Thinking about leaving your current brokerage? Switching is common in this industry, and done right it does not have to disrupt your clients or your deals in progress. Here is what the move involves in each province.
Why brokers switch
The usual reasons: a better commission split, more support for underwriting and compliance, access to a wider lender panel, better marketing and lead tools, or simply wanting a team culture that fits. None of these require you to burn the relationship with your current brokerage. Most transitions in this industry are handled professionally on both sides.
Your licence follows you
Your licence is yours. Moving brokerage is an administrative change, not a fresh start. The process differs slightly by province.
British Columbia
Your licence is held by you, not by the brokerage. You submit a change of employment through BCFSA naming your new managing broker. There is no exam or relicensing for a straightforward move between BC brokerages. Note that the new Mortgage Services Act comes into force on October 13 2026, with a mandatory transition education deadline of September 22 2026, so confirm your standing before you move.
Alberta
Mortgage associates are licensed through the brokerage they are registered with, so the change is processed by RECA together with your new brokerage. Your new brokerage submits the change and RECA updates your registration. Confirm your standing and any conditions with RECA before you give notice.
Ontario
FSRA licenses mortgage agents and mortgage brokers, and you may be authorised by only one principal brokerage at a time. Your new brokerage sponsors your licence and the change goes through FSRA. Your agent level moves with you.
Timing your move
Plan your transition around your active deal pipeline, not the calendar. Deals already funded or in final stages with your current brokerage typically stay there for compliance and commission purposes. New applications go on your new licence. Many brokers time the switch for a natural gap between closings.
What to check before you sign anywhere
Ask direct questions before committing to a new brokerage. Commission split and how volume tiers work. Desk fees, technology fees, and E and O insurance costs, and who covers them. Lender panel size and whether it includes the ones you actually use. Underwriting and compliance support, especially for anyone newer to the business. Marketing support, including whether you get help with leads or just a logo and a business card. Culture fit, since this is where most people end up regretting a move regardless of the split offered.
Your clients and your book
Your client relationships and past deal history belong to you as the broker, not the brokerage, in most standard arrangements. Review your current independent contractor agreement for any non solicitation clauses before you move, and be upfront with clients about the change once your new licence is active.
A simple checklist
Review your current contract for notice requirements and non solicitation terms. Confirm your new brokerage in writing, including split, fees, and lender access. Submit your licence transfer through your provincial regulator. Time your active files so nothing falls through the transition. Notify clients once your new licence is confirmed.
Considering A.I.M.I. Collective
We work with brokers across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario who wanted real support without giving up independence, a full DLC lender panel, transparent splits, and a compliance team that actually answers the phone. If you are weighing a move, we are happy to walk through numbers and answer questions. Confidential.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your specific transition steps with your provincial regulator, BCFSA, RECA or FSRA, and review your current contract before making any commitments.