2021-07-01
Added · Updated
The Canadian Securities Administrators issued this policy to interpret and apply the provisions of Regulation 31-103 regarding registration requirements, exemptions, and ongoing obligations for securities registrants. The document defines 'permitted clients' and outlines specific exemptions from registration and disclosure requirements for transactions involving these sophisticated investors. It further establishes fundamental concepts for the registration regime, including the 'business trigger' test used to determine if trading or advising activities require registration based on factors such as frequency, compensation, and solicitation.
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 1 Last amendments in force in July 1, 2021 POLICY STATEMENT TO REGULATION 31-103 RESPECTING REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, EXEMPTIONS AND ONGOING REGISTRANT OBLIGATIONS
PART 1 DEFINITIONS AND FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
1.1. Introduction
Purpose of this Policy Statement
This Policy Statement sets out how the Canadian Securities Administrators (the CSA or we) interpret or apply the provisions of Regulation 31-103 respecting Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations (chapter V-1.1, r. 10) (Regulation 31-103) and related securities legislation. Numbering system Except for Part 1, the numbering of Parts, Divisions and sections in this Policy Statement corresponds to the numbering in Regulation 31-103. Any general guidance for a Part or a Division appears immediately after the Part or Division name. Any specific guidance on sections in Regulation 31-103 follows any general guidance. If there is no guidance for a Part, Division or section, the numbering in this Policy Statement will skip to the next provision that does have guidance. All references in this Policy Statement to sections, Parts and Divisions are to Regulation 31-103, unless otherwise noted. Additional requirements applicable to registrants For additional requirements that may apply to them, registrants should refer to:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 2 Registrants that are members an SRO must also comply with their SRO’s requirements. Disclosure and notices Delivering disclosure and notices to the principal regulator Under section 1.3, registrants must deliver all disclosure and notices required under Regulation 31-103 to the registrant’s principal regulator. This does not apply to notices under sections 8.18 and 8.26. Registrants must deliver these notices to the regulator in each jurisdiction where they are registered or relying on an exemption from registration. Electronic delivery of documents These documents may be delivered electronically. Registrants should refer to Policy Statement 11-201 respecting Electronic Delivery of Documents (Decision 2011-PDG-0183, 2011-11-17) (Policy Statement 11-201). See Appendix A for contact information for each regulator. Clear and meaningful disclosure to clients We expect registrants to present disclosure information to clients in a clear and meaningful manner in order to ensure clients understand the information presented. Registrants should ensure that investors can readily understand the information. These requirements are consistent with the obligation to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with clients.
1.2. Definitions
Unless defined in Regulation 31-103, terms used in Regulation 31-103 and in this Policy Statement have the meaning given to them in the securities legislation of each jurisdiction or in Regulation 14-101 respecting Definitions (chapter V-1.1, r. 3). See
Appendix B for a list of some terms that are not defined in Regulation 31-103 or this
Policy Statement but are defined in other securities legislation.
In this Policy Statement “regulator” means the regulator or securities regulatory authority in a jurisdiction. Permitted client The following discussion provides guidance on the term “permitted client”, which is defined in section 1.1. “Permitted client” is used in the following sections:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 4 NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendments (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) Under section 13.3.1,13.3, permitted clients may waive their right to have a registrant determine that a trade is suitable. In order to rely on this exemption, the registrant must determine that a client is a permitted client at the time the client waives their right to suitability. Under sections 13.13 and 14.4, registrants do not have to provide certain disclosures to permitted clients. In order to rely on these exemptions, registrants must determine that a client is a permitted client at the time the client opens an account. Under sections 14.2, 14.2.1, 14.14.1, 14.14.2, 14.17 and 14.18, registrants do not have to provide certain disclosures or reports to a permitted client that is not an individual. Under paragraph 14.5.2(7)(d), registered firms are not required to ensure that cash or securities of permitted clients, that are not individuals or investment funds, are held with a qualified custodian if the permitted client has acknowledged in writing that the permitted client is aware that this qualified custodian requirement will not apply to the firm. In order to rely on this exemption, we expect registered firms to determine that the client is a permitted client that is not an individual or investment fund at the time the client acknowledges that its right to a qualified custodian will not apply. Determining assets The definition of permitted client includes monetary thresholds based on the value of the client’s assets. The monetary thresholds in paragraphs (o) and (q) of the definition are intended to create “bright-line” standards. Investors who do not satisfy these thresholds do not qualify as permitted clients under the applicable paragraph. Paragraph (o) of the definition Paragraph (o) refers to an individual who beneficially owns financial assets with an aggregate realizable value that exceeds $5 million, before taxes but net of any related liabilities. In general, determining whether financial assets are beneficially owned by an individual should be straightforward. However, this determination may be more difficult if financial assets are held in a trust or in other types of investment vehicles for the benefit of an individual. Factors indicating beneficial ownership of financial assets include:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 6 Requirement to register The requirement to register is found in securities legislation. Firms must register if they are:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 7 Business trigger for trading and advising We refer to trading or advising in securities for a business purpose as the “business trigger” for registration. We look at the type of activity and whether it is carried out for a business purpose to determine if an individual or firm must register. We consider the factors set out below, among others, to determine if the activity is for a business purpose. For the most part, these factors are from case law and regulatory decisions that have interpreted the business purpose test for securities matters. Factors in determining business purpose This section describes factors that we consider relevant in determining whether an individual or firm is trading or advising in securities for a business purpose and, therefore, subject to the dealer or adviser registration requirement. This is not a complete list. We do not automatically assume that any one of these factors on its own will determine whether an individual or firm is in the business of trading or advising in securities. (a) Engaging in activities similar to a registrant We usually consider an individual or firm engaging in activities similar to those of a registrant to be trading or advising for a business purpose. Examples include promoting securities or stating in any way that the individual or firm will buy or sell securities. If an individual or firm sets up a business to carry out any of these activities, we may consider them to be trading or advising for a business purpose. (b) Intermediating trades or acting as a market maker In general, we consider intermediating a trade between a seller and a buyer of securities to be trading for a business purpose. This typically takes the form of the business commonly referred to as a broker. Making a market in securities is also generally considered to be trading for a business purpose. (c) Directly or indirectly carrying on the activity with repetition, regularity or continuity Frequent or regular transactions are a common indicator that an individual or firm may be engaged in trading or advising for a business purpose. The activity does not have to be their sole or even primary endeavour for them to be in the business. We consider regularly trading or advising in any way that produces, or is intended to produce, profits to be for a business purpose. We also consider any other sources of income and how much time an individual or firm spends on all activities associated with the trading or advising.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 8 (d) Being, or expecting to be, remunerated or compensated Receiving, or expecting to receive, any form of compensation for carrying on the activity, including whether the compensation is transaction or value based, indicates a business purpose. It does not matter if the individual or firm actually receives compensation or in what form. Having the capacity or the ability to carry on the activity to produce profit is also a relevant factor. (e) Directly or indirectly soliciting Contacting anyone to solicit securities transactions or to offer advice may reflect a business purpose. Solicitation includes contacting someone by any means, including advertising that proposes buying or selling securities or participating in a securities transaction, or that offers services or advice for these purposes. Business trigger examples This section explains how the business trigger might apply to some common situations. (a) Securities issuers A securities issuer is an entity that issues or trades in its own securities. In general, securities issuers with an active non-securities business do not have to register as a dealer if they:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 9 business includes frequently trading in securities. While frequent trading is a common indicator of being in the business of trading, we recognize that trading may be more frequent during the start-up stage, as an issuer needs to raise capital to launch and advance the business. If the trading is primarily for the purpose of advancing the issuer’s business plan, then the frequency of the activities alone should not result in the issuer being in the business of trading in securities. If the capital raising and use of that capital are not advancing the business, the issuer may need to register as a dealer. Securities issuers may also have to register as a dealer if they
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 10 companies (collectively, VCs). This type of investing includes a range of activities that may require registration. VCs typically raise money under one of the prospectus exemptions in Regulation 45-106, including for trades to “accredited investors”. The investors typically agree that their money will remain invested for a period of time. The VC uses this money to invest in securities of companies that are usually not publicly traded. The VC usually becomes actively involved in the management of the company, often over several years. Examples of active management in a company include the VC having:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 11 (c) One-time activities In general, we do not require registration for one-time trading or advising activities. This includes trading or advising that:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 12 Fitness for registration The regulator will only register an applicant if they appear to be fit for registration. Following registration, individuals and firms must maintain their fitness in order to remain registered. If the regulator determines that a registrant has become unfit for registration, the regulator may suspend or revoke the registration. See Part 6 of this Policy Statement for guidance on suspension and revocation of individual registration. See Part 10 of this Policy Statement for guidance on suspension and revocation of firm registration. Terms and conditions The regulator may impose terms and conditions on a registration at the time of registration or at any time after registration. Terms and conditions imposed at the time of registration are generally permanent, for example, in the case of a restricted dealer who is limited to specific activities. Terms and conditions imposed after registration are generally temporary. For example, if a registrant does not maintain the required capital, it may have to file monthly financial statements and capital calculations until the regulator’s concerns are addressed. Opportunity to be heard Applicants and registrants have an opportunity to be heard by the regulator before their application for registration is denied. They also have an opportunity to be heard before the regulator imposes terms and conditions on their registration if they disagree with the terms and conditions. Assessing fitness for registration – firms We assess whether a firm is or remains fit for registration through the information it is required to provide on registration application forms and as a registrant, and through compliance reviews. Based on this information, we consider whether the firm is able to carry out its obligations under securities legislation. For example, registered firms must be financially viable. A firm that is insolvent or has a history of bankruptcy may not be fit for registration. In addition, when determining whether a firm whose head office is outside Canada is, and remains, fit for registration, we will consider whether the firm maintains registration or regulatory organization membership in the foreign jurisdiction that is appropriate for the securities business it carries out there. Assessing fitness for registration – individuals We use 3 fundamental criteria to assess whether an individual is or remains fit for registration:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 14 Individual registered in a firm category An individual can be registered in both a firm and individual category. For example, a sole proprietor who is registered in the firm category of portfolio manager must also be registered in the individual category of advising representative.
2.2. Client mobility exemption – individuals
Conditions of the exemption
The mobility exemption in section 2.2 allows registered individuals to continue dealing with and advising clients who move to another jurisdiction, without registering in that other jurisdiction. Section 8.30 contains a similar exemption for registered firms. The exemption becomes available when the client (not the registrant) moves to another jurisdiction. An individual may deal with up to 5 “eligible” clients in each other jurisdiction. Each of the client, their spouse and any children are an eligible client. An individual may only rely on the exemption if:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 15 the exemption in section 2.2 to have 5 clients in each of several jurisdictions where the individual is not registered. The individual limits are per individual. For example several individuals working for the same firm could each have 5 clients in the same local jurisdiction and each individual could still rely on the exemption in section 2.2. However, the firm may not exceed its 10 client limit if it wants to rely on the exemption in section 8.30. If the firm exceeds the 10 client limit, the firm must be registered in the local jurisdiction.
PART 3 REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS – INDIVIDUALS
Division 1 General proficiency requirements
Application of proficiency requirements
Part 3 sets out the initial and ongoing proficiency requirements for
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 17 In limited circumstances, relevant securities industry experience may include experience obtained during employment at a firm that has relied on a registration exemption. For example, experience obtained at a registered or licensed mortgage broker, mortgage brokerage, mortgage agency or mortgage dealer under applicable legislation may be considered relevant if the experience can be demonstrated to be relevant to the category applied for. In these circumstances, the regulator may also impose terms and conditions on the individual or the registered firm sponsoring the individual in order to limit their specific activities. Division 2 Education and experience requirements See Appendix C for a chart that sets out the proficiency requirements for each individual category of registration. Granting exemptions The regulator may grant an exemption from any of the education and experience requirements in Division 2 if it is satisfied that an individual has qualifications or relevant experience that is equivalent to, or more appropriate in the circumstances than, the prescribed requirements. Proficiency for representatives of restricted dealers and restricted portfolio managers The regulator will decide on a case-by-case basis what education and experience are required for registration as:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 18 from the suitability obligation such as, for example, the exemption in subsection 13.3(4) in respect of permitted clients. CCOs must also not perform an activity that requires registration unless they have the education, training and experience that a reasonable person would consider necessary to perform the activity competently. CCOs must have a good understanding of the regulatory requirements applicable to the firm and individuals acting on its behalf. CCOs must also have the knowledge and ability to design and implement an effective compliance system. Responsibility of the firm The responsibility of registered firms to oversee the compliance of registered individuals acting on their behalf extends to ensuring that they are proficient at all times. A registered firm must not permit an individual they sponsor to perform an activity if the proficiency requirements are not met. Firms should perform their own analysis of all securities they recommend to clients and provide product training to ensure their registered representatives have a sufficient understanding of the securities and their risks to meet their suitability obligations under section 13.3. Similarly, registered individuals should have a thorough understanding of a security before they recommend it to a client (also referred to as know-your-product or KYP). NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendments (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) Proficiency principle Under section 3.4, registered individuals must not perform an activity that requires registration unless they have the education, training and experience that a reasonable person would consider necessary to perform the activity competently, including understanding the structure, features and risks of each security they recommend to a client (also referred to as know-your-product or KYP). The requirement to understand the structure, features and risks of each security recommended to a client is a proficiency requirement. This requirement is in addition to the suitability obligation in section 13.3 and applies even where there is an exemption from the suitability obligation such as, for example, the exemption in subsection 13.3(4) in respect of permitted clients. CCOs must also not perform an activity that requires registration unless they have the education, training and experience that a reasonable person would consider necessary to perform the activity competently. CCOs must have a good understanding of the regulatory requirements applicable to the firm and individuals acting on its behalf. CCOs must also have. In the case of CCOs, this includes the knowledge and ability to design and implement an effective compliance system.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 19 Registered individuals should update their knowledge and training to keep pace with new securities, services and developments in the industry that are relevant to their business. Firms are required to provide training on compliance with securities legislation to their registered individuals. Responsibility of the firm The responsibility of registered firms to oversee the compliance of registered individuals acting on their behalf extends to ensuring that they are proficient at all times. A registered firm must not permit an individual it sponsorsthey sponsor to perform an activity if the proficiency requirements are not met. Firms should perform their own analysis of all securities they recommend to clients and provide product training to ensure their registered representatives have a sufficient understanding of the securities and their risks to meet their suitability obligations under section 13.3. Similarly, registered individuals should have a thorough understanding of a security before they recommend it to a client (also referred to as know-your-product or KYP).
3.11. Portfolio manager – advising representative
3.12. Portfolio manager – associate advising representative
The 12 months of relevant investment management experience referred to in
section 3.11 and 24 months of relevant investment management experience referred to
in section 3.12 do not have to be consecutive, or with the same firm or organization. For individuals with a CFA charter, the regulator will decide on a case-by-case basis whether the experience they gained to earn the charter qualifies as relevant investment management experience. Relevant investment management experience The relevant investment management experience requirement is in addition to the specific course or designation requirements for each category of registration. We will assess whether an individual has acquired relevant investment management experience on a case-by-case basis. This section describes factors we may consider in assessing certain types of experience. Relevant investment management experience under sections 3.11 and 3.12 may vary according to the level of specialization of the individual. It may include:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 20 Advising representatives An advising representative may have discretionary authority over investments of others. Accordingly, this category of registration involves the most onerous proficiency requirements. We expect an individual who seeks registration as an advising representative to demonstrate a high quality of experience that is clearly relevant to discretionary portfolio management. This section sets out specific examples of experience that may satisfy the relevant investment management experience requirement for advising representatives. (a) Discretionary portfolio management We may consider experience performing discretionary portfolio management in a professional capacity to be sufficient to meet the relevant investment management experience requirement for registration as an advising representative. Such experience may include working at:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 21 Associate advising representatives This category may be appropriate for individuals who meet the minimum education and experience requirements in section 3.12 but do not meet the more onerous requirements for registration as an advising representative under section 3.11. In evaluating the experience required to obtain registration as an associate advising representative, we take into account that the advice provided by an associate advising representative must be approved by an advising representative in accordance with
section 4.2. Experience gained as an associate advising representative does not
automatically qualify an individual to be registered as an advising representative. We will assess on a case-by-case basis whether such experience meets the more stringent quality of experience required for registration as an advising representative. This section sets out specific examples of experience that may satisfy the relevant investment management experience requirement for associate advising representatives. (a) Client relationship management We may consider client relationship management experience with a registered portfolio manager firm to be sufficient to meet the relevant investment management experience requirement for registration as an associate advising representative where the applicant has assisted portfolio managers in tailoring strategies for specific clients. This may include experience assisting the portfolio managers in assessing suitability, creating investment policy statements, determining asset allocation, monitoring client portfolios and performing research and analysis on the economy or asset classes generally. We recognize that many individuals who perform client relationship management services may not provide specific advice and therefore may not trigger the registration requirement. For example, some client services representatives conduct activities such as marketing the services of the firm by providing general information about the registrant firm and its services that do not include a strategy tailored to any specific client. While some client service representatives may accompany advising representatives or associate advising representatives to meetings with clients and provide assistance with marketing and client development activities, without registration they may not themselves develop an investment policy statement for the client, provide specific information such as recommending a particular model portfolio for the client or explain the implications of discretionary portfolio decisions that were made by the client’s advising representative. (b) Corporate finance We may consider corporate finance experience involving valuing and analysing securities for initial public offerings, debt and equity financings, takeover bids and mergers to be sufficient to meet the relevant investment management experience requirement for registration as an associate advising representative where this
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 22 experience demonstrates an ability in, and understanding of, portfolio analysis or portfolio securities selection. Some types of experience remain highly case-specific While the quality and nature of the experience discussed above may differ from individual to individual and we assess experience on a case-by-case basis, there are some types of experience that are even more highly case-specific. This section sets out specific examples of case specific experience that may satisfy the relevant investment management experience requirement for advising representatives and associate advising representatives. (a) IIROC registered representatives Some registered representatives may offer a broad range of products involving security-specific research and analysis of their own, in addition to meeting with clients to review and discuss know-your-client and investment suitability. We may consider this to be sufficient experience to meet the relevant investment management experience requirement for registration as an advising representative. Other registered representatives may sell mostly or exclusively a limited number of model portfolios or “portfolio solutions” to clients based on their investment objectives, risk profile or other factors unique to the individual client. We may consider this sufficient experience to meet the relevant investment management experience requirement for registration as an associate advising representative. However, where an individual is restricted to the sale of mutual funds, we may not consider such experience to be sufficient to meet the relevant investment management experience requirement for registration as an advising representative or associate advising representative. (b) Consultants Consulting services relating to portfolio manager selection and monitoring may be highly specific to the individual or firm providing the services and may vary greatly among consultants in the sophistication of research and analysis and specificity of advice. Some may be responsible for hiring and ongoing monitoring of advisers or subadvisers, while others may simply provide a desired asset allocation and list of recommended advisers based on the investment objectives of the client. We would generally expect to see a very high degree of sophistication and specificity in the analysis provided by the consultant and a high degree of investor reliance on the consultant in order for the individual to meet the relevant investment management experience requirement for registration as an advising representative. Research and analysis to review and monitor the performance of registered portfolio managers, and referring clients for discretionary money management based on that review and monitoring, may meet the relevant investment management experience requirement for registration as an associate advising representative. We would
not expect that general financial planning advice and referrals to portfolio managers alone
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 23 would meet the threshold for relevant investment management experience required for registration as an advising representative or associate advising representative. In some situations, the activities submitted as relevant investment management experience involve or may involve providing specific advice to clients and therefore may require registration. We also recognize that many individuals who provide portfolio manager selection and monitoring do not provide specific advice and therefore may not trigger the registration requirement. We may consider the following factors in determining whether a consultant is required to register:
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PART 4 RESTRICTIONS ON REGISTERED INDIVIDUALS
4.1. Restriction on acting for another registered firm
We will consider exemption applications on a case-by-case basis. When reviewing a registered firm’s application for relief from this restriction, we will consider if:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 27 There is no renewal requirement for registration. A registered individual may carry on the activities for which they are registered until their registration is:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 30 If an individual wants to terminate their registration in their principal jurisdiction, Form 33-109F1 must be filed by the individual's sponsoring firm. Once Form 33-109F1 is filed, the individual's termination of registration will be reflected in all jurisdictions.
PART 7 CATEGORIES OF REGISTRATION FOR FIRMS
The categories of registration for firms have 2 main purposes:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 31 issuer, if the distribution is being made under an exemption from the prospectus requirement. An exempt market dealer may not act as a dealer or underwriter in a distribution that is being made under a prospectus (a prospectus distribution). The investment dealer category or, in the case of a mutual fund prospectus distribution, the mutual fund dealer category, are the appropriate dealer registration categories for prospectus distributions. This distinction is explained further below. Trades that are distributions Under subparagraph 7.1(2)(d)(i), exempt market dealers are permitted to trade in securities if the trade is a distribution made under a prospectus exemption. This includes trading in securities of investment funds and reporting issuers provided the securities are distributed under an exemption from the prospectus requirement. For example, where a reporting issuer is making a prospectus offering through an investment dealer, an exempt market dealer may participate in a private placement of securities of the same class, if those securities are actually distributed by the reporting issuer under a prospectus exemption. Certain form and fee requirements may apply to the private placement of securities under exemptions from the prospectus requirement. Permitted activities under subparagraph 7.1(2)(d)(i) also include participating in a resale of securities, where the resale is deemed to be a distribution under Regulation 45-102 respecting Resale of Securities (chapter V-1.1, r. 20) (Regulation 45-102). For example, if a reporting issuer makes a private placement of common shares to an accredited investor in reliance on the accredited investor exemption in Regulation 45-106, the shares will generally be subject to a 4-month restricted period. If the accredited investor wishes to resell the shares to another accredited investor within the 4-month restricted period, the resale will be deemed to be a distribution under Regulation 45-102. An exempt market dealer may participate in this resale if made in reliance on a prospectus exemption. However, once the 4-month restricted period has expired, and the shares become freely trading, an exempt market dealer may not participate in the resale if common shares of the issuer are listed, quoted or traded on a marketplace, whether the transaction is on-exchange or offexchange, due to the restriction in subparagraph 7.1(2)(d)(ii). Secondary trading in listed securities should be conducted through an investment dealer in accordance with the rules and requirements applicable to investment dealers. Trades that are not distributions Exempt market dealers are permitted to participate in a resale of securities, if all the conditions in subparagraph 7.1(2)(d)(ii) are met. These include that a prospectus exemption would have been available to the seller if the trade were a distribution and the
class of securities is not listed, quoted or traded on a domestic or foreign marketplace. In determining whether a prospectus exemption is available for the purposes of subparagraph 7.1(2)(d)(ii), it is necessary to consider the terms of the prospectus exemption. For example, if the terms of the exemption provide that the
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 32 exemption is only available to an issuer, it is not available for the resale of securities (e.g., offering memorandum exemption). In short, exempt market dealers are permitted to:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 33 The regulator will impose terms and conditions on a restricted portfolio manager’s registration that limit the manager’s activities. For example, a restricted portfolio manager might be limited to advising in respect of a specific sector, such as securities of oil and gas issuers.
7.3. Investment fund manager category
Investment fund managers direct the business, operations or affairs of an investment fund. They organize the fund and are responsible for its management and administration. If an entity is uncertain about whether it must register as an investment fund manager, it should consider whether the fund is an “investment fund” for the purposes of securities legislation. See section 1.2 of the Policy Statement to Regulation 81-106 for guidance on the general nature of investment funds. For additional guidance on the investment fund manager registration requirement in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon see Multilateral Policy 31-202 Registration Requirement for Investment Fund Managers. Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Québec have adopted Regulation 32-102 respecting Registration Exemptions for Non-Resident Investment Fund Managers (chapter V-1.1, r. 10.1) and Policy Statement to Regulation 32-102 respecting Registration Exemptions for Non-Resident Investment Fund Managers (Decision 2012-PDG-0160, 2012-08-08), which provide limited exemptions from, and guidance on, the investment fund manager registration requirement for non-resident investment fund managers. An investment fund manager may:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 34 An investment fund manager may delegate or outsource certain functions to service providers. However, the investment fund manager is responsible for these functions and must supervise the service provider. See Part 11 of this Policy Statement for more guidance on outsourcing. Investment fund complexes or groups with more than one investment fund manager Determining whether investment fund registration is necessary involves applying a functional test that examines the activities being carried out to determine whether an entity is directing the business, operations or affairs of an investment fund. Typically an investment fund has only one investment fund manager. However, there may be limited circumstances where investment fund complexes or groups may have more than one entity within the fund complex that is acting as an investment fund manager. Although the investment fund manager functions are often delegated to one entity within the fund complex, there may be more than one entity in the group subject to investment fund manager registration, absent an exemption from registration. We will consider exemption applications on a case-by-case basis to allow only one investment fund manager within the fund complex to be registered in appropriate circumstances.
PART 8 EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO REGISTER
Regulation 31-103 provides several exemptions from the registration requirement. There may be additional exemptions in securities legislation. If a firm is exempt from registration, the individuals acting on its behalf are also exempt from registration. A person cannot rely on the exemptions in Divisions 1, 2 and 3 of this Part in a local jurisdiction if the person is registered to conduct the activities covered by the exemption in that jurisdiction. We expect registrants to conduct activities within a jurisdiction under their category of registration, in full compliance with securities legislation, including the requirements of Regulation 31-103. Division 1 Exemptions from dealer and underwriter registration We provide no specific guidance for the following exemptions because there is guidance on them in the Policy Statement to Regulation 45-106:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 36 exemption in section 8.6, a registered adviser does not have to register as a dealer for a trade in a security of an investment fund if:
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8.19. Self-directed registered education savings plan
We consider the creation of a self-directed registered education savings plan, as defined in section 8.19, to be a trade in a security, whether or not the assets held in the plan are securities. This is because the definition of “security” in securities legislation of most jurisdictions includes “any document constituting evidence of an interest in a scholarship or educational plan or trust”.
Section 8.19 provides an exemption from the dealer registration requirement for
the trade when the plan is created but only under the conditions described in subsection 8.19(2).
8.22.1. Short-term debt
This exemption allows specified financial institutions to trade short-term debt instruments with permitted clients, without having to register. The exemption is available in all jurisdictions of Canada, except Ontario. In Ontario, there are alternate exemptions that may be available for trading in short-term debt instruments, including the exemptions in section 35.1 of the Securities Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. S. 5) and section 4.1 of the Ontario Securities Commission Rule 45-501 Ontario Prospectus and Registration Exemptions. Division 2 Exemptions from adviser registration
8.24. IIROC members with discretionary authority
Section 8.24 contains an exemption from the requirement to register as an
adviser for registered dealers that are members of IIROC and their dealing representatives. The exemption is available when they act as an adviser in respect of a client’s managed account. The term “managed account” is defined in section 1.1 of Regulation 31-103. This exemption is available for all managed accounts, including where the client is a pooled fund or investment fund.
8.25. Advising generally
Section 8.25 contains an exemption from the requirement to register as an
adviser if the advice is not tailored to the needs of the recipient. In general, we would not consider advice about specific securities to be tailored to the needs of the recipient if it:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 39 of aggregate consolidated gross revenue derived in Canada does not include the gross revenue of affiliates that are registered in a jurisdiction of Canada. An international adviser is not required to monitor Canadian revenue on an ongoing basis. Eligibility for the exemption is assessed with reference to revenues as of the end of the adviser’s last financial year. The 10% threshold in paragraph 8.26(4)(d) is determined by looking back at the revenue of the firm and its affiliates “during its most recently completed financial year”. Notice requirement If a firm is relying on the exemption in more than one jurisdiction, it must provide an initial notice by filing a Form 31-103F2 with the regulator in each jurisdiction where it relies on the exemption. If there is any change to the information in the firm’s Form 31-103F2, it must update it by filing a replacement Form 31-103F2 with them. So long as the firm continues to rely on the exemption, it must file an annual notice with each regulator. Subsection 8.26(5) does not prescribe a form of annual notice. An email or letter will therefore be acceptable. In Ontario, compliance with the filing and fee payment requirements applicable to an unregistered exempt international firm under Ontario Securities Commission Rule 13-502 Fees satisfies the annual notification requirement in subsection (5).
8.26.1. International sub-adviser
This exemption permits a foreign sub-adviser to provide advice to certain registrants, without having to register as an adviser in Canada. In these arrangements, the registrant is the foreign sub-adviser’s client, and it receives the advice, either for its own benefit or for the benefit of its clients. One of the conditions of this exemption is that the registrant has entered into an agreement with its client that it is responsible for losses that arise out of certain failures by the sub-adviser. We expect that a registrant taking on this liability will conduct appropriate initial and ongoing due diligence on the sub-adviser and ensure the investments are suitable for the registrant’s client. We also expect that the registrant will maintain records of the due diligence conducted. See Part 11 of this Policy Statement for more guidance. Division 4 Mobility exemption – firms
8.30. Client mobility exemption – firms
The mobility exemption in section 8.30 allows registered firms to continue dealing with and advising clients who move to another jurisdiction, without registering in that other jurisdiction. Section 2.2 contains a similar exemption for registered individuals.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 40 The exemption becomes available when the client (not the registrant) moves to another jurisdiction. A registered firm may deal with up to 10 “eligible” clients in each other jurisdiction. Each of the client, their spouse and any children are an eligible client. A firm may only rely on the exemption if:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 41 Sections 9.3 and 9.4 contain exemptions from certain requirements for investment dealers that are IIROC members, for mutual fund dealers that are MFDA members and in Québec, for mutual fund dealers to the extent equivalent requirements are applicable under the regulations in Québec. However, if an SRO member is registered in another category, these sections do not exempt them from their obligations as a registrant in that category. For example, if a firm is registered as an investment fund manager and as an investment dealer with IIROC, section 9.3 does not exempt them from their obligations as an investment fund manager under Regulation 31-103. However SRO members that are registered in multiple categories may use the forms prescribed by the SROs, on certain conditions. See sections 12.1, 12.12 and 12.14 for requirements on calculating working capital and the delivery of working capital calculations for SRO members that are registered in multiple categories. We expect registered firms that are members of IIROC or the MFDA to comply with the by-laws, rules, regulations and policies of IIROC or the MFDA, as applicable (SRO provisions). These firms cannot rely on the exemptions in Part 9 unless they are complying with the corresponding SRO provisions specified in Regulation 31-103. We regard compliance with IIROC or MFDA procedures, interpretations, notices, bulletins and practices as relevant to compliance with the applicable SRO provisions. For these purposes, a firm that has an exemption from an SRO provision and complies with the terms of that exemption would be considered to have complied with that SRO provision. Subsection 9.4(1.3) provides that mutual fund dealers registered in that category in Québec that are MFDA members are exempt from section 12.12 relating to the delivery of financial information, as well as sections 14.5.2 to 14.6.2 relating to the custody of assets, to the extent the registered firm complies with relevant MFDA requirements, as applicable.
PART 10 SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION – FIRMS
The requirements for surrendering registration and additional requirements for suspending and revoking registration are found in the securities legislation of each jurisdiction. The guidance for Part 10 relates to requirements under both securities legislation and Regulation 31-103. There is no renewal requirement for registration but firms must pay fees every year to maintain their registration and the registration of individuals acting on their behalf. A registered firm may carry on the activities for which it is registered until its registration is:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 43 fitness of the firm or any of its registered individuals. For example, this may be the case if a firm or one or more of its registered or permitted individuals is charged with a crime, in particular fraud or theft. Reinstatement “Reinstatement” means that a suspension on a registration has been lifted. Once reinstated, a firm may resume carrying on the activity it is registered for. Division 2 Revoking a firm’s registration Revocation
10.5. Revocation of a suspended registration – firm
10.6. Exception for firms involved in a hearing or proceeding
Under sections 10.5 and 10.6, if a firm’s registration has been suspended under
Part 10 and has not been reinstated, it is revoked on the second anniversary of the
suspension, except if a hearing or proceeding concerning the suspended registrant has commenced. In this case the registration remains suspended. “Revocation” means that the regulator has terminated the firm’s registration. A firm whose registration has been revoked must submit a new application if it wants to be registered again. Surrender A firm may apply to surrender its registration in one or more categories at any time. There is no prescribed form for an application to surrender. A firm should file an application to surrender registration with its principal regulator. If Ontario is a nonprincipal jurisdiction, it should also file the application with the regulator in Ontario. See the Policy Statement to Regulation 11-102 respecting Passport System (Decision 2012- PDG-0038, 2012-03-01) for more details on filing an application to surrender. Before the regulator accepts a firm’s application to surrender registration, the firm must provide the regulator with evidence that the firm’s clients have been dealt with appropriately. This evidence does not have to be provided when a registered individual applies to surrender registration. This is because the sponsoring firm will continue to be responsible for meeting obligations to clients who may have been served by the individual. The regulator does not have to accept a firm’s application to surrender its registration. Instead, the regulator can act in the public interest by suspending, or imposing terms and conditions on, the firm’s registration.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 44 When considering a registered firm’s application to surrender its registration, the regulator typically considers the firm’s actions, the completeness of the application and the supporting documentation. The firm’s actions The regulator may consider whether the firm:
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PART 11 INTERNAL CONTROLS AND SYSTEMS
General business practices – outsourcing
Registered firms are responsible and accountable for all functions that they outsource to a service provider. Firms should have a written, legally binding contract that includes the expectations of the parties to the outsourcing arrangement. Registered firms should follow prudent business practices and conduct a due diligence analysis of prospective third-party service providers. This includes third-party service providers that are affiliates of the firm. Due diligence should include an assessment of the service provider’s reputation, financial stability, relevant internal controls and ability to deliver the services. Firms should also:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 47 NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Addition (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18)
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 49 Specific elements More specific elements of an effective compliance system include:
(a) Visible commitment
Senior management and the board of directors or partners should demonstrate a visible commitment to compliance. (b) Sufficient resources and training The firm should have sufficient resources to operate an effective compliance system. Qualified individuals (including anyone acting as an alternate during absences) should have the responsibility and authority to monitor the firm’s compliance, identify any instances of non-compliance and take supervisory action to correct them. The firm should provide training to ensure that everyone at the firm understands the standards of conduct and their role in the compliance system, including ongoing communication and training on changes in regulatory requirements or the firm’s policies and procedures. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendments (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) (b) Sufficient resources and training The firm should have sufficient resources to operate an effective compliance system. Qualified individuals (including anyone acting as an alternate during absences) should have the responsibility and authority to monitor the firm’s compliance, identify any instances of non-compliance and take supervisory action to correct them. The firm should provide training to ensure that everyone at the firm understands the standards of conduct and their role in the compliance system, including ongoing communication and training on changes in regulatory requirements or the firm’s policies and procedures. (c) Detailed policies and procedures The firm should have detailed written policies and procedures that:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 51 NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Addition (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) Firm’s obligation to provide compliance training Under subsection 11.1(2), firms must provide compliance training. We expect firms to implement, maintain and document their compliance training program to ensure that everyone at the firm understands the standards of conduct when dealing with clients, and understands their role in the compliance system. In particular, registered individuals should be trained in relation to their conflicts of interest, know your client, know your product and suitability determination obligations. We expect the firm to provide examples of:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 52 Outsourcing of training Although a firm may outsource elements of its training program, the firm remains responsible for demonstrating that its registered individuals have been trained on the firm’s policies and procedures.
11.2. Designating an ultimate designated person
Under subsection 11.2(1), registered firms must designate an individual to be the UDP. Firms should ensure that the individual understands and is able to perform the obligations of a UDP under section 5.1. The UDP must be:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 54 clearance, such as trades on exchanges, alternative trading systems, over-the-counter markets, debt markets, and distributions and trades in the prospectus-exempt market. Examples of these records are:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 56 These records include:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 57 The level of detail expected in records relating to conflicts We expect firms to use their professional judgement when deciding how much detail to provide when maintaining records that demonstrate compliance with conflicts obligations. As the materiality of a conflict increases, there should be greater detail in the records maintained to demonstrate compliance. For example, we expect to see more detailed records for material conflicts related to sales practices, compensation arrangements, incentive practices, referral arrangements, the use of proprietary products and services, and product-shelf development conflicts. If the materiality of a particular conflict of interest is relatively low, the registered firm may record that conflict in a more general way, such as by category or type of conflict as opposed to recording each instance of such a conflict and how the firm has addressed this conflict in each instance. For example, subject to compliance with applicable securities legislation or SRO rules, if a firm has established a code of conduct or policy that limits the receipt of gifts or promotional items from third parties then, depending on the circumstances, it may be sufficient for that firm to record the details of its policy and the related procedures and controls, and how violations of that policy are addressed. Referral arrangements (a) Documenting referral arrangements Registered firms must document all referral arrangements between the registered firm, its registered individuals, and another person, as well as all fees paid or received by the registered firm or its registered individuals pursuant to such arrangements. We expect that the registered firm will also document its due diligence analysis of the parties to which it is referring clients in compliance with section 13.9. (b) Monitoring and supervising all referral arrangements As noted under Part 13, Division 3, and as part of a registered firm’s responsibility under subsection 11.1(1), registered firms have a responsibility to monitor and supervise all of their referral arrangements to ensure that they comply with the requirements of Regulation 31-103 and other applicable securities laws and continue to comply for so long as the arrangement remains in place. This includes monitoring and supervising on an ongoing basis their own conduct and that of their registered representatives in connection with these referral arrangements, as well as taking reasonable steps to satisfy themselves that the other parties to the referral arrangements (from which they are receiving referral fees or to which they are paying referral fees) are also complying with their obligations under the referral arrangements. We expect this to include maintaining any necessary registrations and, where parties are not registered, complying with any limitations on their activities in connection
with the referral arrangements. Registered firms must document their oversight of all such referral arrangements.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 58 (c) Demonstrating how material conflicts of interest resulting from referral arrangements are addressed As part of its obligations under paragraph 11.5(2)(p), the registered firm must demonstrate how it has addressed or plans to address, conflicts related to referral arrangements in the client’s best interest, and why the registered firm has determined that the specific referral is in the client’s best interest. Paragraph 13.8(b) also requires firms to record all referral fees. Our expectations for records of referral fees are discussed in the guidance below relating to section 13.8. Sales practices, compensation arrangements and incentive practices As part of a firm’s obligations under paragraph 11.5(2)(q) we expect registered firms to document, where applicable:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 59 titles and designations designed to avoid confusion or misleading existing and prospective clients, including more vulnerable and less sophisticated investors. These policies and procedures should include guidance on what titles and designations may be used and describe any restrictions or prohibitions related to them, including the requirement for pre-approval of registered individuals’ use of titles and designations. The registered firm should clearly communicate these policies and procedures to their registered individuals and enforce them accordingly. Internal controls The records required under paragraphs 11.5(2)(d), (e), (f), (j) and (o) are records firms must maintain to support the internal controls and supervision components of their compliance system. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendment (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) The records required under paragraphs 11.5(2)(d), (e), (f), (j), and (o), (p) and (q) are records firms must maintain to support the internal controls and supervision components of their compliance system.
11.6. Form, accessibility and retention of records
Third party access to records
Paragraph 11.6(1)(b) requires registered firms to keep their records in a safe location. This includes ensuring that no one has unauthorized access to information, particularly confidential client information. Registered firms should be particularly vigilant if they maintain books and records in a location that may be accessible by a third party. In this case, the firm should have a confidentiality agreement with the third party. Division 3 Certain business transactions
11.8. Tied selling
Section 11.8 prohibits an individual or firm from engaging in abusive sales
practices such as selling a security on the condition that the client purchase another product or service from the registrant or one of its affiliates. These types of practices are known as “tied selling”. In our view, this section would be contravened if, for example, a financial institution agreed to lend money to a client only if the client acquired securities of mutual funds sponsored by the financial institution. However, section 11.8 is not intended to prohibit relationship pricing or other beneficial selling arrangements similar to relationship pricing. Relationship pricing refers to the practice of industry participants offering financial incentives or advantages to certain clients.
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11.9. Registrant acquiring a registered firm’s securities or assets
Notice requirement
Under section 11.9, registrants must give the regulator notice if they propose to acquire an ownership interest in voting securities (or securities convertible into voting securities) or assets of another registered firm or the parent of another registered firm. This notice must be delivered to the principal regulator of the registrant proposing to make the acquisition and to the principal regulator of the registered firm they propose to acquire, if that firm is registered in Canada. If the principal regulator of both firms is the same, only one notice is required. Registrants acquiring securities or assets of another registered firm for a client in nominee name do not need to provide notice under section 11.9. For purposes of this
section, a substantial part of the assets of the registered firm would include a registered
firm’s book of business, a business line or a division of the firm, among other things. This notice gives the regulator an opportunity to consider ownership issues that may affect a firm’s fitness for registration. Filing of the notice with the principal regulator It is intended that the notice filed with the principal regulator(s) will be shared with other regulators with an interest in the proposed acquisition. Therefore, although only the principal regulator(s) will receive a notice, other jurisdictions may object to the proposed acquisition under subsections 11.9(4) and 11.9(5). The registrant will have an opportunity to be heard in any jurisdiction that has objected to the proposed acquisition. It is our intent, however, to coordinate the review of these notices and any decisions to object to these proposed acquisitions. Subsection 11.9(4) does not apply in British Columbia. However, the regulator in British Columbia may exercise discretion under section 36 or 161 of the BC Securities Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 418) (BCSA) to impose conditions, restrictions or requirements on the registrant’s registration or to suspend or revoke the registration if it decides that an acquisition would affect the registrant’s fitness for registration or be prejudicial to the public interest. In these circumstances, the registrant would be entitled to an opportunity to be heard, except if the regulator issues a temporary order under section 161 of the BCSA. Content of the notice When preparing the notice under section 11.9, registrants should consider including the following information to help the regulator assess the proposed transaction:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 62 Filing of the notice with the principal regulator It is intended that the notice filed with the principal regulator(s) will be shared with other regulators with an interest in the proposed acquisition. Therefore, although only the principal regulator(s) will receive a notice, other jurisdictions may object to the proposed acquisition under subsections 11.10(5) and 11.10(6). The registered firm will have an opportunity to be heard in any jurisdiction that has objected to the proposed acquisition. It is our intent, however, to coordinate the review of these notices and any decisions to object to these proposed acquisitions. Application for registration We expect any individual or firm that acquires assets of a registered firm and is not already a registrant will have to apply for registration. We will assess their fitness for registration when they apply. Subsection 11.10(5) does not apply in British Columbia. However, the regulator in British Columbia may exercise discretion under section 36 or 161 of the BCSA to impose conditions, restrictions or requirements on the registrant’s registration or to suspend or revoke the registration if it decides that an acquisition would affect the registrant’s fitness for registration or be prejudicial to the public interest. In these circumstances, the registrant would be entitled to an opportunity to be heard, except if the regulator issues a temporary order under section 161 of the BCSA. Content of the notice Refer to the guidance in section 11.9.
PART 12 FINANCIAL CONDITION
Division 1 Working capital
12.1. Capital requirements
Frequency of working capital calculations
Section 12.1 requires registered firms to notify the regulator as soon as possible
if their excess working capital is less than zero.
Registered firms should know their working capital position at all times. This may require a firm to calculate its working capital every day. The frequency of working capital calculations depends on many factors, including the size of the firm, the nature of its business and the stability of the components of its working capital. For example, it may be sufficient for a sole proprietor firm with a dedicated and stable source of working capital to do the calculation on a monthly basis.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 63 Form 31-103F1 Calculation of excess working capital Application of Regulation 52-107 Acceptable Accounting Principles and Auditing Standards Form 31-103F1 Calculation of Excess Working Capital (Form 31-103F1) must be prepared using the accounting principles used to prepare financial statements in accordance with Regulation 52-107 respecting Acceptable Accounting Principles and Auditing Standards (chapter V-1.1, r. 25) (Regulation 52-107). Refer to section 12.10 of this Policy Statement and Policy Statement to Regulation 52-107 respecting Acceptable Accounting Principles and Auditing Standards (Decision 2010-PDG-0217, 2010-11-22) (Policy Statement 52-107) for further guidance on audited financial statements. IIROC and MFDA member firms that are also registered in another category IIROC and MFDA member firms that are also registered in a category that does not require SRO membership must still comply with the financial filing requirements in
Part 12, even if they are relying on the exemptions in sections 9.3 and 9.4. Provided
certain conditions are met, SRO members that are registered in other categories may be permitted to calculate their working capital in accordance with the SRO forms and file the SRO forms instead of Form 31-103F1. For example, if the SRO firm is also an investment fund manager, it will need to report any net asset value (NAV) adjustments quarterly in order to comply with the investment fund manager requirements, notwithstanding that its SRO has no such requirements. However, they may be permitted to calculate their working capital in accordance with the SRO forms and file the SRO forms instead of Form 31-103F1. See sections 12.1, 12.12 and 12.14 for the requirements on delivery of working capital calculations for SRO members that are registered in multiple categories. Working capital requirements are not cumulative The working capital requirements for registered firms set out in section 12.1 are not cumulative. If a firm is registered in more than one category, it must meet the highest capital requirement of its categories of registration, except for those investment fund managers who are also registered as portfolio managers and meet the requirements of the exemption in section 8.6. These investment fund managers need only meet the lower capital requirement for portfolio managers. If a registrant becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy The regulator will review the circumstances of a registrant’s insolvency or bankruptcy on a case-by-case basis. If the regulator has concerns, it may impose terms and conditions on the registrant’s registration, such as close supervision and delivering progress reports to the regulator, or it may suspend the registrant’s registration.
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12.2. Subordination agreement
Non-current related party debt must be deducted from a firm’s working capital on Form 31-103F1, unless the firm and the lender have executed a subordination agreement in the form set out in Appendix B of Regulation 31-103 and delivered a copy of that agreement to the regulator. A portion of the non-current loan becoming current would not impact the original subordination agreement; the firm would have to notify the regulator if the firm repays the loan or any part of the non-current portion of the loan. However, the current portion of the originally-intended non-current subordinated loan would have to be included in Line 4 of Form 31-103F1, and could not be included in Line 5 of Form 31-103F1. This may not be the total amount of the original loan as set out in the subordination agreement, and as such the amount in the subordination agreement would not agree to Line 5 of Form 31-103F1. Related party debt due on demand or repayable by the firm at any time, including pursuant to a revolving line of credit, is an example of a current liability. These types of liabilities are not eligible to be subordinated for the purposes of calculating excess working capital. The amount of current related party debt must be included in line 4 – Current liabilities of Form 31-103F1. Firms must deliver subordination agreements to the regulator on the earlier of 10 days after the execution of the agreement or the date on which the firm excludes the amount of the related party debt from its excess working capital calculation. A firm may not exclude the amount until the subordination agreement is executed and delivered to the regulator. The firm’s obligations under section 12.2 to notify the regulator 10 days before it repays the loan or terminates the subordination agreement apply regardless of the terms of any loan agreement. Firms should ensure the terms of their loan agreements do not conflict with their regulatory requirements. If a subordinated related party debt is being increased and the incremental increase is to be subordinated, the subordination agreement submitted to the regulator should only report the incremental increase. Firms should not report the full balance of the related party debt, as noted on the statement of financial position, on the new subordination agreement unless the previous subordination agreement is terminated and notification of this termination is made in accordance with section 12.2. In conjunction with the submission of a new subordination agreement, the regulator may request that the firm provide a schedule detailing the total outstanding subordinated debt. The regulator may request that additional documentation be provided in conjunction with the firm’s notice of repayment of a subordinated debt in order to assess whether the firm will have sufficient excess working capital following the repayment. This may include updated interim financial information and a completed Form 31-103F1.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 65 At the time the firm submits a notice of repayment, the firm should provide an updated schedule to the regulator, detailing the total outstanding subordinated debt following the repayment. Division 2 Insurance Insurance coverage limits Registrants must maintain bonding or insurance that provides for a “double aggregate limit” or a “full reinstatement of coverage” (also known as “no aggregate limit”). The insurance provisions state that the registered firm must “maintain” bonding or insurance in the amounts specified. We do not expect that the calculation would differ materially from day to day. If there is a material change in a firm’s circumstances, it should consider the potential impact on its ability to meet its insurance requirements. Most insurers offer aggregate limit policies that contain limits based on a single loss and on the number or value of losses that occur during the coverage period. Double aggregate limit policies have a specified limit for each claim. The total amount that may be claimed during the coverage period is twice that limit. For example, if an adviser maintains a financial institution bond of $50,000 for each clause with a double aggregate limit, the adviser’s coverage is $50,000 for any one claim and $100,000 for all claims during the coverage period. Full reinstatement of coverage policies and no aggregate limit policies have a specified limit for each claim but no limit on the number of claims or losses during the coverage period. For example, if an adviser maintains a financial institution bond of $50,000 for each clause with a full reinstatement of coverage provision, the adviser’s maximum coverage is $50,000 for any one claim, but there is no limit on the total amount that can be claimed under the bond during the coverage period. Insurance requirements are not cumulative Insurance requirements are not cumulative. For example, a firm registered in the categories of portfolio manager and investment fund manager need only maintain insurance coverage for the higher of the amounts required for each registration category. Despite being registered as both a portfolio manager and an investment fund manager, when calculating the investment fund manager insurance requirement under subsection 12.5(2), an investment fund manager should only include the total assets under management of its own investment funds. It is only with respect to its own funds that the registrant is acting as an investment fund manager.
12.4. Insurance – adviser
The insurance requirements for advisers depend in part on whether the adviser holds or has access to client assets.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 66 An adviser will be considered to hold or have access to client assets if they do any of the following:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 67 and its subsidiaries or affiliates. Firms should ensure that the claims of other entities covered under a global insurance policy do not affect the limits or coverage applicable to the firm. Division 4 Financial reporting
12.10. Annual financial statements
12.11. Interim financial information
Accounting Principles
Registrants are required to deliver annual financial statements and interim financial information that comply with Regulation 52-107. Depending on the financial year, a registrant will look to different parts of Regulation 52-107 to determine which accounting principles and auditing standards apply:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 68 12.14.Delivering financial information – investment fund manager NAV errors and adjustments
Section 12.14 requires investment fund managers to periodically deliver to the
regulator, among other things, a completed Form 31-103F4 Net Asset Value Adjustments if any NAV adjustment has been made. A NAV adjustment is necessary when there has been a material error and the NAV per unit does not accurately reflect the actual NAV per unit at the time of computation. Some examples of the causes of NAV errors are:
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section 13.2. Complying with the KYC obligation can help ensure that trades are
completed in accordance with securities laws.
KYC information forms the basis for determining whether trades in securities are suitable for investors. This helps protect the client, the registrant and the integrity of the capital markets. The KYC obligation requires registrants to take reasonable steps to obtain and periodically update information about their clients. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendment (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) Registrants act as gatekeepers of the integrity of the capital markets. They should not, by act or omission, facilitate conduct that brings the market into disrepute. As part of their gatekeeper role, registrants are required to establish the identity of, and conduct due diligence on, their clients under the know your client (or KYC) obligation in
section 13.2. Complying with the KYC obligation can help ensure that trades are
completed in accordance with securities laws.
KYC information is essentialforms the basis for determining whether trades in securities are suitable for investors. This helps suitability, in order to protect the client, the registrant and the integrity of the capital markets. The KYC obligation requires registrants to take reasonable steps to obtain and periodically update information about their clients. The KYC process is an ongoing one which does not end after the initial KYC analysis is complete. Establishing the identity and reputation of the client Clients that are individuals Registrants must collect information to establish the identity of the clients that are individuals. Registrants must take reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy of the information they collect in order to form a reasonable belief that they know the identity of an individual. Verifying a client’s reputation Paragraph 13.2(2)(a) requires registrants to make inquiries if they have cause for concern about a client’s reputation. The registrant must make all reasonable inquiries necessary to resolve the concern. This includes making a reasonable effort to determine, for example, the nature of the client’s business or the identity of beneficial owners where the client is a corporation, partnership or trust. See subsection 13.2(3) for additional guidance on identifying clients that are corporations, partnerships or trusts. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendment (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) Paragraph 13.2(2)(a) requires registrants to make inquiries if they have cause for concern about a client’s reputation. The registrant must and to make all reasonable
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 70 inquiries necessary to resolve the concern. This includes making a reasonable effort to determine, for example, the nature of the client’s business or the identity of beneficial owners where the client is a corporation, partnership or trust. See subsection 13.2(3) for additional guidance on identifying clients that are corporations, partnerships or trusts. Identifying insiders Under paragraph 13.2(2)(b), a registrant must take reasonable steps to establish whether the client is an insider of a reporting issuer or any other issuer whose securities are publicly traded. We consider “reasonable steps” to include explaining to the client what an insider is and what it means for securities to be publicly traded. For purposes of this paragraph, “reporting issuer” has the meaning given to it in securities legislation and “other issuer” means any issuer whose securities are traded in any public market. This includes domestic, foreign, exchange-listed and over-thecounter markets. This definition does not include issuers whose securities have been distributed through a private placement and are not freely tradeable. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendment (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) For purposes of this paragraph, “reporting issuer” has the meaning given to it in securities legislation and “other issuer” means any issuer whose securities are traded in any public market. This includes domestic, foreign, exchange-listed and over-thecounter markets. This definition, but does not include issuers whose securities have been distributed through a private placement and are not freely tradeable. A registrant need not ascertain whether the client is an insider if the only securities traded for the client are mutual fund securities and scholarship plan securities referred to in paragraphs 7.1(2)(b) and (c). However, we encourage firms, when selling highly concentrated pooled funds, to enquire as to whether a client is an insider of the issuer of any securities held by the fund, notwithstanding the exemption provided in subsection 13.2(7). In addition, we remind registrants that they remain subject to the requirement in paragraph 13.2(2)(b) when they trade any other securities than those listed in paragraphs 7.1(2)(b) and (c). This exemption does not change an insider’s reporting and conduct responsibilities. Clients that are corporations, partnerships or trusts Subsection 13.2(3) requires registrants to establish the identity of any person who owns or controls 25% or more of the shares of a client that is a corporation or exercises control over the affairs of a client that is a partnership or trust. We remind registrants that this is in addition to the requirement in paragraph 13.2(2)(a) which requires registrants to make inquiries if they have cause for concern about a client’s
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 71 reputation. If a registrant has cause for concern about a particular client that is a corporation, partnership or trust, they may need to identify all beneficial owners of such entity. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Addition (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) KYC for conducting a suitability determination We expect a registrant’s KYC process to result in it having sufficient understanding of its clients to be able to discharge its suitability obligations under
section 13.3. See below for a discussion of the extent to which the depth of KYC
enquiries may vary depending on the relationship with the client and the securities and services offered by the registrant. We stress that KYC information must not be made to correspond or match with a security, account or portfolio or otherwise be manipulated to lead to a pre-determined outcome. Registrants should take the opportunity on the initial KYC collection to explain the client’s role in keeping KYC information current with the registrant. Some clients may be reluctant to provide relevant KYC information or may delay responding to update requests. The refusal of a client to provide or update all of the information requested by a registrant does not automatically prevent the registrant from servicing the client. A registrant should use professional judgment to consider whether it has collected enough information and whether the information remains sufficiently current. Meaningful interaction with the client regardless of tools or technology The process of collecting and updating a client’s KYC information must amount to a meaningful interaction between the client and the registrant. Although standardized questionnaires or other tools may be used to facilitate the collection of KYC information and to document that information, the registrant remains responsible for the KYC process. The KYC obligation does not vary depending on the medium through which a registrant interacts with its client to gather the necessary information. KYC obligations cannot be delegated Responsibilities arising from the KYC obligation cannot be delegated. A registrant may not rely on a third party, such as a referral agent, for KYC information. Providing assistance to clients While some of the information collected can be readily obtained from the client, other elements may require explanation and further discussion with the client. For example, clients may need assistance in articulating their investment needs and objectives. Clients may also provide instructions that are unclear or give inconsistent responses to KYC questions. In these situations, the registrant should make further enquiries of the client. We expect particular care to be exercised by registrants concerning less sophisticated clients and those who may be vulnerable due to
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 72 considerations such as age or disability. The registrant should not simply assume that the client will understand KYC questions and technical terms used in related discussions or interactions. KYC questions and client communications should be in plain language and supported with explanations of what each question or item relates to and what relevant terms and expressions mean. Tailoring the KYC process Although paragraph 13.2(2)(c) sets out a prescribed list of factors that a registrant must take into consideration in order to obtain sufficient KYC information, the depth of the enquiries that a registrant must make with regard to a client will vary. A registrant should tailor its KYC process to reflect its business model, including the nature of its relationships with clients and the securities and services it offers to them. For example, extensive KYC information will be required if the registrant offers an ongoing and fully-customized service or is a portfolio manager with discretionary authority for a client with relatively complex financial circumstances. Less extensive enquiries may be sufficient where a registrant offers model portfolios made up of investment funds to clients with relatively simple financial circumstances. Where the securities being sold to a client are illiquid or highly risky, more information on a client’s financial circumstances, including investments held elsewhere, may need to be gathered by the registrant to sufficiently support a suitability determination. KYC information to support use of prospectus exemptions Registrants should develop a KYC process that provides for the collection of sufficient information about the client to allow the registrant to determine if the client meets the requirements of a prospectus exemption that is proposed to be relied on. Client’s personal circumstances Subparagraph 13.2(2)(c)(i) requires the registrant to ensure that it has sufficient information about the client’s personal circumstances. For individuals, this includes:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 73 For non-individuals, this includes:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 74 Registrants should take reasonable steps to obtain a breakdown of financial assets, including deposits and type of securities such as mutual funds, listed securities and exempt securities. We also expect a registrant to take reasonable steps to determine a client’s net worth, which includes all types of assets and liabilities. In some cases, a registrant may need to enquire about investments the client holds outside of the registrant to have a better understanding of a client’s financial circumstances to sufficiently support its suitability determination. This information may be particularly important to a registrant’s ability to assess whether an investment might lead a client to become over-concentrated in a security or sector.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 75 Client’s investment knowledge Subparagraph 13.2(2)(c)(iv) requires the registrant to ensure that it has sufficient information about the client’s investment knowledge. This includes the client’s understanding of financial markets, the relative risk and limitations of various types of investments, and how the level of risk taken affects potential returns. This information also plays a role in the registrant’s assessment of the client’s risk profile under subparagraph 13.2(2)(c)(v). We expect registrants to inquire about a client’s level of awareness and previous experiences with finances and investments. Some registrants may use self-assessment questionnaires for this purpose. Registrants should always make further inquiries if the information provided by a client appears to be inconsistent with their apparent level of investment knowledge. For example, a client may indicate that they have limited investment knowledge and experience, while also indicating a willingness to accept a high level of risk. Client’s risk profile Determination of the client’s risk profile Subparagraph 13.2(2)(c)(v) requires the registrant to have sufficient information about the client’s risk profile. Establishing a client’s risk profile involves understanding the client’s willingness to accept risk, sometimes referred to as risk tolerance, and their ability to endure potential financial loss, sometimes referred to as risk capacity. Risk tolerance and risk capacity are separate considerations that together make up the client’s overall risk profile. Registrants should have in place a process for assessing a client’s risk profile that includes:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 76 loss. The risk profile for a client should reflect the lower of (a) the client’s willingness to accept risk and (b) the client’s ability to endure potential financial loss. The process for developing a client’s risk profile should be supportable and reliable. Tools such as questionnaires should be designed to arrive at a meaningful risk profile for the client. The questions and answers that are used to establish the level of risk a client is willing and able to accept should be documented. The questions should be fair, clear and not misleading. A client’s risk profile should not be manipulated to justify recommending higher-risk products, for example, by only having a single category for risk tolerance. Clients should not be influenced by a representative as to the way they respond to questions related to their risk tolerance or risk capacity. Resolving conflicts between a client’s expectations and risk profile A client’s expectations for returns in line with their investment needs and objectives may conflict with the level of risk that they are willing and able to accept on their account. A desire to meet unrealistic expectations may lead such clients to ask the registrant to invest in higher-risk products that are unsuitable for them. A detailed discussion of the relationship between risk and return may be necessary to reconcile such conflicts and establish more realistic expectations. Registrants should not override the risk a client is willing and able to accept on the basis that the client’s expectations for returns cannot otherwise be met given the risk profile associated with their KYC responses. The registrant should identify any mismatches between the client’s investment needs and objectives, risk tolerance and capacity for loss. The questions at the source of this conflict should be revisited with the client. If a client’s goals or return objectives cannot be achieved without taking greater risk than they are able or willing to accept, alternatives should be clearly explained such as saving more, spending less or retiring later. Where after discussion, it is determined that the client does not have the capacity or tolerance to sustain the potential losses and volatility associated with a higher risk portfolio, the registrant should explain to the client that their need or expectation for a higher return cannot realistically be met, and as a result, the higher risk portfolio is unsuitable. The interaction with the client and end results should be properly documented. Client’s investment time horizon Subparagraph 13.2(2)(c)(vi) requires the registrant to ascertain the client’s investment time horizon. When a client identifies their investment time horizon, the registrant has the responsibility to assess its feasibility and reasonableness relative to the client’s liquidity needs, age, investment objectives, risk profile,
and other particular circumstances. The length of the client’s investment time horizon impacts the types of investments that may be suitable for the client. Investors with a longer investment time horizon may have a greater degree of flexibility when building a portfolio, whereas a
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 77 short investment time horizon may mean that conservative investments may be the only suitable option. Client’s confirmation Under section 13.2(3.1), the registrant must take reasonable steps to obtain the client’s confirmation of the accuracy of the information collected under subsection 13.2(2), including any significant changes to the client’s information. This confirmation may be evidenced by obtaining the client’s signature (handwritten, electronic or digital signature) or, alternatively, by maintaining notes in the client file detailing the client’s instructions to change the information. It should also be verified by providing written confirmation to the client with details of the instructions for change and providing an opportunity for the client to correct any changes that have been made. A registrant should consider implementing additional controls to evidence any change in client name, address or banking information since these changes may bring about an increased potential for fraud. Controls could include obtaining the client’s handwritten, electronic or digital signature. We expect registrants to record the date on which information is collected under subsection 13.2(2) and updated under subsections 13.2(4) or 13.2(4.1). The books and records required to be maintained under section 11.5 should include maintaining evidence of a client’s confirmation of the accuracy of their KYC information. Keeping KYC information current Under subsection 13.2(4), registrants are required to make reasonable efforts to keep their clients’ KYC information current. We consider information to be current if it is sufficiently up-to-date to support a suitability determination. For example, a portfolio manager with discretionary authority should update its clients’ KYC information frequently. A dealer that only occasionally recommends trades to a client should ensure that the client’s KYC information is up-todate at the time a proposed trade or recommendation is made. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendment (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) Under subsection 13.2(4), registrants are required to make reasonable efforts to keep their clients’ KYC information current. We consider information to be current if it is sufficiently up-to-date to support a suitability determination. For example, a portfolio manager with discretionary authority should update its clients’ KYC information frequently. A dealer that only occasionally recommends trades to a client should ensure that the client’s KYC information is up-todate at the time a proposed trade or recommendation is made. At a minimum, registrants must review KYC information collected under subsection 13.2(2)(c) at the frequency set out in subsection 13.2(4.1). If an exempt market dealer is also registered in another dealer registration category, we expect KYC information
collected under
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 78 subsection 13.2(2)(c) to have been reviewed within the last 12 months prior to recommending or trading in an exempt security. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Addition (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) Registrants should review and refresh the KYC information on record for a client after having a meaningful and documented interaction with the client. Registrants are not expected to re-collect all of the client’s information, at every review, or in all circumstances of a potential change. There may be situations in which a more fulsome inquiry process (including re-collection of all of a client’s KYC information) might be required, depending on how long it has been since all of the client’s KYC information has been updated. We expect registrants to be proactive in determining that KYC information is current and, at a minimum, to periodically confirm with clients that the information they have on file remains current. Significant change to client information We expect registrants to make reasonable enquiries to determine if there has been a significant change to a client’s KYC information. For purposes of section 13.2, a “significant change” to a client’s information includes changes to their risk profile, investment time horizon or investment needs and objectives, as well as any other change that would reasonably be expected to have a significant impact on the net worth or income of the client. A significant change to the client’s KYC information may result in the information no longer being sufficient to enable the registrant to meet its suitability determination obligations. In those circumstances, registrants should consider restricting activities in the client’s account to liquidating trades, transfers or disbursements.
13.2.1 Know Your Product
General obligations of registrants
Section 13.2.1 sets out know your product (or KYP) requirements for both firms
and individuals. Registrants must have an understanding of the securities that are purchased and sold for, or recommended to, their clients, obtained through a robust KYP process, in order to make the suitability determination that is required by
section 13.3.
Making securities available to clients
Registered firms must ensure that KYP obligations are met in respect of securities they make available to clients. A registered firm makes a security available to clients by:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 80 Securities of related and connected issuers Registrants are not relieved of their KYP obligations in respect of securities of related and connected issuers. Where a firm offers securities of related and connected issuers as well as other securities, we expect that the securities of related and connected issuers will be subject to the same KYP process as those of other issuers. We remind registrants of the requirements in Part 13, Division 2 and their obligation to address conflicts in the best interest of their clients, including those that arise as a result of making securities of related and connected issuers available to clients. KYP process for firms To comply with subsection 13.2.1(1), firms should establish a KYP process to ensure that securities that they are considering making available to clients are assessed and approved, and that they are monitored on an ongoing basis for significant changes once they are made available to clients. The KYP process put in place by the firm may vary depending on the business model of the firm, the types of securities offered, the proficiency of its registered individuals, and the nature of the relationships that the firm and its registered individuals have with clients. For example, in the case of portfolio managers that permit their registered advising representatives to choose from the universe of securities rather than from a shelf or product list, the process put in place by the firm may reflect that the individual advising representatives are responsible for carrying out the assessment of those securities on behalf of the firm. Where a firm maintains a shelf or product list, the firm’s process may reflect that it is the responsibility of the firm to carry out the assessment of the securities included on that shelf or product list. In addition, the extent of the assessment, approval and monitoring processes required may vary depending on the structure, features and risks of securities being considered or made available by the firm. Firms may tailor their processes to the types of securities being considered and the complexity and risks of those securities, and their policies and procedures should set out the different levels of assessment, approval and monitoring for different types of securities, as appropriate. A security by security process will not be required in all circumstances. For example, a firm’s KYP process for less complex and risky types of securities may be less extensive than the process for more complex and risky types of securities, such as those that are novel, not transparent in structure, or involve leverage, options or other derivatives. Securities sold under a prospectus exemption may require a more extensive review and approval process because of the limited disclosure available about them and the less liquid nature of the securities. KYP requirements for
registered individuals To comply with subsection 13.2.1(2), registered individuals must take reasonable steps to understand securities purchased or sold for, or recommended to, clients, including the structure, features and risks of the securities as well as the initial and
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 81 ongoing costs of the securities and the impact of those costs. Securities that are more complex or risky may require a more detailed consideration by registered individuals. An understanding of all securities that registered individuals purchase or sell for, or recommend to, clients is necessary in order for registered individuals to make the suitability determination that is required by section 13.3. We also expect registered individuals to have, based on their proficiency, a general understanding of the types of securities that are available through the registered firm for the registered individuals to purchase or sell for, or recommend to, clients. This is required in order for the registered individuals to meet their obligations under subsection 13.3(1), including the requirement to consider a reasonable range of alternatives as part of making a suitability determination for a client. We expect that firms will provide their registered individuals with access to the information gathered about securities that have been assessed and approved to be made available to clients, to assist the registered individuals in complying with their KYP obligations. We expect that firms will provide their registered individuals with any necessary training and tools, for example, as well as take any other steps necessary to assist their registered individuals complying with their KYP obligations. Under subsection 13.2.1(3), registered individuals must not purchase securities for or recommend securities to clients unless those securities have been approved by the firm to be made available to clients. However, the fact that a security is “approved” by the firm is not enough to discharge a registered individual’s obligation to take reasonable steps to understand the security being purchased or sold for, or recommended to, a client by the registered individual. Elements to be considered in the assessment of securities The following elements should be considered when assessing securities (although, as noted above, the depth of the inquiry on each element may vary depending, for example, on the types of securities and the complexity and risks of those securities):
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 83 individuals from a firm’s senior management, compliance or risk management areas, as appropriate. It is up to the firm to determine the appropriate approval process for the types of securities that it makes available to clients and the appropriate controls to have on its registered individuals to ensure that those individuals purchase or recommend only securities that have been approved to be made available to clients. Any necessary restrictions or controls, compliance or other system modification, or training programs should be put in place before the security is made available to clients. Monitoring securities made available to clients A firm’s KYP process should include an appropriate process for monitoring for significant changes to securities that have been approved by the firm and continue to be made available to clients. As noted above, what constitutes an appropriate monitoring process may vary depending on the type or complexity of the security, as well as on the business model of the firm, the proficiency of its registered individuals, and the nature of the relationships that the firm and its registered individuals have with clients. It is the responsibility of the firm to determine how and at what frequency the monitoring will take place. Where there are significant changes to securities that the firm has approved and continues to make available to clients, firms should consider revisiting their approval of or restrictions or controls on the securities as appropriate, and firms and their registered individuals should also consider whether or not the change would require new suitability determinations for clients holding that security where appropriate, as required under subsection 13.3(2)(b). We remind registrants of the requirement under section 13.3 for periodic suitability determinations in connection with clients’ accounts and the securities within those accounts. At these times, we expect that registrants will also consider whether there have been any changes to the securities, or any significant changes to the business environment or market conditions that would affect the risks or other aspects of the securities. A firm should also consider whether its process in respect of specific securities requires monitoring for significant changes to the business environment or market conditions that would affect the risks or other aspects of the securities.
13.3. Suitability
Suitability obligation
Subsection 13.3(1) requires registrants to take reasonable steps to ensure that a proposed trade is suitable for a client before making a recommendation or accepting instructions from the client. To meet this suitability obligation, registrants should have in-
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 84 depth knowledge of all securities that they buy and sell for, or recommend to, their clients. This is often referred to as the “know your product” or KYP obligation. Registrants should know each security well enough to understand and explain to their clients the security’s risks, key features, and initial and ongoing costs and fees. Having the registered firm’s approval for representatives to sell a product does not mean that the product will be suitable for all clients. Individual registrants must still determine the suitability of each transaction for every client. Registrants should also be aware of, and act in compliance with, the terms of any exemption being relied on for the trade or distribution of the security. In all cases, we expect registrants to be able to demonstrate a process for making suitability determinations that are appropriate in the circumstances. Suitability obligations cannot be delegated Registrants may not:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 86 NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Replacement Section 13.3 (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18)
13.3 Suitability determination
Scope of the suitability determination
General principles
(a) Meaning of “suitability determination”
“Suitability determination” refers to a determination made by a registrant that satisfies the criteria in paragraphs 13.3(1)(a) and (b). The obligation to make a suitability determination is a fundamental obligation owed by registered firms and registered individuals to their clients and is critical to ensuring investor protection. It is a cornerstone of the registration regime and an extension of the duty to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith which registered firms and their registered individuals owe to their clients. However, meeting the criteria for a suitability determination does not imply a guarantee of any particular client outcome. (b) Meeting prior KYC and KYP obligations Suitability cannot be determined without having first complied with the KYC and KYP obligations. We expect registrants to gather sufficient information through the KYC process to support a suitability determination. For example, while a client’s risk profile is an essential element of the client’s KYC information, using the risk rating of a security as the only input in determining its suitability for a client is not in itself sufficient to meet the requirements in subsection 13.3(1). Registrants must also understand all securities that are purchased and sold for, or recommended to, their clients to support a suitability determination. (c) Meaning of “investment action” An “investment action” includes opening an account for a client, purchasing, selling, depositing, exchanging or transferring securities for a client’s account, and taking any other investment action for a client, or making a recommendation or decision to take any such action. An investment action for a client also includes a recommendation or decision to continue to hold securities, which may be the case, for example, upon a review of a client’s account and the securities in the client’s account under subsection 13.3(2). (d) Transfers in and other circumstances We recognize that in some cases, such as when securities are transferred in from another registrant, it may not be possible for registrants to complete the suitability determination required in advance of opening an account for the client. In these circumstances, we expect the registrant to:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 88 The suitability determination of the account type should be made prior to the opening of the account, subject to the exception noted above where securities are transferred in from another registrant and it is not possible to complete the suitability determination of the account type in advance of opening an account for the client. In this case, we expect the registrant to complete the suitability determination of the account type within a reasonable time period after the account is opened. (d) Periodic reviews of client’s account The suitability determination criteria set out in paragraphs 13.3(1)(a) and (b) also apply to:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 89 Suitability determination cannot be delegated Registrants may not delegate their obligations under section 13.3 to an unregistered individual, such as an administrative assistant or a referral agent or a registrant at another firm. Factors for determining suitability Specific factors are indicated Paragraph 13.3(1)(a) indicates specific factors upon which a registrant must base its suitability determination. However, we recognize that, depending on the circumstances, such as the securities and services offered by the firm and the client’s particular circumstances, the factors in paragraph 13.3(1)(a) may not be equally applicable to every suitability determination. In these situations, we expect registrants to use their professional judgement to determine the weight to put on each of the specific factors in paragraph 13.3(1)(a) and, overall, to put the client’s interest first when making a suitability determination. Concentration and liquidity in a client’s account Over-concentration in any one security, sector or industry can have a significant impact on the risk and liquidity in a client’s account. Depending on the circumstances, such as the securities and services offered by the firm and the client’s particular circumstances, we expect registrants to determine appropriate concentration and liquidity thresholds for their clients and to have processes in place to calculate, monitor and manage concentration in a client’s account. Registrants should consider a number of factors when determining the appropriate concentration and liquidity, for example, the type of security, market conditions, and redemption or other liquidity restrictions. Generally, the higher the concentration in a particular type of security, sector or industry, the more steps the registrant should take, and appropriately document, to demonstrate that the investment was suitable for the client. For example, registrants should assess whether the client’s investments are over-concentrated in:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 90 Potential and actual impact of costs Cost as referred to in subparagraph 13.3(1)(a)(iv) is interpreted broadly and includes all direct and indirect costs, fees, commissions and charges, including trailing commissions and any other kind of direct and indirect registrant compensation which may be associated with a client purchasing, selling, holding or exchanging a security, or a registrant making a decision for a client’s managed account. Costs can have a significant impact on a client’s return over time. Registrants must assess the relative costs of the options available to clients at the firm when making a suitability determination, as well as the impact of those costs. This includes assessing the impact on the client’s overall return of any compensation paid, directly or indirectly, to the registrant, whether by the client, a registered individual’s sponsoring firm, or a third party. Registered individuals must put their client’s interest first when selecting from multiple suitable options available to the client, and must document the reasonable basis for their suitability determinations. Consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives Registrants have an obligation to consider a reasonable range of alternative recommendations or decisions available to the registered individual through the registered firm when making a suitability determination. What constitutes a reasonable range of alternative recommendations or decisions for a client will depend upon the circumstances, including the securities and services offered to the client, the degree of skill and proficiency of the registered individual, and the client’s particular circumstances. For example, where a firm offers only a limited range of model portfolios, we would not expect the representative to conduct an in-depth consideration of alternatives if it is clear that only a limited number of options, or a single option, would be suitable for the client. Reassessing suitability A suitability determination is required upon the occurrence of an event in subsection 13.3(2), including upon the required periodic review of client’s information in accordance with subsections 13.2(4) or (4.1), when the registrant becomes aware of the change. We expect the suitability determination to take place in a timely manner, and the determination of a reasonable time period will depend on the nature of the event itself and the circumstances surrounding the event. The extent of the requirement to make a new suitability determination in respect of the client’s account and the securities within the account is dependent on the particular circumstances, such as what type of event triggered the obligation to reassess suitability, the relationship between the client and the registrant and the services and securities offered, and the types of the securities within the account. For example:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 92 Exemptions for certain types of clients There are exemptions from the requirement to make suitability determinations:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 94 sufficiently mitigating the effect of the conflict, the firm must avoid that conflict until it has implemented controls sufficient to address the conflict in the best interest of the client. Registered firms must avoid a conflict if that is the only reasonable response in the circumstances that is consistent with the obligation to address conflicts in the best interest of clients. Registered firms must avoid such conflicts even if this means foregoing an otherwise attractive business opportunity or type of compensation for the firm or its registered individuals. Examples of conflicts of interest and controls The first step for registered firms to address material conflicts in the best interest of clients is to promote a tone from the top, set by the firm’s board of directors (or equivalent), UDP and senior management, that emphasizes the importance of integrity when dealing with clients. Registered firms could consider the following practices when determining how to address material conflicts in the best interest of clients:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 95 Conflicts arising from proprietary products It is an inherent conflict of interest for a registered firm to trade in, or recommend, proprietary products and this conflict is, in our experience, almost always a material conflict of interest. Firms that do so must be able to demonstrate that they are addressing this conflict in the best interest of their clients. Registered firms who trade in, or recommend, proprietary products in addition to non-proprietary products could consider the following examples of controls when determining how to address such conflicts in the best interest of their clients:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 96 securities where appropriate, and turning away any potential clients who do not fit the profile for that product
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 97 interests and the services provided to clients. Registrants should in particular take the following factors into account:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 99 In firms where dealing or advising representatives also take on compliance roles, this conflict may be practically unavoidable. In such circumstances, we expect registered firms to address this conflict in the best interest of clients by implementing policies and procedures sufficient to mitigate the risk to clients’ interests and to closely monitor for compliance with these policies and procedures. Conflicts in fee-based accounts In our experience, there is almost always a material conflict of interest if a client is in a fee-based account and that account holds securities with embedded commissions. In all cases where there is a material conflict of interest, it must be addressed in the best interests of the client. Registrants should also evaluate on an ongoing basis whether a fee-based compensation arrangement is in the best interest of the client, given the client’s circumstances, investment needs and objectives, and the level of account activity. Registrants offering fee-based accounts should have controls in place to confirm that clients are receiving services consistent with the terms of the account or agreement with their clients. Addressing conflicts between clients We recognize that there can be competing interests among clients, and that a registrant may have difficulty trying to address these conflicts in the best interest of all their clients simultaneously. Addressing such conflicts in the best interest of clients means that the conflict must be addressed fairly and transparently between the clients. Firms should have internal systems to evaluate and document the balancing of competing client interests. Conflicts related to referral arrangements Paid referral arrangements are inherent conflicts of interest which, in our experience, are almost always material conflicts of interest, and must be addressed in the best interest of the client. Before a registrant refers a client, in exchange for a referral fee, to another party, the registrant must determine that making the referral is in the client’s best interest. In making that determination, we expect registrants to consider the benefits to the client of making the particular referral over alternatives or at all. In making a referral, registered firms and individuals must be guided only by the client’s interests. We therefore expect that a registrant will not make a client referral to a party solely because of the referral fee that they will receive from that party, or because the amount or duration of the referral fee that they will receive from that party may be greater than the amount or duration of the referral fee that they would receive from a competitor to that party. If a client pays more for the same, or substantially similar, products or services as a result of a referral arrangement, we would not consider the inherent conflict of interest to have been
addressed in the best interest of the client. This is also consistent with a registrant’s obligation to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with its clients.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 100 See sections 11.5 and 13.8 of this Policy Statement for guidance on books and records obligations relating to referral arrangements and the specific obligations relating to these arrangements. Purchasing assets from a client outside the normal course of business The purchase of an asset from a client outside the normal course of a registrant’s business may create a material conflict of interest that we expect registrants to avoid unless the registrant can clearly demonstrate that the purchase is in the client’s best interest. Full control or authority over the financial affairs of a client Having full control or authority over the financial affairs of a client who is an individual (for example, through a power of attorney), or acting as an executor for a client’s estate, is an inherent conflict of interest for a registered individual. In our experience, this is almost always a material conflict of interest. We expect registered firms to have policies and procedures in place to ensure that these conflicts are identified and are either avoided or otherwise addressed in the client’s best interest. Individuals who serve on a board of directors (a) Board of directors of another registered firm Under section 4.1, a registered individual must not act as a director of another registered firm that is not an affiliate of the individual’s sponsoring firm. (b) Board of directors of non-registered persons
Section 4.1 does not apply to registered individuals who act as directors of
unregistered firms. However, material conflicts of interest can arise when a registered individual serves on a board of directors. Examples include conflicting fiduciary duties owed to the company and to a registered firm or client, possible receipt of inside information and conflicting demands on the representative’s time. Conflicts of interest are further exacerbated when a registered individual acts as a director, officer, shareholder, owner or partner of an issuer whose securities the registered individual also recommends to clients. In such situations the responsibility to the firm and the registered individual to address the conflicts of interest is heightened due to the severity of the risk to the client. The regulator will take into account the potential conflicts of interest that may arise when an individual serves on a board of directors when assessing that individual’s application for registration or continuing fitness for registration.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 101 (c) Board of directors of reporting issuers A representative of a registrant acting as a director of or adviser to a reporting issuer raises concerns with respect to conflicts of interest, particularly in relation to issues of insider information, trading and timely disclosure. All registrants should be conscious of their responsibilities in these situations and weigh the burden of dealing in an ethical manner with the conflicts of interest against the advantages of acting as a director of a reporting issuer. Directors of a reporting issuer have an obligation not to reveal any confidential information about the issuer until there is full public disclosure of the information, particularly when the information might have a bearing on the market price or value of the securities of the issuer. Any director of a reporting issuer who is a partner, director, officer, employee or agent of a registrant should recognize that the director's first responsibility with respect to confidential information is to the reporting issuer. A director should meticulously avoid any disclosure of inside information to partners, directors, officers, employees or agents of the registrant or to its clients. If a partner, director, officer, employee or agent of a registrant is not a director but is acting in an advisory capacity to a reporting issuer and discussing confidential matters, the same care should be taken as if that person were a director. Should the matter require consultation with other personnel of the registrant, adequate measures should be taken to guard the confidential nature. Individuals who have outside business activities Conflicts can arise when registered individuals are involved in outside business activities, for example, because of the compensation they receive for these activities or because of the nature of the relationship between the individual and the outside entity. Before approving any of these activities, registered firms should consider potential conflicts of interest. If the firm cannot properly control a potential conflict of interest, it should not permit the outside activity. Registrants must disclose all outside business activities in Form 33-109F4 (or Form 33-109F5 for changes in outside business activities after registration). Required disclosure includes the following, whether the registrant receives compensation or not:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 104 sufficient consent for the purposes of paragraph 13.4.1(5)(b), unless the firm chooses to require its representatives to obtain express consent before proceeding with the particular activity. However, if the registered firm considers that the conflict must be avoided, the registered individual is prohibited from proceeding with the activity in question. Prior to a firm giving its consent to an individual to proceed with an activity, the firm should put necessary controls in place. However, the registered firm’s consent does not automatically mean that the registered individual has satisfied their obligation to address the conflict in the best interest of their client. Registered individuals and their sponsoring firms each have a distinct obligation to address material conflicts in the best interest of the client. Conflicts disclosure Disclosing conflicts of interest Under subsections 13.4(4), (5) and (6), a registered firm must provide disclosure about conflicts in all cases where prescribed by securities legislation or SRO rules applicable to it. We stress however that disclosure alone is not sufficient to address a material conflict of interest in the best interest of clients. Not only does disclosure sometimes fail to mitigate the risks related to conflicts of interest, but in some instances disclosure of conflicts may aggravate the potential risks to a client’s interests. We expect that clients will use disclosure about material conflicts of interest to help inform their decision when evaluating the registrant’s business practices, conflicts management and overall performance on an ongoing basis. As a result, the disclosure that clients receive is critical to their ability to make an informed decision about how to manage and evaluate their relationship with the registrant. Disclosure regarding material conflicts of interest must therefore be fulsome in content as set out in Regulation 31-103, must be prominent, specific and written in plain language, and must be disclosed at the appropriate time in order to be meaningful to the client. See section 13.10 for guidance on the specific disclosure requirements relating to referral arrangements. When disclosure is appropriate Registered firms should ensure that their clients are adequately informed about material conflicts of interest that may affect the products and services provided to them. Timing of disclosure If a reasonable client would expect to be informed of a material conflict of interest, a registered firm must disclose that conflict during the account opening process. If a conflict was not identified prior to account opening, that conflict must be disclosed, in a timely manner, after it has been identified. These timing requirements are designed to give clients a reasonable amount of time to assess the conflict before making an investment decision.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 105 If a conflict has been identified and it has not yet been disclosed to clients, we would not consider the disclosure “timely” if that disclosure only occurs after a related trade has been completed. Similarly, if there has been a significant change in respect of conflicts disclosure previously provided to a client, the registered firm must notify the client of that significant change, in compliance with subsection 14.2(4). Although subsection 13.4(7) does not require registered firms to remind clients of conflicts disclosure that has already been provided to them, registrants should consider their obligation to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with clients in the case of a transaction that presents a conflict which was disclosed a long time ago. For example, if the registrant provided disclosure of the conflict of interest to the client with the client’s account opening documentation months or years earlier, we expect that a registered representative would also disclose the transaction-related conflict to the client shortly before the transaction or at the time the transaction is recommended. However, there is no requirement in subsection 13.4(7) that such reminders be provided to the client in writing. When disclosure is not appropriate Disclosure may not be appropriate if a conflict of interest involves confidential or commercially sensitive information, or the information amounts to “inside information” under insider trading provisions in securities legislation. In these situations, registered firms will need to assess whether there are other methods to adequately address the conflict of interest. If not, the firm may have to decline to provide the service to avoid the conflict of interest. Registered firms should also have specific procedures for responding to conflicts of interest that involve inside information and for complying with insider trading provisions. How to disclose a conflict of interest Disclosure about a material conflict of interest should not:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 106 Examples of conflicts of interest disclosure (a) Proprietary product disclosure If a registrant is trading in, or recommending, proprietary products, it is an inherent conflict of interest. In our experience, it is almost always a material conflict that a reasonable client would expect to be informed of. The registrant should disclose if they only offer proprietary products or whether they offer a mix of proprietary products and non-proprietary products on their shelf and recommended product list. With respect to the potential impact of this conflict and the risk it could pose to clients’ interests, if the registrant is only offering proprietary products then the registrant should consider making the following disclosure prior to opening an account for the client:
“The suitability determination conducted by the firm and its representatives will not consider the larger market of non-proprietary products or whether those nonproprietary products would be better, worse, or equal in meeting the client’s investment needs and objectives.”. The firm must also disclose how they are addressing this conflict in the best interest of their clients. When providing disclosure about proprietary products, a registered firm may also choose to maintain a list of the related or connected issuers for which it acts as a dealer or adviser. It may make the list available to clients by
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 107 Firms do not have to disclose to clients their relationship with a related or connected issuer that is a mutual fund managed by an affiliate of the firm if the names of the firm and the fund are similar enough that a reasonable person would conclude they are affiliated. (b) Relationships with other issuers Firms should assess whether conflicts of interest may arise in relationships with issuers that do not fall within the definitions of related or connected issuers. Examples include non-corporate issuers such as a trust, partnership or special purpose entity or conduit issuing asset-backed commercial paper. This is especially important if a registered firm or its affiliates are involved in sponsoring, manufacturing, underwriting or distributing these securities. The registered firm should disclose the relationship with these types of issuers if those relationships give rise to a material conflict of interest. (c) Compensation conflicts Prior to entering into a transaction with a client, a registrant must disclose any commissions or other compensation that they will be receiving in respect of the transaction. If a representative’s compensation differs depending on the products or services provided, then this is a material conflict that must be disclosed to clients. With respect to the nature and extent of the conflict, the registrant should disclose a summary of the compensation conflict in plain language. For example, if particular products pay a larger percentage-commission than other products available to the client, the extent of the compensation difference should be explained. Registrants must explain the potential impact of this conflict and the risk it could pose to clients’ interests, including an explanation of the increased risk that the firm’s representatives may be influenced to recommend a product that provides them better compensation, even though another product available at the firm may be just as good, or better, at meeting the client’s investment needs and objectives. The firm must also disclose how it is addressing this conflict in the best interest of its clients.
13.5. Restrictions on certain managed account transactions
Section 13.5 prohibits a registered adviser from engaging in certain transactions
in investment portfolios it manages for clients on a discretionary basis where the relationship may give rise to a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest. The prohibited transactions include trades in securities in which a responsible person or an associate of a responsible person may have an interest or over which they may have influence or control.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 108 Disclosure when responsible person is partner, director or officer of issuer Paragraph 13.5(2)(a) prohibits a registered adviser from purchasing securities of an issuer in which a responsible person or an associate of a responsible person is a partner, officer or director for a client’s managed account. The prohibition applies unless the conflict is disclosed to the client and the client’s written consent is obtained prior to the purchase. If the client is an investment fund, the disclosure should be provided to, and the consent obtained from, each security holder of the investment fund in order for it to be meaningful. This disclosure may be provided in the offering memorandum that is provided to security holders. Like all disclosure about conflicts, it should be prominent, specific, clear and meaningful to the client. Consent may be obtained in the investment management agreement signed by the clients of the adviser that are also security holders of the investment fund. This approach may not be practical for prospectus qualified mutual funds. Investment fund managers and advisers of these funds should also consider the specific exemption from the prohibition under section 6.2 of Regulation 81-107 respecting Independent Review Committee for Investment Funds (chapter V-1.1, r. 43) (Regulation 81-107) for prospectus-qualified investment funds. Restrictions on trades with certain investment portfolios Paragraph 13.5(2)(b) prohibits certain trades, including, for example, those between the managed account of a client and the managed account of:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 109 expected to have policies and procedures that sufficiently mitigate the conflicts of interest inherent in such transactions. Generally, we expect these policies and procedures to ensure that:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 110 Registered firms have a responsibility to monitor and supervise all of their referral arrangements to ensure that they comply with the requirements of Regulation 31-103 and other applicable securities laws and continue to comply for so long as the arrangement remains in place. We expect firms to have in place effective policies and procedures for monitoring and supervising all referral arrangements the firm has entered into. Obligations to clients A client who is referred to an individual or firm becomes the client of that individual or firm for the purposes of the services provided under the referral arrangement. The registrant receiving a referral must meet all of its obligations as a registrant toward its referred clients, including know your client and suitability determinations. The registrant cannot rely on the referring party to discharge any part of these obligations, nor should a registrant knowingly participate in a referral arrangement where the other party is engaged in registerable activity without being appropriately registered or exempt from registration. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendment (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) A client who is referred to an individual or firm becomes the client of that individual or firm for the purposes of the services provided under the referral arrangement. The registrant receiving a referral must meet all of its obligations as a registrant toward its referred clients, including know your client, know your product, and suitability determinations. Registrants involved in referral arrangements should manage any related conflicts of interest in accordance with the applicable provisions of Part 13. For example, if the registered firm is not satisfied that the referral fee is reasonable, it should assess whether an unreasonably high fee may create a conflict that could motivate its representatives to act contrary to their duties toward their clients. The registrant cannot rely on the referring party to discharge any part of these obligations, nor should a registrant knowingly participate in a referral arrangement where the other party is engaged in registerable activity without being appropriately registered or exempt from registration.
13.7. Definitions – referral arrangements
Section 13.7 defines “referral arrangement” in broad terms. Referral arrangement
means an arrangement in which a registrant agrees to provide or receive a referral fee. The definition is not limited to referrals for providing investment products, financial services or services requiring registration. It also includes receiving a referral fee for providing a client name and contact information to an individual or firm.
Section 13.7 also defines “referral fee” in board terms. It includes sharing or
splitting any commission resulting from the purchase or sale of a security. We will examine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a given payment is a referral fee or not.
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13.8. Permitted referral arrangements
Under section 13.8, parties to a referral arrangement are required to set out the terms of the arrangement in a written agreement. This is intended to ensure that each party’s roles and responsibilities are made clear. This includes obligations for registered firms involved in referral arrangements to keep records of referral fees. Payments do not necessarily have to go through a registered firm, but a record of all payments related to a referral arrangement must be kept. This record should include:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 112 referrals, registrants should ensure that the referral does not itself constitute an activity that the registrant is not authorized to engage in under its category of registration. We would consider the referral of a client by a registrant to a registered dealer to constitute trading in securities by the referring registrant for a business purpose if, in the referral:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 114 the complaint is handled or with the outcome, they may request the registrant to forward a copy of the complaint file to the Autorité des marchés financiers. The registrant must forward a copy of the complaint file to the Autorité des marchés financiers, which will examine the complaint. The Autorité des marchés financiers may act as a mediator if it considers it appropriate to do so and the parties agree. 13.15.Handling complaints General duty to document and respond to complaints
Section 13.15 requires registered firms to document complaints, and to
effectively and fairly respond to them. We are of the view that registered firms should document and respond to all complaints received from a client, a former client or a prospective client who has dealt with the registered firm (complainant). Firms are reminded that they are required to maintain records which demonstrate compliance with complaint handling requirements under paragraph 11.5(2)(m). Complaint handling policies An effective complaint system should deal with all formal and informal complaints or disputes in a timely and fair manner. To achieve the objective of handling complaints fairly, the firm’s complaint system should include standards allowing for objective factual investigation and analysis of the matters specific to the complaint. We take the view that registered firms should take a balanced approach to the gathering of facts that objectively considers the interests of
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 115 Responding to complaints Types of complaints All complaints relating to one of the following matters should be responded to by the firm by providing an initial and substantive response, both in writing and within a reasonable time:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 117 A client may escalate an eligible complaint to the independent dispute resolution or mediation service made available by the registered firm in 2 circumstances:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 118 steps to ensure that OBSI will be the independent service that is made available to the client. Except in Québec, we expect that alternative service providers will only be used for purposes of section 13.16 in exceptional circumstances. We would regard it as a serious compliance issue if a firm misrepresented OBSI's services or exerted pressure on a client to refuse OBSI's services. If a client declines to make use of OBSI in respect of a complaint, or if a client abandons a complaint that is under consideration by OBSI, the registered firm is not obligated to provide another service at the firm's expense. A firm is only required to make one dispute resolution or mediation service available at its expense for each complaint. Nothing in section 13.16 affects a client's right to choose to seek other recourse, including through the courts. Registrants that are members of an SRO, including those that are registered in Québec, must also comply with their SRO's requirements with respect to the provision of independent dispute resolution or mediation services. Registrants who do business in other sectors Some registrants are also registered or licensed to do business in other sectors, such as insurance. These registrants should inform their clients of the complaint mechanisms for each sector in which they do business and how to use them. Division 6 Registered sub-advisers
13.17. Exemption from certain requirements for registered sub-advisers
Section 13.17 contains an exemption from certain client related requirements for
registered sub-advisers. These requirements are not necessary because in a subadviser arrangement the sub-adviser’s client is another registrant. We remind registrants that these exemptions do not apply if the client is not a registrant. One of the conditions of this exemption is that the other registrant has entered into an agreement with its client that it is responsible for losses that arise out of certain failures by the subadviser. We expect that a registrant taking on this liability will conduct appropriate initial and ongoing due diligence on the sub-adviser and before making recommendations or investment decisions based on the sub-adviser’s advice, ensure the investment is suitable for the registrant’s client. We also expect that the other registrant and the sub-adviser will maintain records of their transactions and that the other registrant will maintain records of the due diligence conducted on the sub-adviser. See Part 11 of this Policy Statement for more guidance.
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13.18 Misleading communications
Misleading business titles and designations
Section 13.18 prohibits registrants in their client-facing relationships from, among
other things, using titles or designations that could reasonably be expected to deceive or mislead existing and prospective clients. Certain titles can be confusing to the average investor or imply that a registered individual performs a particular function at a firm or has particular expertise. Similarly, titles can give rise to certain client expectations or help to create an unfounded feeling of trust, reassurance or prestige. Registered firms should keep these considerations in mind before authorizing their registered individuals to use specific titles in their client-facing relationships. Particular scrutiny should be given to the use of titles that convey an expertise in seniors’ issues or retirement planning to confirm that any registered individual using such a title is appropriately qualified and competent in that area. When considering whether a designation is misleading, registered firms should consider whether the designation has:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 120 If a registered firm or its registered individuals hold themselves out as being in a fiduciary-like relationship with their clients but the registrants do not actually conduct themselves to the standard of a fiduciary, this could reasonably be expected to deceive or mislead a client as to the nature of the relationship between themselves and their registrant. Titles, designations, awards, or recognitions based on sales activity or revenue generation A registered individual’s sales activity or revenue generation are distinct from their proficiency, experience, and qualifications. If a prestigious sounding title, designation, award, or recognition is tied to a registered individual’s sales activity or revenue generation, this could reasonably be expected to deceive or mislead a client as to the proficiency, experience, or qualifications of that registered individual. For example, if membership in a registered firm’s “President’s Club” is based partly or entirely on a registered individual’s sales activity or revenue generation, the registered individual must not use that recognition or award. Corporate officer titles A registered individual in a client-facing relationship must not use a corporate officer title, such as president or vice-president, unless their sponsoring firm has duly appointed that registered individual to that corporate office pursuant to the corporate law applicable to their sponsoring firm. The use of a corporate officer title is also still subject to the general rule set out under subsection 13.18(1) and firms must consider whether the use of a corporate officer title would be misleading prior to approving their use.
PART 14 HANDLING CLIENT ACCOUNTS – FIRMS
If a client consents, documents required in this Part can be delivered in electronic form. For further guidance, see Policy Statement 11-201. Division 1 Investment fund managers
Section 14.1 sets out the limited application of Part 14 to investment fund
managers. The sections of Part 14 that apply to investment fund managers when performing their investment fund manager activities include section 14.1.1, section 14.55.2, section 14.5.3, section 14.6, section 14.6.1, section 14.6.2, subsection 14.12(5) and section 14.15. An investment fund manager that is also registered as a dealer or adviser (or both) is subject to all relevant sections of Part 14 in respect of that firm’s dealer or adviser activities.
Section 14.1.1 requires investment fund managers to provide information that is
known to them concerning position cost, deferred sales charges and any other charges deducted from the net asset value of the securities, and trailing commissions to dealers and advisers who have clients that own the investment fund manager’s funds. This information must be provided within a reasonable period of time, in order that the
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 121 dealers and advisers may comply with their client reporting obligations. This is a principles-based requirement. An investment fund manager must work with the dealers and advisers who distribute fund products to determine what information they need from the investment fund manager in order to satisfy their client reporting obligations. The information and arrangements for its delivery may vary, reflecting different operating models and information systems. Division 2 Disclosure to clients
14.2. Relationship disclosure information
Registrants should ensure that clients understand who they are dealing with. They should carry on all registerable activities in their full legal or registered trade name. Contracts, confirmation and account statements, among other documents, should contain the registrant’s full legal name. Content of relationship disclosure information Subsection 14.2(1) sets out a general principle that a registered firm must deliver to a client all information that a reasonable investor would consider important about the client’s relationship with the registrant. Firms should bear in mind that although it will very often be sufficient to provide a client with the information prescribed in subsection 14.2(2), that is not an exhaustive list and the over-arching general principle will always apply to a client-registrant relationship. There is no prescribed form for the relationship disclosure information required under section 14.2. A registered firm may provide this information in a single document, or in separate documents, which together give the client the prescribed information. The relationship disclosure information required to be delivered under subsection 14.2(1) is intended to shape and confirm clients’ expectations of the services and products they will receive through the registrant. It is therefore of the greatest importance that it should be should be communicated in a manner consistent with the guidance on client communications under section 1.1 of this Policy Statement. We encourage registrants to avoid the use of technical terms and acronyms when communicating with clients. To satisfy their obligations under section 14.2, registered individuals must spend sufficient time with clients as part of an in-person or telephone meeting, or other method that is consistent with their operations, to adequately explain the information that is delivered to them. We expect a firm to have policies and procedures requiring its registered individuals to demonstrate they have done so. What is considered “sufficient” will depend on the circumstances, including a client’s understanding of the delivered documents. Evidence of compliance with client disclosure requirements at account opening, prior to trades and at other times, can include detailed notes of meetings or discussions with clients, signed client acknowledgements and tape-recorded phone conversations.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 122 Promoting client participation Registered firms should help their clients understand the registrant-client relationship. They should encourage clients to actively participate in the relationship and provide them with clear, relevant and timely information and communications. In particular, registered firms should help and encourage clients to:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 124 Under paragraph 14.2(2)(b.1), a registered firm must provide a general description of any limits on the selection of the products and services the firm will offer to the client, including whether the firm will primarily or exclusively provide proprietary products to the client; whether there are other restrictions on the selection of products or services. A firm may be restricted to specialized offerings because of its registration category (mutual fund dealers and exempt market dealers, for example), or by terms and conditions placed on its registration, as well as by business decisions to limit what it offers to clients based on account type or other considerations. The products or services that a firm offers to a client might also be restricted as a result of regulatory or business restrictions on a registered representative assigned to their account. A registrant’s duty to deal with the client fairly, honestly and in good faith, and its obligation to make suitability determinations that put the client’s interests first, require a firm to tell a client if it does not have products or services that are suitable for them. This determination may depend on the investment goals designated for the client’s account. For example, it may make a difference if the account is the primary retirement savings vehicle for a retail investor, or is a secondary account set up by an accredited investor for speculating in exempt market products. Disclosure of conflicts of interest Under paragraph 14.2(2)(e), a firm must disclose conflicts of interest. Firms should also take note of subsections 13.4(5), (6) and (7) with respect to conflicts of interest disclosure. Disclosure of charges and other compensation Under paragraphs 14.2(2)(f), (g) and (h), registered firms must provide a client with information on the operating and transaction charges they might pay investments and any third-party compensation, such as trailing commissions and issuer commissions including options or warrants, that may be paid to the firm in relation to the client. These requirements have been drafted in broad terms and we expect firms to be careful not to omit or obscure any of the required information. A registered firm’s charges to a client and the compensation it may receive from third parties in respect of the client will vary depending on the type of relationship with the client and the nature of the services and investment products offered. A firm is not expected to provide information on all the types of accounts that it offers and the fees related to these accounts if it is not relevant to the client’s situation. “Operating charge” is defined broadly in section 1.1 and examples include (but are not exclusive to) service charges, administration fees, safekeeping fees, management fees, transfer fees, account closing fees, annual registered plan fees and any other
charges associated with maintaining and using an account that are paid to the registrant. For registered firms that charge an all-in fee for the operation of the account, such as a percentage of assets under management, that fee is the operating charge.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 125 We do not expect firms with an all-in operating charge to provide a breakdown of the items covered by the fee. “Transaction charges” is also defined broadly in section 1.1 and examples include (but are not exclusive to) commissions, transaction fees, switch or change fees, performance fees, short-term trading fees, and sales charges or redemption fees that are paid to the registrant. Although we do not consider “foreign exchange spreads” to be a transaction charge, we encourage firms to include a general notification in trade confirmations and reports on charges and other compensation that the firm may have incurred a gain or loss from a foreign exchange transaction as a best practice. Operating charges and transaction charges include only charges paid to the registered firm by the client. Third-party charges, such as custodian fees that are not paid to the registered firm, are not included in operating charges or transaction charges. Operating and transaction charges include any sales taxes that are paid on the amounts charged to the client. Registrants may wish to inform clients where a charge includes sales tax, or separately disclose the components of the charge. Withholding taxes would not be considered a charge. Registrants should advise clients with managed accounts whether the registrant will receive third-party compensation and, if so, whether the fee paid by the client to the registrant will be affected by this. For example, the management fee paid by a client on the portion of a managed account related to mutual fund holdings may be lower than the overall fee on the rest of the portfolio. Description of content and frequency of client reporting Under paragraph 14.2(2)(i), a registered firm is required to provide a description of the content and frequency of reporting to the client. Reporting to clients includes, as applicable:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 126 KYC information Paragraph 14.2(2)(l) requires registrants to provide their clients with a copy of their KYC information at the time of account opening. We would expect registered firms to also provide a description to the client of the various terms which make up the KYC information, and explain how this information will be used in assessing the client’s financial situation, investment objectives, investment knowledge and risk tolerance in determining investment suitability. NOT IN FORCE – Will be in force on December 31, 2021 Amendment (Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18) Suitability determinations and KYC information Paragraph 14.2(2)(k) requires registered firms to inform their clients of their obligation to make suitability determinations (subject to the exception in subsection 14.2(7)). Paragraph 14.2(2)(l) requires registrantsfirms to provide their clients with a copy of their KYC information. Since firms have an ongoing obligation under subsection 13.2(4.1) to update KYC information, this means that a firm must provide a client with the KYC information it has collected at the time of account opening. We would expect registered firms to also provide a description to the client, and also whenever it has collected updated information. In order that this information will help a client to understand their relationship with the registrant, consistent with the principle in subsection 14.2(1), we expect this disclosure to include a description of the various terms (such as “risk profile” and “investment time horizon”) which make up the KYC information, and explain how this information will be used in assessing the client’s financial situation, investment objectives, investment knowledge and risk tolerance in determining investment suitabilitythat it will be used in making suitability determinations for the client. The obligation in subsection 14.2(1) is ongoing, so if KYC information is updated, it must also be provided to the client. Benchmarks Paragraph 14.2(2)(m) requires registered firms to provide clients with a general explanation of how investment performance benchmarks might be used to assess the performance of a client’s investments and any options available to the client to obtain information about benchmarks from the registered firm. Other than this general discussion, there is no requirement for registered firms to provide benchmark information to clients. Nonetheless, we encourage firms to do so as a best practice. Guidance on the provision of benchmarks is set out in this Policy Statement at the end of the discussion of the content of investment performance reports under section 14.19. Scholarship plan dealers Paragraph 14.2(2)(n) requires an explanation of the important aspects of the scholarship plan that, if not fulfilled, would cause loss to the client. To be complete, this prescribed disclosure could include
any options that would allow the investor to retain
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 127 notional earnings in the event that they do not maintain prescribed payments under the plan and any fees associated with those options. Investment impact of costs and restrictions Paragraph 14.2(2)(o) requires a general explanation of the potential impact of ongoing fees the client may incur and any charges they may pay to the firm, including an explanation of their compounding effect over time. Note that this requirement is with reference to the client’s investment returns, rather than returns specific to any one security. A registrant must therefore explain the potential impacts with reference to a client’s accounts at the firm. Order execution trading Subsections 14.2(7) and (8) provide that only limited relationship disclosure information must be delivered by a dealer whose relationship with a client is limited to executing trades as directed by a registered adviser acting for the client. In a relationship of this kind, each registrant must explain to the client its role and responsibility to the client, and what services and reporting the client can expect of it.
14.2.1. Pre-trade disclosure of charges
For non-managed accounts, section 14.2.1 requires disclosure to a client of charges and fees specific to a transaction prior to the acceptance of a client’s instruction. This disclosure is not required to be in writing. Oral disclosure of charges is sufficient for the purposes of disclosing charges at the time of a transaction. In the case of a client who is a frequent trader, if the firm has good reason to believe applicable “standard” charges or fees are well understood, a brief confirmation that the usual charges will apply would be an acceptable alternative to specifying the actual amount of the charges. Specific charges must be reported in writing on the trade confirmation as required in section 14.12. For a purchase of a security on a deferred sales charge basis, disclosure that a deferred sales charge might be triggered upon the redemption of the security, and the
schedule that would apply if it is sold within the time period that a deferred sales charge
would be applicable, must be presented. The actual amount of the deferred sales charge, if any, would need to be disclosed once the security is redeemed. For the purposes of disclosing trailing commissions and investment fund management fees, the dealing representative may draw attention to the information in the prospectus or the fund facts document if that document is provided at the point of sale. With respect to a transaction involving a debt security, pre-trade disclosure should include a discussion of any commission the registered firm will receive on the trade. This discussion should include both the number of basis points that the charge represents as well as the corresponding dollar amount, or a reasonable estimate of the amount if the actual amount of the charges is not known to the firm at the time.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 128 If a client will be investing in securities of a mutual fund or another vehicle that includes any of the following features, a registrant must briefly explain what they are and how they may affect the investment:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 129 making up the change or switch, as required in section 14.12, with a description of the associated charges.
14.4. When the firm has a relationship with a financial institution
As part of their duty to clients, registrants who have a relationship with a financial institution should ensure that their clients understand which legal entity they are dealing with. In particular, clients may be confused if more than one financial services firm is carrying on business in the same location. Registrants may differentiate themselves through various methods, including signage and disclosure. Division 3 Client assets and investment fund assets
14.5.2. Restriction on self-custody and qualified custodian requirement
Section 14.5.2 specifies situations where registered firms must ensure that any
custodian used to hold the cash or securities of a client or an investment fund is a Canadian custodian. If a registered firm has physical possession of the cash or securities of a client or an investment fund then we expect the registered firm to transfer those cash and securities to a Canadian custodian. If a registered firm has access to the cash or securities of a client or an investment fund then we expect the registered firm to confirm that those cash and securities are being held at a Canadian custodian. If a registered firm directs or arranges which custodian a client or an investment fund will use to hold their cash or securities then we expect the registered firm to direct that client or investment fund to, or arrange a custodial relationship with, a Canadian custodian. For the purposes of section 14.5.2, we expect “cash and securities of an investment fund” to include the cash and securities that comprise the portfolio of an investment fund, as well as cash that may be held by an investment fund manager for investment in, or on the redemption of, securities of the investment fund. Subsection 14.14(7) sets out when a security is considered to be held by a registered firm for a client. We consider the terms “hold” or “held” in this Division to include the situations identified in subsection 14.14(7). Section 12.4 of this Policy Statement provides examples of when holding or having access to client assets may occur. For the purposes of this Division, we expect all registered firms to consider the examples listed in section 12.4 in determining whether they hold or have access to client assets. For the purposes of section 14.5.2, we interpret the phrase “hold or have access” as not including the handling in transit of a client’s cheque made payable to a third party. We recognize that there may be good reasons for a foreign custodian to be used to hold client or investment fund cash or securities, including where:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 131 Certain investment instruments may be both securities and derivatives. Accordingly, the custodial requirements in this Division apply to these instruments, subject to:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 133 Reconciliation with custodians Registered firms are expected to reconcile, on a regular basis, their internal records of client assets or investment fund assets and the records of the custodian where client or investment fund assets are held. Custodial arrangements For investment fund managers Investment fund managers should exercise due skill, care and diligence in the selection and appointment of the custodian for the investment funds managed by them. We expect investment fund managers to conduct a periodic review of custodial arrangements for their investment funds. We also expect investment fund managers to consider whether the custodian it appoints uses all reasonable diligence, care and skill in the selection and monitoring of its sub-custodians, whether the sub-custodians would meet the definition of a “qualified custodian” and whether the appropriate segregation arrangements are observed throughout the custody chain of the portfolio assets of the investment fund. We expect investment fund managers to put in place a written custodial agreement with the custodian on behalf of investment funds managed by them. Written custodial agreements are expected to provide for key matters such as the location of portfolio assets, any appointment of a sub-custodian, the method of holding portfolio assets, the standard of care of the custodian and the responsibility for loss. Prospectusqualified investment funds are subject to further custodial requirements under Regulation 81-102 respecting Investment Funds (chapter V-1.1, r. 39) and Regulation 41-101 respecting General Prospectus Requirements (chapter V-1.1, r. 14). For registered firms other than investment fund managers Where registered firms, other than investment fund managers, have influence over a client’s selection of a custodian, we consider it a prudent business practice for these registered firms to conduct similar due diligence to that of investment fund managers as outlined in the section above. Registered firms, other than investment fund managers, often direct or arrange the custodial arrangement for their clients; however, the registered firms are not typically a party to the custodial agreement between the client and the custodian used to hold client assets. Nevertheless, we expect registered firms that direct or arrange the custodial arrangement for their clients to understand the material terms of the written custodial agreement and to explain to the clients the main purpose of the agreement. If a custodial agreement allows a custodian to use a sub-custodian, the registered firm should alert the client to that fact and encourage the client to contact the custodian if they have any concerns with the custodial agreement.
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14.5.3. Cash and securities held by a qualified custodian
Section 14.5.3 sets out requirements as to how cash and securities should be
held by a qualified custodian or a Canadian financial institution. A registered firm can comply with the requirement under subsection 14.5.3(a) by verifying that cash and securities of a client or an investment fund are reported on the custodial account statement of that client or investment fund as issued by the qualified custodian or the Canadian financial institution. A qualified custodian may arrange for the deposit of securities with a depository, or clearing agency, that operates a book-based system. Such depositories or clearing agencies include The Canadian Depository For Securities Limited, the Depository Trust Company or any other domestic or foreign depository or clearing agency that is incorporated or organized under the laws of a country or a political subdivision of a country and operates a book-based system in that country or political subdivision or operates a transnational book-based system.
14.6. Client and investment fund assets held by a registered firm in trust
Section 14.6 requires a registered firm to segregate client assets and investment
fund assets and hold them in trust. When a registered firm is not required to use a qualified custodian, or a Canadian financial institution for cash, under subsections 14.5.2(2), (3) or (4), we consider it prudent for registered firms who are not members of an SRO to only hold client assets in client name, or portfolio assets of the investment fund in the name of the investment fund. This is because the capital requirements for non-SRO members are not designed to reflect the added risk of holding client assets in nominee name. Investment fund managers may hold cash for investment in, or on the redemption of, securities of the investment fund. For the purposes of section 14.6, such cash-intransit is considered to be cash and securities of an investment fund of the investment fund manager, and is subject to the requirements under section 14.6. Some investment fund managers choose to outsource certain fund administrative functions to a service provider, including the trust accounting function. Under some outsourcing arrangements, a service provider may be holding cash for investment in, or on the redemption of, securities of the investment fund. Under these arrangements, investment fund managers should ensure that, at a minimum, the cash is held in a designated trust account at a Canadian custodian, a Canadian financial institution, or a foreign custodian (if it is more beneficial to the investment fund to use the foreign custodian than a Canadian custodian or a Canadian financial institution), and ensure that the cash is held separate and apart from the property of the service provider. Under other outsourcing arrangements, a service provider may be provided with access to cash for investment in, or on the redemption of, securities of the investment fund, or access to the portfolio assets of the investment fund. Investment fund managers are reminded that they are responsible and accountable for all functions that they outsource to a service provider. Delegating access to investors’ cash-in-transit or
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 135 portfolio assets of an investment fund can increase the risk of loss. Investment fund managers are expected to exercise heightened due diligence and oversight to ensure that the service provider has adequate controls in place and that investors’ assets are adequately protected.
14.6.1 Custodial provisions relating to certain margin or security interests
Section 14.6.1 sets out acceptable custodial practices relating to margin posted
with, and security interests held by, a foreign dealer or counterparty in respect of certain derivatives transactions. We expect that the assessment of the use of a foreign custodian in section 14.5.2 of this Policy Statement will apply equally to the foreign dealer referenced in this section. In addition to these custodial practices relating to certain derivatives, a registered firm may also ensure that cash or securities of a client or investment fund are delivered to a person in satisfaction of its obligations under a securities lending, repurchase or reverse repurchase agreement if the collateral, cash proceeds or purchased securities that are delivered to the client or investment fund in connection with the transaction are held under the custodianship of a qualified custodian or a sub-custodian of the client or investment fund in compliance with Division 3 of Part 14.
14.6.2 Custodial provisions relating to short sales
Section 14.6.2 sets out acceptable custodial practices relating to cash or
securities of a client or investment fund that are deposited with a foreign dealer as security in connection with a short sale of securities. We expect that the assessment of the use of a foreign custodian in section 14.5.2 of this Policy Statement will apply equally to the foreign dealer referenced in this section. Division 4 Client accounts 14.10.Allocating investment opportunities fairly If the adviser allocates investment opportunities among its clients, the firm’s fairness policy should, at a minimum, indicate the method used to allocate the following:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 136 Division 5 Reporting to clients Reporting to clients is on an account basis, except that
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 137 and procedures in place to ensure that they are adequately supervising their registered representatives’ communications with clients about the prescribed information. The requirement to produce and deliver a trade confirmation under section 14.12, an account statement under section 14.14, an additional statement under
section 14.14.1, position cost information under section 14.14.2, a security holder
statement under section 14.15, a scholarship plan dealer statement under section 14.16 or client reports under sections 14.17 and 14.18 may be outsourced by a registered firm to a third-party service provider that acts as its agent. Third-party pricing providers may also be used to value securities for these purposes. Like all outsourcing arrangements, the registrant is ultimately responsible for the function and must supervise the service provider. See Part 11 of this Policy Statement for more guidance on outsourcing. For the most part, the client reporting requirements in Part 14 do not differentiate between categories of registrant. Except for certain provisions which expressly apply only to a specific registration category (such as those tailored to scholarship plan dealers), differences in the application of these requirements between different registered dealers or registered advisers will be the result of their different operating models. In particular, exempt market dealers that are not also registered as advisers or in another category of dealer may find that not all of the client reporting requirements will apply to their operating model. Appendix F discusses how these requirements may apply in the case of some of these “sole EMDs”.
14.11.1. Determining market value
Section 14.11.1 sets out the basis on which market value must be determined for
client reporting purposes.
Paragraph 14.11.1(1)(a) requires the market value of a security that is issued by an investment fund not listed on an exchange to be determined by reference to the net asset value provided by the investment fund manager of the fund on the relevant date. For other securities, a hierarchy of valuation methods that depend on the availability of relevant information is prescribed in paragraph 14.11.1(1)(b). Registrants are required to act reasonably in applying these methodologies and we understand that this process will often require a registrant to exercise professional judgment. A registered firm may not simply take valuation information from an issuer and pass it on to clients as the market value for purposes of meeting the firm’s market value reporting obligations. We expect a firm to use its professional judgment as to the reliability of information provided by an issuer as an input to the firm’s determination of market value in accordance with the applicable methodology prescribed in section 14.11.1. Where possible, market value should be determined by reference to a quoted value on a marketplace. The quoted value will be the last bid or ask price on the relevant date or the last trading day prior to the relevant date. In the case of a liquid security for which a reliable price is quoted on a market place, if it can be demonstrated through use of a periodic assessment that a “last traded price” valuation approach results
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 138 in security market values that are materially the same as under the “last bid and ask prices” valuation approach, it may be acceptable to use this current “last traded price” valuation approach. Registered firms should ensure that any quoted values used to determine market value do not represent stale or old prices that are not reflective of current values. If no current value for a security is quoted on a marketplace, market value should be determined by reference to published market reports or inter-dealer quotes. We recognize that it is not always possible to obtain a market value by these methods. In such cases, we will accept a valuation policy that is consistently applied and includes procedures that assess the reliability of any valuation inputs and assumptions. If available, valuation inputs and assumptions should be based on observable market data or inputs, such as market prices or yield rates for comparable securities and quoted interest rates. If observable inputs are not available, valuation can be based on unobservable inputs and assumptions. In some cases, it may be reasonable and appropriate to value at cost, where there has been no material subsequent event affecting value (e.g. a market event or new capital raising by the issuer). “Observable” and “unobservable” inputs are concepts under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and we expect them to be applied consistent with IFRS. If, having applied the prescribed methodology, a registered firm reasonably believes it cannot determine the market value of a security, the firm must then report its value as “not determinable” and exclude it from the calculations in client statements as prescribed in subsection 14.11.1(3). This is not the same as determining that the market value of a security is zero. However, we would expect that if the market value of a security cannot be determined for a prolonged period of time, that fact may be an indication that the market value of the security should now be determined to be zero. The following considerations can be used in determining when the market value for a security is not determinable:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 140 1988 (S.S. 1988-89, c. S-42.2). For these purposes, a firm that has an exemption from
section 14.12 and complies with the terms of that exemption would be considered to
have complied with the requirements of that section.
14.14.Account statements
Section 14.14 requires registered dealers and advisers to deliver statements to
clients at least once every 3 months. There is no prescribed form for these statements but they must contain the information referred to in subsections 14.14(4) and (5). The types of transactions that must be disclosed in an account statement include any purchase, sale or transfer of securities, dividend or interest payment received or reinvested, any fee or charge, and any other account activity. A firm must deliver an account statement with the information referred to in subsection (4) if any transaction was made for the client in the reporting period. A firm is only required to provide the account position information referred to in subsection (5) if it holds securities owned by a client in an account of the client. There is no provision for consolidated statements in section 14.14 (or 14.14.1), so a registered firm must provide every client with an applicable statement for each of their accounts. Firms may provide supplementary reporting that they think a client might find useful. For example, a firm might provide a consolidated year-end statement where a client has requested a consolidated performance report under subsection 14.18(4).
14.14.1. Additional statements
A firm is required to deliver additional statements if the circumstances described in subsection 14.14.1(1) apply. The additional statements must be delivered once every 3 months, except that an adviser must deliver the statements on a monthly basis if requested by the client as provided in subsection 14.14.1(3). The requirements set out for the frequency of delivering account statements and additional statements are minimum standards. Firms may choose to provide the statements more frequently. Paragraph 14.14.1(2)(g) requires disclosure about applicable investor protection funds. However, subsection 14.14.1(2.1) exempts a firm from this requirement where a client’s securities are held or controlled by an IIROC or MFDA member. SRO rules require members to be participants in specified investor protection funds and prescribe client disclosures about them. To avoid the potential that clients may be confused or misinformed, registrants that are not participants in an investor protection fund should refrain from discussing its terms and conditions with clients. Firms may choose to include securities that must be reported under the additional statement requirement in a document that it refers to as an account statement, consistent with their clients’ expectations that their accounts are not limited to securities held by the firm, provided it satisfies the requirements for content of statements set out in sections 14.14 and 14.14.1.
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14.14.2. Security position cost information
Section 14.14.2 requires the delivery on a quarterly basis of position cost
information for securities reported in account statements and additional statements. For purposes of section 14.14.2, a security position is “opened” when the registered firm that is providing a statement to a client first acquires or holds securities for that client or when it first obtains trading authority over securities (as in the case of securities transferred into a discretionary account of a portfolio manager). Position cost information is an investment performance measurement tool that provides investors with a comparison to the market value of each security position they have open. Position cost may be either the book cost or the original cost of the securities, determined in accordance with their respective definitions in section 1.1. Position cost is not tax information and a registered firm may not depart from the defined meaning of “original cost” or “book cost” in order to align position cost with tax cost for a security position. Registered firms may provide clients with tax cost as supplementary information if they wish to do so, provided the difference is made clear to clients. If the tax treatment of a security is an important part of its marketing to investors, we would expect a registered firm to provide tax information as well as position cost information, consistent with the duty to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with clients. Registered firms must include the definition of book cost or original cost, depending on which method the firm is using, in the statement or document where the position cost information appears as contemplated under subsection 14.14.2(4). Firms can comply with this requirement in a footnote. In determining position cost for transferred securities, a registered firm may rely on position cost information provided by the transferring firm, if
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 142 recorded historical market value information is available for the client’s account, and it would not be misleading to the client to provide that information as at the earlier date. Examples of circumstances under which we would consider it to be reasonable and not misleading for a firm to use a date earlier than December 31, 2015 for some but not all of its clients’ security positions opened before July 15, 2015 include when a firm that uses the same earlier date for:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 143 every 12 months. Subsection 14.19(4) sets out performance reporting requirements for scholarship plans.
14.17. Report on charges and other compensation
Registered firms must provide clients with an annual report on the firm’s charges and other compensation received by the firm in connection with their investments. Examples of operating charges and transaction charges are provided in the discussion of the disclosure of charges and other compensation in section 14.2 of this Policy Statement. The annual report must include information about all of the firm’s current operating charges that might be applicable to a client’s account. A firm is only required to include the charges for those of its services that it would reasonably expect the particular client to utilize in the coming 12 months. The discussion of debt security disclosure requirements in section 14.12 of this Policy Statement is also relevant with respect to paragraph 14.17(1)(e). Scholarship plans often have enrolment fees payable in instalments in the first few years of a client’s investment in the plan. Paragraph 14.17(1)(f) requires that scholarship plan dealers include a reminder of the unpaid amount of any such fees in their annual reports on charges and other compensation. Payments that a registered firm or its registered representatives receive from issuers of securities or other registrants in relation to registerable services to a client must be reported under paragraph 14.17(1)(g). This disclosure requirement includes any form of payment to the firm or a representative of the firm linked to sales or other registerable services to the client receiving the report. Examples of payments that would be included in this part of the report on charges and other compensation include some referral fees, success fees on the completion of a transaction, or finder’s fees. This part of the report does not include trailing commissions, as they are specifically addressed in paragraph 14.17(1)(h). Registered firms must disclose the amount of trailing commissions they received related to a client’s holdings. The disclosure of trailing commissions received in respect of a client’s investments must be included with a notification prescribed in paragraph 14.17(1)(h). The notification must be in substantially the form prescribed, so a registered firm may modify it to be consistent with the actual arrangements. For example, a firm that receives a payment that falls within the definition of “trailing commission” in section 1.1 in respect of securities that are not investment funds can modify the notification accordingly. The notification set out is the required minimum and firms can provide further explanation if they believe it will be helpful to their clients. Registered firms may want to organize the annual report on charges and other compensation with separate sections showing the charges paid by the client to the firm, and the other compensation received by the firm in respect of the client’s account.
Appendix D of this Policy Statement includes a sample Report on Charges and
Other Compensation, which registered firms are encouraged to use as guidance.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 144 14.18.Investment performance report Where more than one registrant provides services pertaining to a client’s account, responsibility for performance reporting rests with the registered firm with the client-facing relationship. For example, if a registered adviser has trading authority over a client’s account at a registered dealer, the adviser must provide the client with an annual investment performance report; this is not an obligation of the dealer that only executes adviser-directed trades or provides custodial services in respect of the client’s account. Performance reporting to clients is required to be provided separately for each account. Securities of a client required to be reported in an additional statement under
section 14.14.1, if any, must be covered in a performance report that also includes any
other securities in the account through which they were transacted. However, subsection 14.18(4) provides that with client consent, a registrant may provide consolidated performance reporting for that client. A registrant may also provide a consolidated performance report for multiple clients, such as a family group, but only as a supplemental report, in addition to reports required under section 14.18. 14.19.Content of investment performance report Subsection 14.19(5) requires the use of each of text, tables and charts in the presentation of investment performance reports. Explanatory notes and the definition of “total percentage return” must also be included. The purpose of these requirements is to make the information as understandable to investors as possible. To help investors get the most out of their investment performance reports and encourage informed discussion with their registered dealing representative or advising representative, we encourage registered firms to consider including:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 145 Opening market value, deposits and withdrawals As part of paragraphs 14.19(1)(a) and (b), registered firms must disclose the market value of cash and securities in the client’s account as at the beginning and the end of the 12-month period covered by the investment performance report. The market value of cash and securities at account opening is assumed to be zero. Under paragraphs 14.19(1)(c), (d) and subsection 14.19(1.1), registered firms must also disclose the market value of all deposits and transfers of cash and securities into the account, and the market value of all withdrawals and transfers of cash and securities out of the account, for the 12-month period covered by the performance report, as well as, subject to certain exceptions discussed below, since account opening. Deposits and transfers into the account (which do not include reinvested distributions or interest income) should be shown separately from withdrawals and transfers out of the account. If an account was opened before July 15, 2015, registered firms must present the market value of all cash and securities in the client’s account as at one of the following dates:
(a) January 1, 2016 or an earlier date, if the firm’s first performance report to the client covered the 2016 calendar year (paragraph 14.19(1.1)(c)), (b) July 15, 2015 or an earlier date, if the firm’s first performance report to the client covered some other period (paragraph 14.19(1.1)(b)). A registered firm may choose a date earlier than July 15, 2015 or January 1, 2016, as applicable under paragraph 14.19(1.1)(b) or (c), only if the firm reasonably believes accurate recorded historical market value information is available for the client’s account, and it would not be misleading to the client to provide that information as at the earlier date. As with position cost information, examples of circumstances under which we would consider it to be reasonable and not misleading for a firm to use a date earlier than July 15, 2015 or January 1, 2016, as applicable, for some but not all of its clients’ accounts include when a firm that uses the same earlier date for:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 146 explanation may be included as a note in the performance report. As described in
section 14.11.1 of this Policy Statement, if a registered firm is subsequently able to
value that security it may need to adjust the calculation of the market values or deposits to avoid presenting a misleading improvement in the performance of the account. A registered firm is not required to deliver a nil report in circumstances where it reasonably believes that none of a client’s securities have a determinable value. We would expect the firm to tell the client that it will not be delivering an investment performance report for the period and explain why. Change in market value The opening market value, plus deposits and transfers in, less withdrawals and transfers out, should be compared to the market value of the account as at the end of the 12-month period for which the performance reporting is provided and also since inception in order to provide clients, in dollar terms, with the performance of their account. The change in the market value of the account since inception is the difference between the closing market value of the account and total of opening market value plus deposits less withdrawals since inception. The change in the value of the account for the 12-month period is the difference between the closing market value of the account and total of opening market value plus deposits less withdrawals during the period. If the client's account was opened before July 15, 2015, a registered firm is required to disclose the change in value of a client’s account since one of July 15, 2015, January 1, 2016 or an earlier date determined on the basis of the same criteria as described above with reference to paragraph 14.19(1.1)(b) or (c). The change in market value includes components such as income (dividends, interest) and distributions, including reinvested income or distributions, realized and unrealized capital gains or losses in the account, and the effect of operating charges and transaction charges if these are deducted directly from the account. Rather than show the change in value as a single amount, registered firms may opt to break this out into its components to provide more detail to clients. Percentage return calculation method Paragraph 14.19(1)(i) requires firms to provide the annualized total percentage return using a money-weighted rate of return calculation method. No specific formula is prescribed, but the method used by a firm must be one that is generally accepted in the securities industry. A registered firm may, if it so chooses, provide percentage returns calculated using both money-weighted and time-weighted methods. In such cases, the firm should explain in plain language the difference between the 2 sets of performance returns. Paragraph 14.19(1)(j) requires that performance reports include a notification with specified information about how the client’s percentage return was calculated. This includes an explanation in general terms of what the calculation method takes into
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 147 account. We do not expect firms to include a formula or an exhaustive list. For example, a firm could explain that under a money weighted method, decisions a client made about deposits and withdrawals to and from the client’s account have affected the returns calculated in the report and that this means it represents the client’s personal rate of return. We expect firms to use this notification to help clients understand the most important implications of the calculation methodology. A client’s personal rate of return should be compared to the client’s target rate of return, if the client has one, so that progress toward that goal can be assessed. We expect a firm that also uses a time weighted method to explain the difference between the 2 rates of return in plain language. For example, the firm could explain that the returns calculated under a time weighted method may not be the same as the actual returns in the client’s account because they do not necessarily show the effect of deposits and withdrawals to and from the account, and that a time weighted return is useful in determining how well a money manager performed, but not necessarily how the client’s account actually grew. Performance reporting periods Subsection 14.19(2) outlines the minimum reporting periods of 1, 3, 5 and 10 years and the period since the inception of the account. For accounts opened before July 15, 2015, a registered firm may use a deemed inception date of January 1, 2016, July 15, 2015 or an earlier date determined on the basis of the same criteria as that described above. Registered firms may opt to provide more frequent performance reporting. However performance returns for periods of less than one year can be misleading and therefore, must not be presented on an annualized basis, consistent with subsection 14.19(6). Scholarship plans Under paragraph 14.19(4)(c), for scholarship plans, the information required to be delivered in the investment performance report includes a reasonable projection of future scholarship payments that the plan may pay to the client or the client’s designated beneficiary upon the maturity of the client’s investment in the plan. A scholarship plan dealer is also required under paragraph 14.19(4)(d) to provide a summary of any terms of the plan, which if not met by the client or the client’s designated beneficiary under the plan, may cause the client or the designated beneficiary to suffer a loss of contributions, earnings or government contributions in the plan. The disclosure here is not intended to be as detailed as the disclosure at account opening. It is intended to remind the client of the unique risks of the plan and the ways in which the client’s scholarship plan may be seriously impaired. This disclosure must be consistent with other disclosures required to be delivered to clients under applicable securities
legislation. To the extent that a scholarship plan dealer and the plan itself are not the same legal entity but are affiliates of one another, the dealer may meet obligations to deliver
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 148 annual investment performance reports by drawing attention to the plan’s direct mailing of reports to a client by the plan’s administrator. Benchmarks and investment performance reporting The use of benchmarks for investment performance reporting is optional. There is no requirement to provide benchmarks to clients in any of the reports required under Regulation 31-103. However, we encourage registrants to use benchmarks that are relevant to a client’s investments as a useful way for a client to assess the performance of their portfolio. Benchmarks need to be explained to clients in terms they will understand, including factors that should be considered by the client when comparing their investment returns to benchmark returns. For example, a registrant could discuss the differences between the composition of a client’s portfolio that reflects the investment strategy they have agreed upon and the composition of an index benchmark, so that a comparison between them is fair and not misleading. A discussion of the impact of operating charges and transaction charges as well as other expenses related to the client’s investments would also be helpful to clients, since benchmarks generally do not factor in the costs of investing. If a registered firm chooses to present benchmark information, the firm should ensure that it is not misleading. We expect registrants to use benchmarks that are
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 149
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 150
Appendix A Contact Information
Jurisdiction E-mail Fax Address
Alberta registration@asc.ca (403) 297-4113 Alberta Securities Commission, Suite 600, 250–5th St. SW Calgary, AB T2P 0R4 Attention: Registration British Columbia registration@bcsc.bc.ca (604) 899-6506 British Columbia Securities Commission P.O. Box 10142, Pacific Centre 701 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC V7Y 1L2 Attention: Registration Manitoba registrationmsc@gov.mb.ca (204) 945-0330 The Manitoba Securities Commission 500-400 St. Mary Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K5 Attention: Registrations New Brunswick registration-inscription@fcnb.ca (506) 658-3059 Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick / Commission des services financiers et des services aux consommateurs du Nouveau-Brunswick Suite 300, 85 Charlotte Street Saint John, NB E2L 2J2 Attention: Registration Newfoundland & Labrador scon@gov.nl.ca (709) 729-6187 Superintendent of Securities, Service NL P.O. Box 8700, 2nd Floor, West Block Confederation Building St. John's, NL A1B 4J6 Attention: Manager of Registrations Northwest Territories SecuritiesRegistry@gov.nt.ca (867) 873-0243 Government of the Northwest Territories P.O. Box 1320 Yellowknife, NWT X1A 2L9 Attention: Deputy Superintendent of Securities Nova Scotia nrs@novascotia.ca (902) 424-4625 Nova Scotia Securities Commission Suite 400, 5251 Duke Street P.O. Box 458 Halifax, NS B3J 2P8 Attention: Deputy Director, Capital Markets
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 151 Nunavut CorporateRegistrations@gov.nu.ca (867) 975-6590 (Faxing to NU is unreliable. The preferred method is email.) Legal Registries Division Department of Justice Government of Nunavut P.O. Box 1000 Station 570 Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 Attention: Deputy Registrar Ontario registration@osc.gov.on.ca (416) 593-8283 Ontario Securities Commission 22nd Floor 20 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M5H 3S8 Attention: Compliance and Registrant Regulation Prince Edward Island ccis@gov.pe.ca (902) 368-6288 Consumer and Corporate Services Division, Office of the Attorney General P.O. Box 2000, 95 Rochford Street Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8 Attention: Superintendent of Securities Québec inscription@lautorite.qc.ca (514) 873-3090 Autorité des marchés financiers Direction de l'encadrement des intermédiaires 800 square Victoria, 22e étage C.P 246, Tour de la Bourse Montréal (Québec) H4Z 1G3 Saskatchewan registrationfcaa@gov.sk.ca (306) 787-5899 Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan Suite 601 1919 Saskatchewan Drive Regina, SK S4P 4H2 Attention: Registration Yukon securities@gov.yk.ca (867) 393-6251 Department of Community Services Yukon Yukon Securities Office P.O. Box 2703 C-6 Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6 Attention: Superintendent of Securities
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 152
Appendix B Terms Not Defined in Regulation 31-103 or this Policy Statement
Terms defined in Regulation 14-101 respecting Definitions (chapter V-1.1, r. 3):
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 153 Terms defined in the Securities Act of most jurisdictions:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 154
Appendix C Proficiency Requirements for Individuals Acting on Behalf of a
Registered Firm
The tables in this Appendix set out the education and experience requirements, by firm registration category, for individuals who are applying for registration under securities legislation. An individual must not perform an activity that requires registration unless the individual has the education, training and experience that a reasonable person would consider necessary to perform the activity competently, including, in the case of registered representatives, understanding the structure, features and risks of the securities as well as the initial and ongoing costs of the securities and the impact of those costs. An understanding of all securities that registered individuals purchase or sell for, or recommend to, clients is necessary in order for registered individuals to make the suitability determination that is required by section 13.3. CCOs must also not perform an activity set out in section 5.2 unless they have the education, training and experience that a reasonable person would consider necessary to perform the activity competently. Acronyms used in the tables BMP: Branch Manager Proficiency Exam CIM: Canadian Investment Manager designation CA: Chartered Accountant CSC: Canadian Securities Course Exam CCO: Chief Compliance Officer EMP: Exempt Market Products Exam CCOQ: Chief Compliance Officers Qualifying Exam IFIC: Investment Funds in Canada Course CFA: CFA Charter MFDC: Mutual Funds Dealer Compliance Exam CGA: Certified General Accountant Exam/Partners, Directors PDO: Officers’, Partners’ and Directors’ and Senior Officers Course Exam CMA: Certified Management Accountant SRP: Sales Representative Proficiency Exam CIF: Canadian Investment Funds Course Exam
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 155 Investment dealer Dealing representative CCO Proficiency requirements set by IIROC Proficiency requirements set by IIROC Mutual fund dealer Dealing representative CCO One of these 5 options:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 156 Scholarship plan dealer Dealing representative CCO SRP, BMP, and PDO or CCOQ and 12 months of relevant security industry experience in the 36-month period before applying for registration Restricted dealer Dealing representative CCO Regulator to determine on a case-by-case basis Regulator to determine on a case-by-case basis Portfolio manager Advising representative Associate advising representative CCO One of these 2 options:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 157 months
2. CSC except if the individual
has the CFA or CIM designation, PDO or CCOQ and 5 years working at:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 158 compliance capacity)
3. CCO requirements for portfolio manager or exempt from these requirements under
subsection 16.9(2)
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 159
Appendix D Annual Charges and Compensation Report
[Name of Firm]
Annual Charges and Compensation Report
Client name Your Account Number: 123456
Address line 1
Address line 2
Address line 3
This report summarizes the compensation that we received directly and indirectly in 20XX. Our compensation comes from 2 sources:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 160 Compensation we received through third parties Commissions from mutual fund managers on purchases of mutual funds (see note 1) $503 Trailing commissions from mutual fund managers (see note 2) $286 Total compensation we received through third parties $789 Total charges and compensation we received in 20XX $1,035 Notes:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 161
Appendix E Your investment performance report
For the period ending December 31, 2030
Investment account 123456789
Client name
Address line 1
Address line 2
Address line 3
This report tells you how your account has performed to December 31, 2030. It can help you assess your progress toward meeting your investment goals. Speak to your representative if you have questions about this report. It is important that you tell your representative if your personal or financial circumstances have changed. Your representative can recommend adjustments to your investments to keep you on track to meeting your goals. Amount invested means opening market value plus deposits including:
the market value of all deposits and transfers of securities and cash into your account, not including interest or dividends reinvested. Less withdrawals including:
the market value of all withdrawals and transfers out of your account. Total value summary Your investments have increased by $36,492.34 since you opened the account Your investments have increased by $2,928.85 during the past year Amount invested since you opened your account on January 1, 2015 $16,300.00 Market value of your account on December 31, 2030 $52,792.34
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 162 $16,300.00 $52,792.34 $0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 Amount invested since Jan 1, 2015 Market value of account on Dec 31, 2030 Change in the value of your account This table is a summary of the activity in your account. It shows how the value of your account has changed based on the type of activity. Past year Since you opened your account Opening market value $51,063.49 $0.00 Deposits $4,000.00 $21,500.00 Withdrawals $(5,200.00) $(5,200.00) Change in the market value of your account $2,928.85 $36,492.34 Closing market value $52,792.34 $52,792.34
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 163 What is a total percentage return? This represents gains and losses of an investment over a specified period of time, including realized and unrealized capital gains and losses plus income, expressed as a percentage. For example, an annual total percentage return of 5% for the past 3 years means that the investment effectively grew by 5% a year in each of the 3 years. Your personal rates of return The table below shows the total percentage return of your account for periods ending December 31, 2030. Returns are calculated after charges have been deducted. These include charges you pay for advice, transaction charges and account-related charges, but not income tax. Keep in mind your returns reflect the mix of investments and risk level of your account. When assessing your returns, consider your investment goals, the amount of risk you’re comfortable with, and the value of the advice and services you receive. Past year Past 3 years Past 5 years Past 10 years Since you opened your account Your account 5.51% 10.92% 12.07% 12.90% 13.09% Calculation method We use a money weighted method to calculate rates of return. Contact your representative if you want more information about this calculation. The returns in this table are your personal rates of return. Your returns are affected by changes in the value of the securities you have invested in, dividends and interest that they paid, and also deposits and withdrawals to and from your account. If you have a personal financial plan, it will contain a target rate of return, which is the return required to achieve your investment objectives. By comparing the rates of return you actually achieved (shown in the table) with your target rate of return, you can see whether you are on track to meet your investment objectives. Contact your representative to discuss your rate of return and investment objectives.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 164
Appendix F Part 14 Client reporting requirements and sole EMDs
This appendix discusses how the client reporting requirements in Part 14 may apply to some exempt market dealers that are not also registered as advisers or in another category of dealer (sole EMDs) as a result of their limited operating model. Overview:
Holding client assets and other specified criteria The applicability of some of the client statement requirements depends on whether a registered firm holds client assets (account statements) or, if it does not, whether certain other specific criteria apply (additional statements). Other client reporting requirements may or may not apply depending on whether a registered firm has a “client” at the relevant point in time (annual report on charges and other compensation, and annual report on investment performance). Sole EMDs do not normally hold client assets and where that is the case, they can disregard provisions that only apply where client assets are held by a registered firm. In circumstances where a sole EMD holds client assets (as may be the case with mortgage syndications), it must deliver account statements with the information required under subsections 14.14(4) and 14.14(5) along with position cost information under
section 14.14.2. Furthermore, since holding client assets is a clear indication of an
ongoing client relationship, a sole EMD is also subject to the requirement to deliver an annual report on charges and other compensation under section 14.17 and an annual investment performance report under section 14.18. Transactional vs ongoing client relationship Some sole EMDs have only limited, transactional relationships with their clients – as opposed to the ongoing client relationships that are typical of most other registrants’ operating models. An example of a transactional relationship would be where an EMD’s relationship with a client is limited to a specific private placement transaction and does not involve
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 165
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 166 “after the end of any month in which a transaction was effected in securities held by the dealer in the client’s account” [emphasis added]. The effect of these requirements is that, if one or more transactions occurred in the reporting period, a sole EMD must provide the client with an account statement with transactional information (but not account position information if no clients assets are held) either
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO DECEMBER 30, 2021 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 July 1, 2021 167 Annual report on charges and other compensation Subsection 14.17(1) requires delivery of a report on charges and other compensation to a client every 12 months. It will apply if the sole EMD is subject to the requirement to provide account position information to a client, either in an account statement under subsection 14.14(5) or an additional statement under subsection 14.14.(1). However, even if the requirement in subsection 14.17(1) is triggered, the EMD would not be required to send a “nil” report if it did not receive any of the specified charges or other compensation during the 12-month period. Annual investment performance report Subsection 14.18(1) requires annual delivery of an investment performance report to a client. Note that the elements of the performance report set out in
section 14.19 will depend on market values that are contained in the account position
information provided in the account statements and additional statements sent under sections 14.14 and 14.14.1, respectively. The effect of subsection 14.18(6) is that no investment performance report is required if a firm reasonably believes that either (a) there are no securities of a client in respect of which it would be required to provide account position information to a client, either in an account statement or an additional statement, or (b) if there are such securities, no market value can be determined for any of them. Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18 Bulletin de l’Autorité : 2020-01-09, Vol. 17 n° 01 Decision 2021-PDG-0023, 2021-05-26 Bulletin de l’Autorité : 2021-06-17, Vo.. 18 n° 24
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Amended 1 time · last 2021-12-16
Source: Autorite des marches financiers Quebec — original document · Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works
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