Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)

Ontario Securities Commission (OSC): Overview

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the principal securities regulatory authority in Ontario, Canada. Established in 1932, it operates as a Crown agency under the provincial government, administering and enforcing securities laws to protect investors and maintain fair capital markets. With over 500 employees, the OSC is Canada’s largest securities regulator, overseeing entities such as public companies, investment funds, and registered financial professionals.

Background and Historical Context

The OSC was created to address the need for standardized oversight in Ontario’s rapidly growing financial markets. Over the decades, it has evolved to address emerging challenges, including technological advancements and global market integration. Key legislative reforms, such as the Securities Commission Act, 2021, have refined its governance structure, separating the roles of Chair and CEO to enhance accountability.

Legal Authority and Regulatory Framework

The OSC derives its authority from the Securities Act (Ontario) and the Commodity Futures Act (Ontario). Its mandate includes:

Protecting investors from fraudulent or unfair practices
Promoting fair, efficient, and competitive capital markets
Contributing to financial system stability and systemic risk reduction

The OSC collaborates with self-regulatory organizations (SROs) like the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association (MFDA) to enforce compliance.

Core Responsibilities and Regulatory Scope

The OSC’s oversight extends to:

Market Participants: Registration and monitoring of brokers, advisors, and investment funds
Enforcement: Investigating breaches of securities law, imposing sanctions, and pursuing legal action
Investor Education: Managing platforms like GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca to enhance financial literacy
Policy Development: Engaging stakeholders to shape regulations addressing emerging trends, including crypto assets and finfluencers

Comprehensive Contact Information

Headquarters:
20 Queen Street West, 20th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3S8
Canada

Phone: +1 416-593-8314
Investor Inquiries: +1 877-785-1555
Website: https://www.osc.ca

Verifying Regulatory Compliance

To confirm if an entity or individual is regulated by the OSC:

Visit the CSA National Registration Search tool on the OSC website.
Search by name, registration category, or jurisdiction.
Review registration details, including terms and conditions, to ensure compliance status.