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Frequently Asked · Regulators

What's the difference between BCFSA and CREA?

Two acronyms, two very different roles

New buyers and sellers frequently confuse BCFSA and CREA. Here's what each is and why it matters.

BCFSA — BC Financial Services Authority

The provincial statutory regulator for real-estate licensees in BC. Enforces the Real Estate Services Act (RESA), issues licences, sets rules of conduct (DoRTS, MRS, Anti-Money-Laundering), and disciplines licensees.

CREA — Canadian Real Estate Association

The national industry trade association for REALTORS®. Owns the REALTOR® and MLS® trademarks in Canada. Provides shared tools (WEBForms®, DDF®, REALTOR.ca) to member boards + brokerages. Not a regulator.

The relationship

A person licensed by BCFSA to practice real estate in BC may (but is not required to) also be a member of a real-estate board (e.g. GVR, FVREB) and CREA — that membership is what grants use of the REALTOR® trademark and MLS® access.

Who you complain to

For a licensee's conduct, complain to BCFSA. For a REALTOR®'s adherence to CREA's Code of Ethics, complain to their local board or CREA. Two different pathways.

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Educational information only — not legal, tax, financial, or real-estate advice. Doug LeMaire, REALTOR® · BCFSA #167790 · Fraser Property Management Realty Services Ltd. Not intended to solicit or induce an agreement already in place.
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