Case scenarios about retail payments supervision

Find case scenarios to help individuals and entities determine whether they are subject to the Retail Payment Activities Act and should register with the Bank.

19 result(s)

December 19, 2025

Case scenarios about marketplaces

The following fictional case scenarios illustrate the Bank’s approach to online marketplaces, and show examples of payment functions that are, and are not, incidental to a marketplace . These include the provision and maintenance of an account; the holding of funds on behalf of an end user; the initiation of an electronic funds transfer (EFT); authorization of an EFT and the transmission, facilitation or reception of an instruction in relation to an EFT ; and the provision of clearing or settlement services.
October 2, 2024

Case scenarios about providers of services backed by cryptocurrencies

These fictional case scenarios provide more details about the following payment functions performed in relation to cryptocurrencies: provision or maintenance of an account; holding of funds on behalf of an end user; initiation of an electronic funds transfer at the request of an end user; authorization of an electronic funds transfer or the transmission, reception or facilitation of an instruction in relation to an electronic funds transfer.
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Disclaimer

The case scenarios are illustrative examples reflecting the Bank of Canada’s interpretation of certain requirements set out in the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA). All names, facts and descriptions in these scenarios are entirely fictitious and do not reflect any real or actual individuals or entities.

Additionally, they do not represent legal advice and should not be used as a replacement for seeking such advice if an individual or entity is unsure about whether they are required to register with the Bank of Canada as a payment service provider. The nature of the products and services offered by each individual or entity will vary, as will the circumstances around offering these products and services. Therefore, any individual or entity that may be subject to the RPAA should assess their own situation on a case-by-case basis according to their own facts and circumstances. Any entity or individual that may be subject to the RPAA is ultimately responsible for determining whether they are required to register with the Bank.

The examples provided are not a replacement for the Criteria for registering payment service providers supervisory policy, but rather they are meant to complement the policy. They should be read in conjunction with the policy.

If you have questions about retail payments supervision or have any comments on this topic, contact us.