agency.” You register extra‑provincially in Alberta, open an Alberta trust account, obtain the prescribed bond, attach your standard consumer agreement and disclosures, list all directors with consents, and file the CONP0046. You wait for approval before onboarding Alberta clients.
• You manage a Saskatchewan collection agency with national clients. Your creditor asks you to collect Alberta accounts. You select “Collection Agency,” add your Alberta branch address, name your Alberta operations manager, attach your bond and trust account letter, list directors, and describe your call policies. You file the CONP0046 and begin Alberta collections only after you receive the licence.
• You buy the assets of an Alberta agency. You cannot use the seller’s licence. You incorporate a new entity, register it, secure a new bond, set up your own trust account, and apply using CONP0046. You disclose the new directors and ownership. You notify creditors that remittances will flow through your new trust account once licensed.

By completing the CONP0046 with care, you position your agency for approval and smooth operations. Provide accurate information, set up your bond and trust account properly, and show that you understand Alberta’s consumer protection rules. Once licensed, keep your information current, maintain your security and controls, and renew on time.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• You will see “collection agency” on the CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence. This means a business that collects debts for others. If you chase accounts for clients, you are a collection agency. The form asks you to confirm this business activity.
• “Debt repayment agency” appears beside or instead of collection agency. This is a business that helps consumers repay debt. You may set up payment plans or negotiate settlements. The form asks about how you handle client funds and your trust account.
• “Authorized representative” is the person who signs CONP0046 for your business. This person has authority to certify the information. They accept the form terms and the compliance duties. You must name this person and provide contact details.
• “Director” and “officer” refer to individuals who manage or control the corporation. The form asks for each director and officer. It checks their background and fitness for licensing. If you are a sole proprietor, you list yourself.
• “Beneficial owner” means the person who ultimately owns or controls the business. They may hold shares directly or through another entity. CONP0046 requests details on anyone with a significant interest. You must disclose full legal names and percentages.
• “Trade name” (also called operating name) is any name you use that is not your legal entity name. You must list each trade name you will use in Alberta. The licence will tie to your legal name and trade names. Failing to list a trade name can block you from using it.
• “Branch” means an additional business location that serves the public. If you operate more than one office, you must list each branch address. The form may require a branch manager or contact person. You need a licence to cover all locations you list.
• “Collector” or “debt repayment agent” is an individual who works for your agency. They contact consumers or handle repayment plans. The form may ask you to confirm that each individual will be registered or authorized. It ties your licence to your team’s compliance.
• “Trust account” is a separate bank account for client money. Debt repayment agencies must keep client funds separate from operating funds. CONP0046 asks for your trust account details and your bank’s confirmation. You must follow strict deposit and withdrawal rules.
• “Security” or “surety bond” is a financial guarantee from a bonding company. It protects consumers and clients if you breach the rules. The form asks for the bond amount and issuer. Your licence is not complete without proof of security.
• “Control person” is anyone who can direct the business’s decisions. This can include a parent company or a person with veto rights. The form asks you to disclose control persons to assess risk and accountability.
• “Fit and proper” relates to integrity, solvency, and compliance history. The form’s questions about offences, past discipline, and bankruptcies assess this. You must answer truthfully. Omission can lead to refusal or cancellation.

FAQs

Do you need a licence if you only collect your own accounts?

If you collect debts that your business originated, you may not need a collection agency licence. But if you collect for related companies, affiliates, or purchased debt, licensing can apply. Use CONP0046 if you collect for others or handle consumer debt repayment. When in doubt, confirm your activities match the form’s categories before you file.

Do you need a licence if you offer debt settlement or budgeting plans?

Yes, if you arrange or administer repayment plans for consumers, you fall under debt repayment agency. You must complete CONP0046, maintain a trust account, and meet security requirements. You also need to keep client funds separate and provide proper statements.

Do individual collectors or agents need separate approval?

Yes. Individuals who collect debts or work on repayment plans usually need registration or authorization under your agency’s licence. CONP0046 focuses on the agency licence. Plan for any companion process to authorize your staff. Keep a roster and update it as hiring changes.

Do you need a separate licence for each branch?

You list all branch locations on CONP0046. Branches often must be included under your primary licence. Some changes, like opening a new branch, require an update. Do not open a branch before your licence reflects that location. Confirm the process on the form and follow it.

Do you need a trust account if you only collect for clients and do not handle their money?

A trust account is essential for debt repayment agencies that hold or disburse client funds. A collection agency that does not hold client funds may not need a trust account. Your actual activities determine the requirement. The form’s trust account section lets you indicate how you handle money.

Do you need a surety bond?

Yes, agencies typically must maintain a bond. The bond amount depends on the licence type. You include the bond details with CONP0046. Ensure the bond covers all trade names and branches you list. Keep the bond current or your licence can lapse.

Can you operate while your CONP0046 is pending?

Do not operate until you have written licence confirmation. Filing the form does not authorize activity. Wait for approval and any licence certificate. Starting early risks penalties and a refused application.

How often do you renew?

Licences renew on a regular cycle. You must pay fees and update information before expiry. Put the renewal date in your compliance calendar. Submit changes promptly during the year so renewal is clean and fast.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence

Before signing: gather information and documents

• Legal entity details: full legal name, formation jurisdiction, incorporation number.
• Trade names to be used in Alberta; evidence of registration if applicable.
• Physical business address and mailing address; branch locations and contacts.
• Ownership chart: directors, officers, beneficial owners, and control persons with percentages.
• Personal details for principals: full names, addresses, roles, and background disclosures.
• Security bond: issuer, bond number, coverage amount, effective date.
• Trust account: bank name, branch address, account number, and a signed bank letter.
• Business plan summary: collection or repayment services, target clients, fee structure.
• Client money flow: how you receive, hold, and disburse funds; controls in place.
• Policies: complaint handling, privacy, call conduct, record retention, staff training.
• Financial statements or solvency evidence if requested.
• Past licence history: prior licences, refusals, suspensions, or disciplinary actions.
• Criminal record or background checks if required for principals.
• Fee payment method for the application and any registrations.
• Sample consumer disclosures and agreements for repayment services.

During signing: verify key sections on CONP0046

• Business type: confirm you checked the correct box (collection or repayment, or both).
• Trade names: ensure each operating name appears exactly as registered.
• Branches: list every location that will operate; include suite numbers and phone numbers.
• Directors and officers: confirm full legal names and current addresses.
• Beneficial ownership: disclose all individuals and entities with significant interest.
• Security bond: enter correct bond number, amount, and dates; attach proof.
• Trust account: confirm account details and attach the bank confirmation letter.
• Activities description: state what you do and how funds are handled; avoid vague wording.
• Declarations: answer every yes/no question; provide explanations where asked.
• Attachments: check each required document is included and legible.
• Signature: the authorized representative signs and dates; include title and contact details.

After signing: file, notify, and store

• File the CONP0046 with the regulator using the method specified on the form.
• Pay the full fee. Match the fee to your licence type and any added registrations.
• Keep a complete copy of the form and all attachments in a secure drive.
• Post-filing, monitor email and mail for questions or deficiency notices.
• Do not start operations until you receive written licence approval.
• Once licensed, post the licence at your main office and each branch if required.
• Add key dates to your calendar: bond renewal, licence renewal, and staff registrations.
• Set reminders to report changes promptly: address, ownership, trade names, branches, or trust account.
• Train staff on call standards, privacy, recordkeeping, and complaint handling.
• Review your client agreements and disclosures against the licence conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence

• Leaving out a trade name. Consequence: you cannot lawfully operate under that name. Don’t forget to list every brand you plan to use.
• Missing trust account proof for repayment services. Consequence: refusal or delay. Don’t forget a bank letter that matches the account details on the form.
• Incorrect or expired bond. Consequence: the application stalls or gets rejected. Don’t forget to confirm the bond amount, number, and effective date.
• Incomplete ownership disclosure. Consequence: follow-up questions, longer processing, or refusal. Don’t forget all control persons and percentages.
• Operating before approval. Consequence: penalties and licensing issues. Don’t forget that filing is not approval. Wait for your licence first.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form CONP0046 – Application for a Collection or Debt Repayment Agency Licence

1. Submit the application and pay fees. Use the filing channel shown on CONP0046. Include every attachment you checked off.
2. Track the file. Note the date, reference number, and contact details. Set a follow-up reminder to check status if you hear nothing.
3. Respond quickly to information requests. Provide any missing documents in the format asked. Keep your replies short and complete.
4. Prepare your compliance framework. Finalize policies, call scripts, and training. Map data flows and retention schedules. Align with your licence category.
5. Configure your trust account. Set permissions, dual controls, and reconciliation cadence. Use separate ledger tracking for each client.
6. Verify staff status. Register individual collectors or agents as required. Keep onboarding checklists and proof of training.
7. Post your licence on approval. Display it at your main location and branches if needed. Keep a digital copy for internal records.
8. Notify clients and partners. Confirm your licensed status and effective date. Update contracts if they reference licensing.
9. Update public materials. Refresh your website, letters, and disclosures with your legal name and trade names as licensed.
10. Record all deadlines. Add renewal dates for the licence, bond, and any staff registrations. Set automated reminders.
11. Report changes promptly. If you change address, ownership, trade names, or branches, file an amendment using the process noted on the form. Keep confirmation receipts.
12. Store records securely. Keep your filed CONP0046, attachments, approvals, and correspondence. Restrict access and back up your files.