The British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) has issued frequently asked questions clarifying the updated Financial Institutions Act (FIA) section 130, which from 1 January 2026 requires financial institutions to make their annual financial statements and auditor’s report publicly available by posting them on a website. The FAQs emphasise that the change is intended to shift public access from in-person inspection at a branch or office to online publication, without changing the scope of information that must be made available. The guidance confirms that section 130 applies to credit unions, trust companies and insurance companies, including extraprovincial insurance and trust corporations through the FIA’s application provisions. It also states that institutions cannot redact or edit the financial statements filed with the Superintendent for the purpose of online publication, and that there are currently no regulations under section 130 requiring any additional “prescribed” documents to be posted. Posting must occur at the same time as filing with the Superintendent, with filing required within 90 days after the financial year end; and the website publication obligation applies to the financial institution’s own annual financial statements and auditor’s report, not parent company financial statements even where those may be filed under other FIA provisions. BCFSA notes the FAQs may be updated with additional questions and answers, and that suggestions to amend the FIA can be directed to the provincial Ministry of Finance policy function.

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