Membership in the IFC BC

The International Financial Centre British Columbia (IFC BC) is a non-profit society with a mandate to promote international financial activity in British Columbia

The IFC BC communicates the many advantages British Columbia offers as a location for investment including competitive tax rates, a welcoming business climate, and a quality of life unsurpassed in North America.

Members of the IFC BC

• Most core members of the IFC BC are registered in the International Business (IB) program. These companies comprise an array of businesses from financial institutions to companies in the life sciences and manufacturing business.
• Associate members represent the infrastructure of the business community. Drawn from the legal, accounting, consulting, and other professional sectors, these firms assist the IFC BC by informing their clients and associates about the benefits available to them under the IB program.
• Academic Members are post-secondary educational institutions offering programs in business and international finance.
• To register as a Core, Associate or Academic Member, please access a Membership Form.

Becoming a Member of the IFC BC

• To register an international business in the program, a company must register the qualifying business with the Province of British Columbia. For more information regarding program registration, please visit the website of the BC Ministry of Finance.
• Companies wishing to register must also become members of the IFC BC Society. Note that membership with the IFC BC does not replace registration with the Province of British Columbia. To obtain favourable tax status, a company must register an international business with the Province.

IFC BC Membership Costs

All Core and Associate Members pay Annual Membership dues in January:

• $1,000 for Core Members
• $300 for Associate Members
• Core Members pay an annual Participation Assessment fee on the income earned by the international business in the preceding year. It is currently set at 0.45% of income earned on the international business to a maximum of $80,000. Companies registering a patent activity pay 75% of the above fee.

Member Services

In addition to bringing new companies into the province, the IFC BC serves its members through:

• Advocating on behalf of members to address issues of interest regarding the legislation governing the tax incentive program.
• Undertaking pertinent public policy initiatives and working with policy makers to strengthen the International Business Activity Act (IBBA).
• Promoting the province by raising the profile of British Columbia as a location for investment.
• Disseminating information to members on changes to the IBAA and future developments, and hosting meetings, seminars, and conferences to communicate relevant information.
• Providing interested companies with information about the IBAA.
• Building links with higher-level educational institutions to communicate the competitive advantages of doing business in British Columbia.

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