2021-12-31
Added · Updated
The Canadian Securities Administrators issued this policy statement to interpret and apply the provisions of Regulation 31-103 regarding registration requirements, exemptions, and ongoing obligations for registrants. The document provides detailed guidance on the definition of permitted clients, including asset thresholds and suitability waivers, while outlining disclosure delivery protocols and the fundamental business trigger tests for dealer and adviser registration. It further clarifies specific exemptions for international dealers, financial institutions, and venture capital firms, and establishes fitness standards for registered firms and their sponsored individuals.
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 1 Last amendments in force in December 31, 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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 4 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 5 not beneficially owned if the individual cannot acquire and deal with the securities directly. “Financial assets” is defined in section 1.1 of Regulation 45-106 respecting Prospectus Exemptions (chapter V-1.1, r. 21) (Regulation 45-106). Realizable value is typically the amount that would be received by selling an asset. Paragraph (q) of the definition Paragraph (q) refers to a person that has net assets of at least $25 million, as shown on its last financial statements. “Net assets” under this paragraph is total assets minus total liabilities. Definitions related to sections 13.2.01 and 13.19
Appendix G provides guidance on the terms “financial exploitation”, “temporary
hold”, “trusted contact person” and “vulnerable client”.
1.3. Fundamental concepts
This section describes the fundamental concepts that form the basis of the registration regime:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 6 The requirement to register is found in securities legislation. Firms must register if they are:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 7 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. (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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 8 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 9 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 10 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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 12 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 13 Individual applicants must meet the initial proficiency requirements by demonstrating that they have the applicable education, training and experience prescribed by securities legislation as well as knowledge of securities legislation. (b) Integrity Registered individuals must conduct themselves with integrity and have an honest character. The regulator will assess the integrity of individuals through the information they are required to provide on registration application forms and as registrants, and through compliance reviews. For example, applicants are required to disclose information about conflicts of interest, such as other employment or partnerships, service as a member of a board of directors, or relationships with affiliates, and about any regulatory or legal actions against them. (c) Solvency The regulator will assess the overall financial condition of an individual applicant or registrant. An individual that is insolvent or has a history of bankruptcy may not be fit for registration. Depending on the circumstances, the regulator may consider the individual’s contingent liabilities. The regulator may take into account an individual’s bankruptcy or insolvency when assessing their continuing fitness for registration.
PART 2 CATEGORIES OF REGISTRATION FOR INDIVIDUALS
2.1. Individual categories
Multiple individual categories
Individuals who carry on more than one activity requiring registration on behalf of a registered firm must:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 14 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:
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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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 16 forming part of the requirements applicable to these designations. However, if the individual no longer has the right to use the CFA Charter or the CIM designation, by reason of revocation of the designation or otherwise, we may consider the reasons for such a revocation to be relevant in determining an individual’s fitness for registration. Registered individuals are required to notify the regulator of any change in the status of their CFA Charter or the CIM designation within 10 days of the change, by submitting Form 33-109F5 Change of Registration Information in accordance with Regulation 31-102. When assessing an individual’s fitness for registration, the regulator may consider
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 17 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:
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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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 20 (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 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 21 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 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 5 ULTIMATE DESIGNATED PERSON AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE
OFFICER
Sections 11.2 and 11.3 require registered firms to designate a UDP and a CCO. The UDP and CCO must be registered and perform the compliance functions set out in sections 5.1 and 5.2. While the UDP and CCO have specific compliance functions, they are not solely responsible for compliance – it is the responsibility of the firm as a whole. The same person as UDP and CCO The UDP and the CCO can be the same person if they meet the requirements for both registration categories. We prefer firms to separate these functions, but we recognize that it might not be practical for some registered firms. UDP or CCO as advising or dealing representative The UDP or CCO may also be registered in trading or advising categories. For example, a small registered firm might conclude that one individual can adequately function as UDP and CCO, while also carrying on advising and trading activities. We may have concerns about the ability of a UDP or CCO of a large firm to conduct these additional activities and carry out their UDP, CCO and advising responsibilities at the same time.
5.1. Responsibilities of the ultimate designated person
The UDP is responsible for promoting a culture of compliance and overseeing the effectiveness of the firm’s compliance system. They do not have to be involved in the day to day management of the compliance group. There are no specific education or experience requirements for the UDP. However, they are subject to the proficiency principle in section 3.4.
5.2. Responsibilities of the chief compliance officer
The CCO is an operating officer who is responsible for the monitoring and oversight of the firm’s compliance system. This includes:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 25 CCO may set the knowledge and skills necessary or desirable for individuals who report to them. If a firm is registered in multiple categories, the CCO must meet the most stringent of the proficiency requirements of the firm’s categories of registration. Firms must designate one CCO. However, in large firms, the scale and kind of activities carried out by different operating divisions may warrant the designation of more than one CCO. We will consider applications, on a case-by-case basis, for different individuals to act as the CCO of a firm’s operating divisions. We will not usually register the same person as CCO of more than one firm unless the firms are affiliated, and the scale and kind of activities carried out make it reasonable for the same person to act as CCO of more than one firm. We will consider applications, on a case-by-case basis, for the CCO of one registered firm to act as the CCO of another registered firm. Paragraph 5.2(c) requires the CCO to report to the UDP any instances of noncompliance with securities legislation that:
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6.1. If individual ceases to have authority to act for firm
Under section 6.1, if a registered individual ceases to have authority to act on behalf of their sponsoring firm because their working relationship with the firm ends or changes, the individual’s registration with the registered firm is suspended until reinstated or revoked under securities legislation. This applies whether the individual or the firm ends the relationship. If a registered firm terminates its working relationship with a registered individual for any reason, the firm must complete and file a notice of termination on Form 33-109F1 Notice of Termination of Registered Individuals and Permitted Individuals (Form 33-109F1) no later than 10 days after the effective date of the individual’s termination. This includes when an individual resigns, is dismissed or retires. The firm must file additional information about the individual’s termination prescribed in Part 5 of Form 33-109F1 (except where the individual is deceased), no later than 30 days after the date of termination. The regulator uses this information to determine if there are any concerns about the individual’s conduct that may be relevant to their ongoing fitness for registration. Under Regulation 33-109, the firm must provide this information to the individual on request. Suspension An individual whose registration is suspended must not carry on the activity they are registered for. The individual otherwise remains a registrant and is subject to the jurisdiction of the regulator. A suspension remains in effect until the regulator reinstates or revokes the individual’s registration. If an individual who is registered in more than one category is suspended in one of the categories, the regulator will consider whether to suspend the individual’s registration in other categories or to impose terms and conditions, subject to an opportunity to be heard. Automatic suspension An individual’s registration will automatically be suspended if:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 27 Automatic suspension is effective on the day that an individual no longer has authority to act on behalf of their sponsoring firm. Individuals do not have an opportunity to be heard by the regulator in the case of any automatic suspension. Suspension in the public interest An individual’s registration may be suspended if the regulator exercises its power under securities legislation and determines that it is no longer in the public interest for the individual to be registered. The regulator may do this if it has serious concerns about the ongoing fitness of the individual. For example, this may be the case if an individual is charged with a crime, in particular fraud or theft. Reinstatement “Reinstatement” means that a suspension on a registration has been lifted. Once reinstated, an individual may resume carrying on the activity they are registered for. If a suspended individual joins a new sponsoring firm, they will have to apply for reinstatement under the process set out in Regulation 33-109. In certain cases, the reinstatement or transfer to the new firm will be automatic. Automatic transfers Subject to certain conditions set out in Regulation 33-109, an individual’s registration may be automatically reinstated if they:
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PART 7 CATEGORIES OF REGISTRATION FOR FIRMS
The categories of registration for firms have 2 main purposes:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 30 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 exemption is only available to an issuer, it is not available for the resale of securities (e.g., offering memorandum exemption).
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 31 In short, exempt market dealers are permitted to:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 32 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 33 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 35 Registered advisers often use investment funds which they or their affiliates have created as a way to efficiently invest their clients’ money. In issuing units of those funds to managed account clients, they are in the business of trading in securities. Under the 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 36 In Ontario, compliance with the filing and fee payment requirements applicable to an unregistered exempt international dealer under Ontario Securities Commission Rule 13-502 Fees satisfies the annual notification requirement in subsection (5).
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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 38 An international adviser is only permitted to undertake a prescribed amount of business in Canada. In making the calculation required under paragraph 8.26(4)(d), it is necessary to include all revenues derived from portfolio management activities in Canada, which would include any sub-adviser arrangements. However, the calculation 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 39 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. 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 40 Regulation 31-103 has 2 distinct sections, sections 9.3 and 9.4, which distinguish the exemptions which are available on the basis of whether or not the member of IIROC or the MFDA is registered in another category. This clarifies our intent with respect to the exemptions for SRO members and recognizes that IIROC and the MFDA have rules in these areas. 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 41 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 42 Under section 10.3, if the MFDA suspends or revokes a firm’s membership, the firm’s registration as a mutual fund dealer is suspended until reinstated or revoked.
Section 10.3 does not apply in Québec.
Suspension in the public interest
A firm’s registration may be suspended if the regulator exercises its power under securities legislation and determines that it is no longer in the public interest for the firm to be registered. The regulator may do this if it has serious concerns about the ongoing 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 43 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. 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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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 45 General principles Subsection 11.1(1) requires registered firms to establish, maintain and apply policies and procedures that establish a system of controls and supervision (a compliance system) that:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 48 Senior management and the board of directors or partners should demonstrate a visible commitment to compliance. (b) Sufficient resources 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. (c) Detailed policies and procedures The firm should have detailed written policies and procedures that:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 49 It is up to each registered firm to determine the most appropriate compliance system for its operations. Registered firms should consider the size and scope of their operations, including products, types of clients or counterparties, risks and compensating controls, and any other relevant factors. For example, a large registered firm with diverse operations may require a large team of compliance professionals with several divisional heads of compliance reporting to a CCO dedicated entirely to a compliance role. All firms must have policies, procedures and systems to demonstrate compliance. However, some of the elements noted above may be unnecessary or impractical for smaller registered firms. We encourage firms to meet or exceed industry best practices in complying with regulatory requirements. 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 50 We expect all registered firms to be able to demonstrate that they have all the required elements of an effective compliance system, regardless of their size or any other consideration. However, we recognize that formal compliance training programs may not be necessary or practical for small firms. We expect a small firm to exercise professional judgment in determining what training is appropriate to its operations, taking into consideration how many registered individuals work at the firm and how much relevant experience each of them has accumulated. Training to support the know your product obligation Consistent with the know your product obligation in section 13.2.1, firms should also assess whether any additional training or proficiency requirements are necessary in order for their registered individuals to understand the securities and make appropriate suitability determinations. See section 13.2.1 of this Policy Statement for additional guidance on the know your product obligation. 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 51 more senior than the CCO. We have no objection to such arrangements, but it must be understood that they can in no way diminish the UDP’s regulatory responsibilities. If the person designated as the UDP no longer meets these requirements, and the registered firm is unable to designate another UDP, the firm should promptly advise the regulator of the actions it is taking to designate a new UDP who meets these requirements.
11.3. Designating a chief compliance officer
Under subsection 11.3(1), registered firms must designate an individual to be the CCO. Firms should ensure that the individual understands and is able to perform the obligations of a CCO under section 5.2. The CCO must meet the applicable proficiency requirements in Part 3 and be:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 52 The records required under paragraphs 11.5(2)(g), (h), (i), (l) and (n) are records firms must maintain to accurately and fully document transactions entered into on behalf of a client. We expect firms to maintain notes of communications that could have an impact on the client’s account or the client’s relationship with the firm. These communications include
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 54 and apply policies, procedures and controls to identify and respond to any pattern of unsuitable trades. Client relationship The records required under paragraphs 11.5(2)(k) and (m) should document information about a registered firm’s relationship with its client and relationships that any representatives have with that client. These records include:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 55 General principles The records required under paragraphs 11.5(2)(p), (q) and (r) are records that registered firms must maintain to demonstrate compliance with their obligations in
Part 13, Division 2. Specifically, paragraph 11.5(2)(p) requires registered firms to
demonstrate how they have complied with the obligations to identify, address, and disclose material conflicts of interest. 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 56 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. (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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 58 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.
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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 59 When preparing the notice under section 11.9, registrants should consider including the following information to help the regulator assess the proposed transaction:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 60 more of the voting securities (or securities convertible into voting securities) of the firm or the firm’s parent. This notice gives the regulator an opportunity to consider ownership issues that may affect a firm’s fitness for registration. We expect this notice to be sent as soon as the registered firm knows or has reason to believe such an acquisition is going to take place. 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 61 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. 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 62 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.
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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 63 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. 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.
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12.4. Insurance – adviser
The insurance requirements for advisers depend in part on whether the adviser holds or has access to client assets. An adviser will be considered to hold or have access to client assets if they do any of the following:
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Part 4 of Regulation 52-107 refers to Canadian GAAP for public enterprises,
which is Canadian GAAP as it existed before the mandatory effective date for the adoption of IFRS, included in the Handbook as Part V. Under Part 4 of Regulation 52-107, annual financial statements and interim financial information delivered by a registrant must be prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP for public enterprises except that the financial statements and interim financial information must be prepared on a non-consolidated basis. 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 67 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.
KYC information is essential for determining 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 and to 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. 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, 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 68 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 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. 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 69 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 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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 72 lifestyle, increasing wealth by a certain percentage in a specific number of years, investing for purchase of a home, or investing for the post-secondary education of their children. Understanding a client’s overall investment needs and objectives informs a registrant’s ability to make suitability determinations for a client. Depending on the nature of the relationship with the client, and the securities and services offered by the registrant, it may be appropriate to set out investment goals for a client’s account or portfolio which may be done by developing an investment policy statement. Where investment goals are agreed upon with a client, they should be set out in terms that are specific and measurable. A registrant should consider setting out investment return assumptions that would be required to meet the client’s investment needs and objectives. A registrant should also periodically update the client on progress towards any goals set for their account or portfolio. 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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 74 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 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. 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 75 an exempt market dealer is also registered in another dealer registration category, we expect KYC information collected under subsection 13.2(2)(c) to have been reviewed within the last 12 months prior to recommending or trading in an exempt security. 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.
13.2.01. Know your client – trusted contact person
Appendix G sets out how we interpret the requirements under sections 13.2.01
and 13.19 relating to trusted contact persons and temporary holds. It also provides general commentary and guidance surrounding issues of financial exploitation of vulnerable clients, and concerns about clients’ mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters. 13.2.1Know 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 76 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 77 directed trade, in order to make the required periodic suitability determination under
section 13.3. We recognize that the depth of the understanding required may vary
depending on the nature of the securities, the client’s circumstances and investment objectives, and the relationship between the client and the registrant. Firms are not required to approve securities that are transferred in or those that are held as a result of a client directed trade if they do not otherwise make those securities available to clients. 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 78 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 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 80 Firms are required to establish appropriate approval processes for securities they make available to clients. As noted above, what constitutes an appropriate process for a 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. The approval process may also vary based on the complexity and risks of the securities. Less complex and risky types of securities may only require a high level or less detailed or extensive approval process, while the approval process for more complex securities may be more detailed and extensive and may, for example, involve 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 81 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 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 82 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 84 take into consideration whether a recommendation or decision for one account would materially affect the concentration and liquidity of the client’s investments across all their accounts held with the firm. As noted below, we expect registrants to determine appropriate concentration thresholds for their clients. 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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 86 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 87 changes to other investments held by the client at the firm in order to maintain the suitability of the overall account. Any advice given should be documented if the client declines to follow the registrant’s recommendation. Exemptions for certain types of clients There are exemptions from the requirement to make suitability determinations:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 88 Division 2 Conflicts of interest
13.4 Identifying, addressing and disclosing material conflicts of interest -
registered firm
13.4.1Identifying, reporting and addressing material conflicts of interest - registered individual Responsibility to identify material conflicts of interest What is a conflict of interest? A conflict of interest includes any circumstance where:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 90 registered firm’s behalf become aware of an existing or reasonably foreseeable conflict of interest, the individual should promptly report the conflict to the CCO of the firm
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 92 without influence from any third-party compensation associated with the security. Registered firms could consider the following examples of controls when considering how to address these conflicts in the best interest of their clients:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 93 Conflicts arising from internal compensation arrangements and incentive practices It is an inherent conflict of interest for registered firms to create incentives to sell or recommend certain products or services over others. It is also an inherent conflict of interest for registered individuals to receive greater compensation from their sponsoring firm for the sale or recommendation of certain products or services over others. In our experience these are almost always material conflicts of interest. In our experience, sales and revenue targets almost always create material conflicts of interest between registered individuals and their clients because such targets may cause some registered individuals to put their interests ahead of their clients’ interests. Also, as the negative consequences for failing to meet a sales or revenue target become more severe, the risk increases that registered individuals will put their interests ahead of their clients’ interests. Registered firms must be able to demonstrate that they are addressing these conflicts in the best interest of their clients. If a registrant is not controlling these conflicts in the best interest of its clients, the registrant must avoid these conflicts. Registered firms could consider the following examples of controls when considering how to address such conflicts in the best interest of their clients:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 95 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. 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 96 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. (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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 97 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 100 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. 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 101 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 102 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 103 (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. 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 104 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:
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13.6. Disclosure when recommending related or connected securities
Section 13.6 restricts the ability of a registered firm to recommend a trade in a
security of a related or connected issuer. The restrictions apply to recommendations made in any medium of communication. This includes recommendations in newsletters, articles in general circulation, newspapers or magazines, websites, e-mail, Internet chat rooms, bulletin boards, television and radio. It does not apply to oral recommendations made by registered individuals to their clients. These recommendations are subject to the requirements of Part 13 Division 2. Division 3 Referral arrangements Division 3 sets out the requirements for permitted referral arrangements. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that under any referral arrangements:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 106 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.
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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 109 lending to clients (margin) is reserved for IIROC members. The MFDA has its own rules prohibiting margining and, except in specific limited circumstances, lending. Division 5 Complaints
13.14. Application of this Division
Investment fund managers are only subject to Division 5 if they also operate under a dealer or adviser registration, in which case the requirements in this Division apply in respect of the activities conducted under their dealer or adviser registration. In Québec, a registered firm is deemed to comply with this Division if it complies with sections 168.1.1 to 168.1.3 of the Québec Securities Act (chapter V-1.1), which provides a substantially similar regime for complaint handling. The guidance in Division 5 of this Policy Statement applies to firms registered in any jurisdiction including Québec. However, section 168.1.3 of the Québec Securities Act, includes requirements with respect to dispute resolution or mediation services that are different than those set out in section 13.16 of Regulation 31-103. In Québec, registrants must inform each complainant, in writing and without delay, that if the complainant is dissatisfied with how 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 110 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 111 We would not expect that complaints relating to matters other than those listed above, when made verbally and when not otherwise considered serious based on an investor’s reasonable expectations, would need to be responded to in writing. However, we do expect that verbal complaints be given as much attention as written complaints. If a complaint is made verbally and is not clearly expressed, the firm may request the complainant to put the complaint in writing and we expect firms to offer reasonable assistance to do so. Firms are entitled to expect the complainant to put unclear verbal issues into written format in order to try to resolve confusion about the nature of the issue. If the verbal complaint is clearly frivolous, we do not expect firms to offer assistance to put the complaint in writing. The firm may nonetheless ask the complainant to put the complaint in writing on his or her own. Timeline for responding to complaints Firms should
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 113 The client must agree that the amount of any recommendation by the independent service for monetary compensation will not exceed $350,000. This limit applies only to the amount that can be recommended. Until it is escalated to the independent service, a complaint made to a registered firm may include a claim for a larger amount. Except in Québec, a registered firm must take reasonable steps to ensure that the dispute resolution and mediation service that is made available to its clients for these purposes will be OBSI. The reasonable steps we expect a firm to take include maintaining ongoing membership in OBSI as a “Participating Firm” and, with respect to each complaint, participating in the dispute resolution process in a manner consistent with the firm's obligation to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with its client. This would include entering into consent agreements with clients contemplated under OBSI's procedures. Since section 13.16 does not apply in respect of a complaint made by a permitted client that is not an individual, we would not expect a firm that only has clients of that kind to maintain membership in OBSI. A registered firm should not make an alternative independent dispute resolution or mediation service available to a client at the same time as it makes OBSI available. Such a parallel offering would not be consistent with the requirement to take reasonable 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.
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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. Division 7 Misleading communications
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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 115 Registered firms should recognize that some types of clients, such as seniors, may tend to be vulnerable to misleading designations. If a registered firm permits their registered individuals to use designations of any kind, including those that suggest an expertise in retirement planning, registered firms must have procedures in place to confirm that those designations are not misleading. The nature of the relationship with clients and the products and services provided If a registered firm uses advertising that exaggerates the products and services available to clients, this could reasonably be expected to mislead a client as to the products and services to be provided as well as to the nature of the relationship that may exist between the registrant and the client. If a registered firm primarily or exclusively offers proprietary products, or products manufactured by an affiliate of the firm, and holds itself out as a firm that offers a wide range of products, this could reasonably be expected to mislead a client as to the products to be provided and as to the nature of the relationship. 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 116 Division 8 Temporary holds 13.19.Conditions for temporary hold
Appendix G sets out how we interpret the requirements under sections 13.2.01
and 13.19 relating to trusted contact persons and temporary holds. It also provides general commentary and guidance surrounding issues of financial exploitation of vulnerable clients, and concerns about clients’ mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters.
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 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 117 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. 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 120 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. 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 121 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 122 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 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 123 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. 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 124 this duty requires that clients are informed, before any switch or change transaction is processed, of charges associated with the transaction, dealers’ incentives for such a transaction (including increased trailing commissions), and any tax or other implications of such a transaction. In each case, we expect dealers to explain why a proposed switch or change transaction is appropriate for the client. We consider that providing clients with clear and complete disclosure of the charges at the time of a transaction will help clients to be aware of the implications of proposed transactions and deter registrants from transacting for the purpose of generating commissions. Registrants are also reminded that their obligations in connection with suitability and conflicts of interest apply to such transactions, as well as their obligations under any applicable SRO requirements or guidance. We expect all changes or switches to a client’s investments to be accurately reported in trade confirmations by reporting each of the purchase and sale transactions 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 125 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:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 126 risks associated with the use of a foreign custodian in accordance with prudent business practices. Accordingly, we expect registered firms to consider alternatives in their assessment of the use of a foreign custodian which, among other considerations, might include whether their client, or an investment fund that they manage, may be better served by:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 127 jurisdictions of Canada provided that they meet the conditions as set out under paragraph 14.5.2(7)(f). Prohibition on self-custody and the use of a custodian that is not functionally independent Under subsection 14.5.2(1), the registered firm itself cannot be the custodian or sub-custodian for a client or investment fund, except in certain circumstances. Under subsections 14.5.2(5) and 14.5.2(6), the qualified custodian, or the Canadian financial institution with respect to cash, must be functionally independent of the registered firm, except in certain circumstances. For the purposes of paragraphs 14.5.2(1)(b) and 14.5.2(5)(b), we would consider a system of controls and supervision to manage the risks to the client or investment fund associated with the custody of the client’s or investment fund’s cash or securities to include:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 128 requirements relating to the physical handling and storage of bullion. Such a custodian may not meet the definition of a “qualified custodian”. In those cases, we expect a registered firm that would otherwise be subject to subsection 14.5.2(2), (3) or (4), had the client assets or investment fund assets been cash or securities, to exercise due skill, care and diligence in the selection and appointment (where applicable) of the custodian. This can involve the registered firm reviewing the facilities, procedures, records, insurance coverage, and creditworthiness of the selected custodian. We would also expect registered firms to conduct a periodic review of custodial arrangements for client assets or investment fund assets. Delivery of custodial statements We expect registered firms to encourage clients or investment funds, as applicable, to confirm that they are receiving account statements from their custodian and, as applicable, to compare the custodial statements to the statements sent by the registered firms. 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 129 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.
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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 130 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 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 131 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 132 contact their dealing or advising representative or the firm directly with questions about their statements and reports. We expect registered firms to ensure that clients know how their investments will be held (for example, by the firm or at an issuing fund company) and understand the different implications that this will have for them in such matters as client reporting, investor protection fund coverage and custody of their assets. If a registered firm trades in exempt market securities for a client, the firm should also explain the reasons why it is not always possible for the firm to determine a market value for products sold in the exempt market or whether the client still owns the security, and the implications that this may have for reporting on exempt-market securities. It is the responsibility of the registered firm to produce these client statements and reports, not that of individual representatives. Registered firms should have policies 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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 133 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 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 135 service charge) or, alternatively, the total dollar amount of commission, if any, and if the registrant applied a mark-up or mark-down or any service charge other than a commission, a prescribed general notification. The notification is a minimum requirement and a firm may elect to provide more information in its trade confirmations. Each trade should be reported in the currency in which it was executed. If a trade is executed in a foreign currency through a Canadian dollar account, the exchange rate should be reported to the client. Under subsection 14.12(7), a registered dealer that complies with the requirements of
section 14.12 in respect of a purchase or sale of a security is not subject to the
corresponding written confirmation requirements contained in any of subsections 37(1), (2) or (3) of the Securities Act (R.S.N.L. 1990, c. S-13), subsection 36(1) of the Securities Act (R.S.O. 1990, chapter S.5) and subsection 42(1) of The Securities Act, 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 136 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.
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
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 138 delivered and must also include the market value information from the statement(s) for the period in order that the client will be able to readily compare the information. Although a firm may deliver statements under section 14.14 or section 14.14.1 more frequently than quarterly, it is not required to provide position cost information except on a quarterly basis. 14.15.Security holder statements
Section 14.15 sets out the client reporting requirements applicable to a registered
investment fund manager where there is no dealer or adviser of record for a security holder on the records of the investment fund manager. 14.16.Scholarship plan dealer statements
Section 14.16 provides that sections 14.14, 14.14.1 and 14.14.2 do not apply to a
scholarship plan dealer that delivers prescribed information to a client at least once 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).
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 139 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. 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:
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POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 141 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 142 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 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).
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 143 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 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 144
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 145
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
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 146 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 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 147
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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 148 Terms defined in the Securities Act of most jurisdictions:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 149
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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 150 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 151 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 152 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 153 registered dealer, registered adviser or an investment fund manager (including 36 months in a compliance capacity)
3. CCO requirements for portfolio manager or exempt from these requirements under
subsection 16.9(2)
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 154
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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 155 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 156
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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 157 $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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 158 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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 159
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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 160
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 161 deliver an account statement with transactional information under subsection 14.14(4) “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 DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 162 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.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 163
Appendix G Part 13 – Addressing Issues of Financial Exploitation and Concerns
About Clients’ Mental Capacity
This appendix sets out how we interpret the requirements under sections 13.2.01 and 13.19 relating to trusted contact persons and temporary holds. This appendix also provides general commentary and guidance surrounding issues of financial exploitation of vulnerable clients, and concerns about clients’ mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 164 One warning sign alone may not be indicative of financial exploitation. Additionally, the warning signs listed above are not exhaustive; a registrant may notice other signs that are not listed above.
2. Vulnerable client
Vulnerable clients are those clients that might have an illness, impairment, disability or aging process limitation that places them at risk of financial exploitation. Registered firms and individuals should recognize that not all older clients are vulnerable or unable to protect their own interests. Vulnerability can affect a client of any age, take many forms, and can be temporary, sporadic or permanent in nature. It is important to recognize vulnerabilities in clients because such vulnerabilities could make clients more susceptible to financial exploitation. While financial exploitation may be committed by any person, vulnerable clients may be especially susceptible to such exploitation by an individual who is close to the vulnerable client, such as a family member, friend, neighbour or another trusted individual such as an attorney under a POA, service provider or caregiver.
3. Mental capacity
Registrants can be in a unique position to notice the warning signs that a client lacks mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters because of the interactions they have with the client, and the knowledge they acquire through the client relationship. We acknowledge that registrants do not have the expertise to assess and determine whether clients lack mental capacity, and we do not expect registrants to make such a determination. However, where a registrant detects signs that a client lacks mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters, the registrant may wish to take certain actions. For example, the registrant may wish to contact a trusted contact person or, in the case of a registered firm having formed a reasonable belief that the client lacks mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters, place a temporary hold. When considering whether one or more warning signs that a client lacks mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters is present, registrants might consider, among others things, the client’s ability to understand information that is relevant to their decision making and appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequence of making or failing to make a decision. Examples of warning signs that a client lacks mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters may include:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 165
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 166 trusted, is mature and has the ability to communicate and engage in potentially difficult conversations with the registrant about the client’s personal situation. A TCP does not replace or assume the role of a client-designated attorney under a POA, nor does a TCP have the authority to transact on the client’s account or to make any other decision on behalf of the client by virtue of being named a TCP. A clientdesignated attorney under a POA can be named as a TCP, but clients should be encouraged to select an individual who is not involved in making decisions with respect to the client’s account. A TCP should not be the client’s dealing representative or advising representative on the account. Obtaining trusted contact person information and consent There is no prescribed form for obtaining TCP information. Registrants may wish to develop a stand-alone form or incorporate the information into an existing form such as an account application form. The stand-alone form or relevant sections of an existing form might include:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 167 document correspondence with clients, and document compliance, training and supervision actions taken by the firm, under paragraphs 11.5(2)(l), (n) and (o), respectively. Updating trusted contact person information Under subsection 13.2.01(2), registrants are required to take reasonable steps to keep the TCP information current. Registrants are expected to update the TCP information as part of the process to update KYC information. In a situation where a client may have previously refused to provide TCP information, at each update, registrants should ask such clients if they would like to provide the information. Contacting the trusted contact person and other parties When concerns about financial exploitation or mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters arise, registrants should speak with the client about concerns they have with the client’s account or wellbeing before contacting others, including the TCP. Although there is no requirement to notify a TCP that they have been named by a client, registrants should encourage their clients to notify their TCP that they have been named and explain that the TCP will only be contacted in specific circumstances in accordance with the client’s written consent. If the client’s consent has been obtained, a registrant might contact a TCP if the registrant notices signs of financial exploitation or if the client exhibits signs that they lack mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters. Examples of warning signs of financial exploitation and a lack of mental capacity are discussed in sections 1 and 3 of this appendix. If the TCP is suspected of being involved in the financial exploitation of the client, the TCP should not be contacted and consideration should be given as to whether there are other more appropriate resources from which to seek assistance, such as the police, the public guardian and trustee or an alternative TCP, if named. A registrant might also contact the TCP to confirm the client’s contact information if the registrant is unsuccessful in contacting the client after repeated attempts and where failure to contact the client would be unusual. A registrant may also ask the TCP to confirm the name and contact information of a legal guardian, executor, trustee, an attorney under a POA or any other legal representative. When contacting a TCP, registrants should be mindful of privacy obligations under applicable privacy legislation and client agreements relating to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. Notwithstanding that the client has named a TCP, a registrant may also contact an attorney under a POA, government organizations, departments or individuals (including police, or the public guardian and trustee) that they might otherwise consult
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 168 with in instances where the registrant suspects financial exploitation or has concerns about a client’s mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters. Policies and procedures We expect registered firms to have written policies and procedures in respect of TCPs. These policies and procedures should address:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 169 place a hold on an account. Section 13.19 and this guidance do not address these circumstances. When placing temporary holds in accordance with section 13.19, registered firms and their registered individuals must act in a manner that is consistent with their obligation to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with their clients. Registered firms and their registered individuals must not use a temporary hold for inappropriate reasons, for example, to delay a disbursement for fear of losing a client. Before a temporary hold is placed, the registered firm must reasonably believe that either financial exploitation of a vulnerable client has occurred, is occurring, has been attempted or will be attempted, or the client does not have the mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters. Decisions to place temporary holds should be made by the CCO or authorized and qualified supervisory, compliance or legal staff. We do not expect registered firms and their registered individuals to be the final arbiter in matters of vulnerability, financial exploitation or mental capacity, but rather, believe that they may want to place temporary holds in these circumstances so that they can take steps to protect their clients. A temporary hold contemplated under section 13.19 is not intended as a hold on the entire client account, but rather as a temporary hold over a specific purchase or sale of a security or withdrawal or transfer of cash or securities from a client’s account. Transactions unrelated to the suspected financial exploitation or lack of mental capacity should not be subject to the temporary hold. Each purchase or sale of a security or withdrawal or transfer of cash or securities should be reviewed separately. If the transaction, withdrawal or transfer involves all the assets in the account, it may be reasonable to place a temporary hold on the entire account while not limiting the payment of regular expenses. A temporary hold contemplated under section 13.19 is not intended to be available where a registrant has decided not to accept a client order or instruction that does not, in their view, meet the criteria for a suitability determination. In this circumstance, the registrant must comply with the requirements set out in subsection 13.3(2.1). A client may provide an instruction to take an investment action which would not, in the registrant’s view, meet the criteria for suitability determination and which may otherwise be considered a poor financial decision; however, these facts alone do not necessarily mean that financial exploitation of a vulnerable client has occurred, is occurring, has been attempted or will be attempted, or that the client lacks mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters. Conditions for temporary hold
Section 13.19 contains the steps that a registered firm must take if it or its
registered individuals place a temporary hold. These steps, when taken in good faith, are consistent with the obligation to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with the client.
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 170 We expect registered firms to have written policies and procedures in respect of temporary holds. These policies and procedures should:
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 171 be reviewing their mail on a regular basis. Firms should be as transparent as possible with their clients about the reasons for placing the temporary hold, and be mindful of their obligation to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with their clients. Under paragraph 13.19(3)(c), once a registered firm or a registered individual places a temporary hold, the firm must, as soon as possible after placing the temporary hold, and on a reasonably frequent basis, review the relevant facts to determine if continuing the hold is appropriate. This review should include verifying whether the reasons for placing the temporary hold are still present, and considering any other information that is relevant to determining whether continuing the hold is appropriate. The review may prompt the registered firm to review account activity or initially contact or follow up with other parties who could provide assistance to the client, such as an attorney under a POA, a TCP, or provincial or federal government organizations and services such as the police, public guardian and trustee, which may be conducting their own review, or provincial seniors advocate offices. Firms may also consider whether there are other trusted friends and family in the client’s network that could assist the client, for example, by accompanying the client to meetings. Before contacting another party, the firm should consider whether there may be a risk that the other party is involved in the financial exploitation of the vulnerable client. The review conducted under paragraph 13.19(3)(c) and, if applicable, the reasons for continuing the temporary hold are required to be documented under paragraph 13.19(3)(a). While there is no requirement for firms to contact a TCP prior to or when a temporary hold is placed, firms may wish to contact a TCP at this point for a number of reasons, if they have not already done so, as outlined in the guidance in section 4 of this appendix. However, before contacting the TCP, firms should assess whether there is a risk that the TCP is a perpetrator of the exploitation. If the firm suspects that the TCP is involved in the financial exploitation, a notification to the TCP may have detrimental effects on the client. For clarity, the fact that a client has not named a TCP does not preclude a firm from placing a temporary hold in accordance with section 13.19. Before contacting any third party with the intent of sharing or obtaining personal information regarding a client, firms should assess their obligations under applicable privacy legislation and client agreements. Paragraph 13.19(3)(d) requires that every 30 days, the firm either notifies the client of its decision to continue the temporary hold, or revokes the temporary hold. If the firm decides to continue the temporary hold, it must also provide the client with the reasons for its
decision. Firms should be as transparent as possible with their clients about the reasons for continuing the temporary hold, and be mindful of their obligation to deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with their clients. If the registered firm no longer has a reasonable belief that financial exploitation of a vulnerable client has occurred, is occurring, has been attempted or will be attempted, or no longer has a reasonable belief that their client does not have the
POLICY STATEMENT IN FORCE FROM DECEMBER 31, 2021 TO MAY 31, 2022 Policy Statement to Regulation 31-103 December 31, 2021 172 mental capacity to make decisions involving financial matters, the temporary hold must end. If ending the temporary hold would result in an investment action that requires a suitability determination, such a determination will be required. A firm may also decide to end the temporary hold for other reasons, such as if it decides to accept the client instructions with respect to the transaction, withdrawal or transfer, or alternatively, decides not to accept the client’s instructions. Decision 2019-PDG-0055, 2019-11-18 Bulletin de l’Autorité : 2020-01-09, Vol. 17 n° 01 Amendements Decision 2021-PDG-0023, 2021-05-26 Bulletin de l’Autorité : 2021-06-17, Vol. 18 n° 24 Decision 2021-PDG-0055, 2021-11-17 Bulletin de l’Autorité : 2021-12-23, Vol. 18 n° 52
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Amended 1 time · last 2022-01-20
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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