Change to Google’s Advertising Policy

August 28, 2020

We are pleased to share some good news from Google about an update to their Financial products and services policy to allow the advertisement of debt services in Canada by Licensed Insolvency Trustees (LITs). The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) had been concerned about the impact of Google’s ad policy on LITs’ ability to advertise insolvency services to Canadians in financial distress. This matter has become even more important as Canadians struggle with the economic stresses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and may be in greater need of reliable advice on options from LITs.

Effective immediately, Google now allows ads promoting debt services as long as the advertiser and provider of these services is an LIT registered with the OSB. Advertisers must also be certified with Google. For your reference, here are links to Google’s Change Log describing the change, a review of the debt services certification process, and the Google Ads Debt Services Certification Application.