Jun 30, 2023 | Anti-Money Laundering, Economic Sanctions, Regulatory Compliance
The Department of Finance Canada released a sweeping consultation paper with respect to Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime (AML/ATF regime), including potential changes to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing...
Feb 28, 2023 | Regulatory Compliance
National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations sets out the obligations of a registered firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. The CCO is required to submit an annual report to the firm’s board (or individuals acting in a...
Mar 31, 2022 | Client-Focused Reforms (CFRs), Regulatory Compliance
If not already completed, firms with a December year end should turn their attention to the required annual report from the Chief Compliance Officer. National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations requires that a...
Feb 28, 2022 | Anti-Money Laundering, Economic Sanctions, Regulatory Compliance
As has been widely reported in the media, the Emergency Economic Measures Order under the Emergencies Act (Canada) had immediate consequences for registered firms. While the use of the Act has now ended, orders such as this one are a good reminder that firms must...
Feb 28, 2022 | Regulatory Compliance
Trading or advising in securities for a business purpose triggers the requirement to register as a dealer or adviser unless an exemption is available. Many of our readers are familiar with the concept of the “business trigger” for registration, which is described in...
Jun 30, 2021 | Client-Focused Reforms (CFRs), News, Regulatory Compliance
On June 21, both IIROC and the MFDA published proposed guidance regarding suitability that relate to the CSA’s client-focused reforms. IIROC’s Proposed Guidance on Know-your-client and Suitability Determination, applicable to investment dealers and their...
Jun 30, 2021 | Regulatory Compliance
A recent settlement between an Alberta-based registrant and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) presents a sharp reminder to all registrants about the importance of keeping their OBAs up to date. In a June 4, 2021 settlement with IIROC,...
Apr 30, 2021 | News, Regulatory Compliance
In February 2021, FINTRAC updated its guidance on politically exposed persons (PEP) and heads of international organizations (HIO), as well as related guidance for account-based reporting entity sectors, including “securities dealers” (i.e. dealers and advisors). This...
Feb 26, 2021 | Regulatory Compliance
On February 4, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) released a number of proposed changes to certain initial and ongoing regulatory reporting requirements for registrants. The CSA is inviting comments on these proposals by May 5. Some of the highlights of...
Jan 29, 2021 | Client-Focused Reforms (CFRs), News, Regulatory Compliance
On September 28, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) published guidance in the form of responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how to interpret and implement the client-focused reforms (CFRs) to National Instrument 31-103 Registration...
