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.

Most core members of the IFC BC are registered in the International Financial Activity (IFA) 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 in British Columbia. 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 IFA program.

To register as a Core, Associate or Academic Member, please access a Membership Form.

Membership in the International Financial Centre BC Society

To register an international financial business in the International Financial Activity (IFA) program, a company must register the qualifying business with the Province of British Columbia. The IFA program is administered by the BC Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, Revenue Programs Division, Income Taxation Branch. For more information regarding the legislation or provincial registration, please visit their website.

Companies wishing to register in the IFA Program must 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 financial business with the Province.

There are three memberships available:

1. Core Members are most often companies registered with the Province under the International Financial Activity Act (IFAA).
2. Associate Members are companies that represent the infrastructure of the financial community, but do not qualify to register under the IFAA.
3. 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.

IFC BC Membership Costs

1. All Core and Associate Members pay Annual Membership dues in January
   • $1,000 for Core Members
   • $300 for Associate Members
2. Core Members pay an annual Participation Assessment fee on the income earned by the international financial business in the preceding year. It is currently set at less than one-half of 1 per cent of income earned on the international financial business. Companies registering a patent activity pay 75% of the above fee.

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