Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)
Candlefocus EditorThe OSC was established in 1981 as an independent institution responsible for regulating the financial and investment markets in Ontario. It is a non-governmental organization and is responsible for creating and enforcing the regulations that govern the securities markets in the province.
The OSC has a broad mandate to protect investors and to foster fair and efficient capital markets in Ontario. It is the primary regulator of all public companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Venture Exchange. The OSC also administers certain disclosure regulations, including those relating to Initial Public Offerings (IPO).
The OSC is responsible for implementing the regulations of the investment industry in the province, including rules for trading and market practices like insider trading. The OSC has the authority to enforce Ontario's Securities Act, which governs investment decisions and activities of individuals, businesses, and investors in the province. It is also responsible for supervising and monitoring investment firms, providing advice to investors, and conducting investigations and inquiries as required by the act.
The OSC also administers programs aimed at educating investors, including an investor summit and investor protection symposia. The Commission has also launched initiatives designed to make investing more accessible, such as a women’s investor education series and online tools and information.
Overall, the Ontario Securities Commission exists to create, advance and preserve investor confidence in the capital markets of Ontario. Its mission is to ensure that investors have access to accurate and timely information, that investment products are traded in a fair and efficient manner, and that investors are provided with proper protection. Through vigilant, effective and efficient regulation, the OSC is dedicated to preserving the integrity of Ontario’s capital markets for the benefit of all. The OSC works closely with other provincial securities regulators and the federal government to maintain and improve the integrity of the financial and investment industry across the country.