Financial Regulation

Canadian Securities Regulators Disrupt Fraudulent Investment Websites

Canadian securities regulators announced the disruption of over 7,500 fraudulent investment websites and 13,000 URLs between June 2025 and February 2026. This initiative aims to protect Canadians from online investment scams and crypto fraud.

BCSC Panel Finds Breach of Cease Trade Order

The BC Securities Commission (BCSC) panel found that Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. and its former CEO, Ronald Wayne Loudoun, breached a cease trade order by distributing millions of dollars worth of shares and promissory notes. Submissions on sanctions are now required.

Junior mineral exploration company pays $30,000 to BCSC

Junior mineral exploration company pays $30,000 to BCSC

CIRO Seeks New Members for Investor Advisory Panel

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is seeking applications for its Investor Advisory Panel (IAP). The panel advises CIRO on regulatory policy and initiatives. Applications are due by March 31, 2026.

Canada Approves Financial Services Platform Test Using Blockchain

Canadian securities regulators (OSC, AMF, CIRO) have approved an experimental financial services platform test, Project Samara, involving RBC, TD Securities, and the Bank of Canada. The project will evaluate the use of distributed ledger technology for bond issuance, trading, and settlement using digital Canadian dollars.

CIRO Guidance on Digital Asset Custody for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has issued new guidance on digital asset custody for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms (CTPs). The framework establishes clear expectations for Dealer Members operating CTPs, addressing technological, operational, and legal risks associated with digital assets. It enhances existing custody and segregation requirements to protect investors.

CIRO Annual Compliance Report 2026 for Dealers

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has released its 2026 Annual Compliance Report. The report highlights emerging compliance challenges for dealers, including cybersecurity, crypto asset trading platforms, and the use of AI, and provides guidance on addressing these issues to enhance investor protection.

CIRO Guidance Expands Decision-Making Supports for OEO Dealers

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has published new guidance allowing Order Execution Only (OEO) dealers to expand decision-making supports offered to clients. This aims to empower DIY investors with better educational resources and tools while maintaining investor protection.

Financial Ombudsman Service Warns of Investment and Employment Scams

The UK Financial Ombudsman Service has issued a warning regarding a rise in online investment and employment scams. In 2025, the service received over 31,300 fraud and scam complaints, with approximately 20,000 involving authorised payments to scammers.

Financial Ombudsman Service Sees Lowest Complaint Levels in Two Years

The UK's Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) reported a significant decrease in new cases, with complaint volumes returning to levels seen in 2023/24. The period between October and December 2025 saw 47,300 complaints, down from 68,400 in the same quarter the previous year. This reduction is attributed to factors including the FCA's complaint handling pause for motor finance cases.