Canadian Securities Regulators Amend Benchmark Assurance Report Requirements

Canadian securities regulators have adopted amendments to Multilateral Instrument 25-102 concerning designated benchmarks and benchmark administrators. These changes clarify assurance report requirements for independent public accountants, specifying the level of assurance, report type, and submission timing, and introduce a new requirement for certain designated benchmarks. The amendments are set to come into force on May 5, 2026.

CSA Publishes 2025 Systemic Risk Committee Annual Report on Capital Markets

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has published its 2025 Systemic Risk Committee Annual Report on Capital Markets. The report analyzes financial market trends, emerging risks, and vulnerabilities in Canadian markets, and outlines CSA efforts to mitigate these risks.

Junior mineral exploration company pays $30,000 to BCSC

Junior mineral exploration company pays $30,000 to BCSC

Director Fined $1 Million for Crypto Trading Platform Fraud

The BC Securities Commission (BCSC) announced that Michael Ongun Gokturk, director of three defunct crypto companies, has agreed to pay $1 million for fraud related to their trading platform. Gokturk is also permanently banned from participating in B.C.'s investment market.

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.

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 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.