Eugene Jakubov is a senior legal and compliance professional with over 20 years of experience as a licensed lawyer in Ontario and more than 10 years advising regulated and growing businesses in Canada.
He specializes in business incorporation, regulatory compliance, and Money Services Business (MSB) licensing, supporting both Canadian and international founders entering the Canadian market. Eugene has served as a legal consultant for mid-sized financial services organizations, including credit card issuers, POS distributors, acquirers, and companies providing financing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
As an entrepreneur himself, Eugene understands that compliance must be practical, scalable, and easy to implement. His work focuses on translating regulatory requirements into clear, usable frameworks that businesses can apply in real operational environments.
All legal, governance, and compliance methodologies used across CBES Group platforms are developed or reviewed under his direct supervision, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and long-term regulatory alignment.
Articles & Insights by Eugene Jakubov
Articles written or reviewed by Eugene Jakubov focus on practical aspects of doing business in Canada — including incorporation, regulatory compliance, MSB licensing, and governance best practices. Each article is based on real legal experience and current regulatory requirements, not theoretical interpretations.
FINTRAC Penalties and MSB Revocations Tracker
Every public FINTRAC administrative monetary penalty notice since January 2024, with dates, sectors, amounts, violations and source links, plus what FINTRAC publishes on MSB registration revocations. Updated monthly.
FINTRAC MSB Address Rules: Is a Virtual Office Still Enough?
FINTRAC now requires every MSB to have an actual physical location in Canada. Learn why virtual offices and shared addresses may no longer work, and what your options are.
FINTRAC MSB Registration in 2026: What Changes for Applicants
FINTRAC's new Reporting Entity Portal will change how MSB applications are submitted, including a short document window with no extensions. Here is how to prepare.
FINTRAC PEP and HIO Requirements for MSBs: Beyond Screening
Identifying a customer as a PEP or HIO is only the first step. Learn when MSBs must make a determination, which additional measures apply and why screening alone is not enough.
RPAA Reporting for Registered PSPs: Bank of Canada Obligations
Registering with the Bank of Canada is only the beginning. Learn which incidents, business changes and annual reports trigger RPAA reporting obligations for payment service providers.
Canadian Corporation: 6 Confusing Terms Entrepreneurs Should Know
Confused by Canadian corporate terms? Learn the difference between Business Number vs Corporation Number, annual return types, provincial vs federal incorporation, and more.
FINTRAC's $264,000 Penalty on Spence Diamonds: Lessons for MSBs
FINTRAC fined Spence Diamonds $264,000 for AML violations including missing STRs, absent compliance policies, and no staff training. Learn the lessons every MSB must take from this enforcement action.
Data Protection and Privacy Compliance: What MSBs Often Miss
MSBs handle sensitive personal and financial data daily. Learn about common privacy oversights, cross-border data obligations under PIPEDA and GDPR, and how to build a compliant data protection program.
FINTRAC's New Rules for MSBs Using Agents or Mandataries
Learn about FINTRAC's new compliance requirements for Canadian MSBs using agents or mandataries. Criminal record checks, verification timelines, and record-keeping rules explained.
Ongoing Compliance for MSBs and Corporations: What Many Overlook
Registration is just the beginning. Canadian corporations and MSBs must meet annual returns, tax filings, FINTRAC renewals, and Bank of Canada reporting. Learn what you're missing.
FINTRAC Ministerial Directives and Applicable Countries for MSBs
Canadian MSBs must have written policies addressing Ministerial Directives for Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Learn what FINTRAC requires and how to stay compliant.
FINTRAC Rule: Reporting Listed Person or Entity Property
Starting in 2025, Canadian MSBs must report property held or controlled by listed persons or entities under new FINTRAC rules. Learn about deadlines, requirements, and compliance.
Corporate Tax Return Filing Deadline – March 31st
Canadian corporations with a December 31st fiscal year-end face a critical deadline. Learn about T2 filing requirements, penalties, and how to stay compliant.
7 MSB Registration Myths That Are Costing You Time and Money
The internet is full of outdated information about MSB registration in Canada. These myths are causing real problems — wasting months and thousands of dollars.