Eligible activities

The international financial activities that are eligible for a tax benefit are grouped into three broad categories. A corporation that holds the status of international financial centre (IFC) may carry out one or more of these activities.

International financial transactions (Front office activities)

Financial transactions carried out on behalf of a foreign client or including a foreign component — a product with foreign exposure, a foreign consideration, etc.

Examples: trading in securities, securities advising or portfolio management, letter of credit, fiduciary services.

Learn more about international financial transactions

Back office activities for a third party (administrative support)

Back office activities arising from international financial transactions carried out by another entity.

Examples: registration of transactions, securities settlement, clearing, fund accounting, etc.

Learn more about back office activities for a third party

Financial activities carried out under an outsourcing contract

Activities carried out under a service agreement related to financial transactions conducted outside Canada by a foreign financial entity.

Examples: compliance services, data quality control, corporate finance and taxation, and information technologies (IT).

Learn more about financial activities carried out under an outsourcing contract