2021-07-15
The regulator amends Regulation 31-103 to enhance protections for older and vulnerable clients by introducing new definitions for financial exploitation, temporary holds, and vulnerable clients. Registrants are now required to obtain a trusted contact person and written consent to inquire about potential exploitation or mental capacity issues during the client onboarding process. The amendment also establishes strict conditions and procedural obligations for placing temporary holds on accounts suspected of financial exploitation or lacking mental capacity, including documentation, client notification, and periodic reviews.
REGULATION TO AMEND REGULATION 31-103 RESPECTING REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, EXEMPTIONS AND ONGOING REGISTRANT OBLIGATIONS Securities Act (chapter V-1.1, s. 331.1, par. (1), (3), (8), (11), (26) and (34))
2 (2) A registrant must take reasonable steps to keep current the information required under this section, including updating that information within a reasonable time after the registrant becomes aware of a significant change in the client’s information required under subparagraph 13.2(2)(c)(i). (3) This section does not apply to a registrant in respect of a client that is not an individual.”. 4. The Regulation is amended by adding, in part 13 and after section 13.18, the following division: “DIVISION 8 Temporary holds 13.19. Conditions for temporary hold (1) A registered firm, or a registered individual whose registration is sponsored by the registered firm, must not place a temporary hold on the basis of financial exploitation of a vulnerable client unless the firm reasonably believes all of the following: (a) the client is a vulnerable client; (b) financial exploitation of the client has occurred, is occurring, has been attempted or will be attempted. (2) A registered firm, or a registered individual whose registration is sponsored by the registered firm, must not place a temporary hold on the basis of a client’s lack of mental capacity unless the firm reasonably believes that the client does not have the mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters. (3) If a registered firm or a registered individual places a temporary hold referred to in subsection (1) or (2), the firm must do all of the following: (a) document the facts and reasons that caused the firm or individual to place and, if applicable, to continue the temporary hold; (b) provide notice of the temporary hold and the reasons for the temporary hold to the client as soon as possible after placing the temporary hold; (c) review the relevant facts as soon as possible after placing the temporary hold, and on a reasonably frequent basis, to determine if continuing the hold is appropriate; (d) within 30 days of placing the temporary hold and, until the hold is revoked, within every subsequent 30-day period, do either of the following: (i) revoke the temporary hold; (ii) provide the client with notice of the firm’s decision to continue the hold and the reasons for that decision.”. 5. Section 14.2 of the Regulation is amended, in paragraph (2): (1) by inserting, after subparagraph (l), the following: “(l.1) a description of the circumstances under which a registrant might disclose information about the client or the client’s account to a trusted contact person referred to in subsection 13.2.01(1);”; (2) by adding, after paragraph (o), the following: “(p) a general explanation of the circumstances under which a registered firm or registered individual may place a temporary hold under section 13.19 and a description of the notice that will be given to the client if a temporary hold is placed or continued under that section.”.
3 6. (1) This Regulation comes into force on 31 December 2021. (2) In Saskatchewan, despite paragraph (1), if this Regulation is filed with the Registrar of Regulations after 31 December 2021, this Regulation comes into force on the day on which it is filed with the Registrar of Regulations.