|
New research published today by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) Investor Office suggests that many Ontarians could be overestimating their ability to finance their retirement using their homes, among other findings. The research is based on a survey of Ontarians aged 45 and older on financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards retirement planning. The research findings will be used to support the development of the OSC’s Seniors Strategy. Learn more
|
|
|
The survey found that nearly half (45 per cent) of pre-retired Ontario homeowners are relying on the value of their home increasing to fund their retirement. The survey also found substantial gender differences – for example, women 55 and older reported that they are more stressed when it comes to retirement planning.
Owning a home isn’t a substitute for retirement planning. You'll still need to consider how much you will need at retirement and what kind of lifestyle you would like to maintain. The value of your home, like any asset, can fluctuate depending on market conditions. Here are some important questions to ask yourself if you're considering funding your retirement using your home.
|
|
|
Embedded Commissions
The OSC held a roundtable on September 18, 2017 as part of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) ongoing consultation on the option of discontinuing embedded commissions.
Listen to the opening remarks from John Mountain, Director of the OSC's Investment Funds and Structured Products Branch, and Maureen Jensen, OSC Chair and Chief Executive Officer. All the audio from the event can be accessed here.
|
|
|
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
If you listen to investor presentations or read news releases from certain companies, you may come across terms that are sometimes called non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) or non-IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures are disclosed outside of financial statements and present financial results differently – often in a more positive light.
Read our article on non-GAAP financial measures to understand how financial results are reported, what to consider if you are making investing decisions based on non-GAAP financial measures, and the risks associated with relying on this type of information.
|
|
|
Investor Protection Clinic
The new Investor Protection Clinic has opened its doors to the public.
A partnership between Osgoode Hall Law School and FAIR Canada, and funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario Access to Justice Fund, the Clinic provides free legal advice to people who believe their investments were mishandled and who cannot afford a lawyer. The Clinic is staffed with Osgoode law students who are paired with supervising lawyers from law firms in Ontario. Learn more
|
|
|
World Investor Week
Next week is the first-ever World Investor Week, a global campaign that is promoted by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
Taking place from October 2-8, 2017, the goal of World Investor Week is to raise awareness about the importance of investor education and protection. The OSC is a proud participant in World Investor Week. Look for more information on this important initiative in the coming days.
|
|
|
Mortgage Investment Entities
Real estate investments can offer a range of benefits but there is no guarantee that you will earn an income or profit and, like any investment, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that you need to carefully consider before investing.
Mortgage Investment Entities (MIEs), mortgage-financing businesses that pool together money from investors to lend to people as mortgages, have received increased attention in recent years. Read our guide to understand what you need to know before investing in MIEs.
|
|
|
Cryptocurrency Offerings
You hear a lot these days about cryptocurrency offerings such as initial coin offerings (ICOs) and initial token offerings (ITOs), which are increasingly popular ways for businesses to raise money. Investors may be eager to get in on a new trend, but should be wary of the considerable risks that often accompany these investments. Read our cryptocurrency offerings guide for investors to learn more about this new investment space.
The CSA also recently published a staff notice for fintech businesses that outlines how securities laws may apply to cryptocurrency offerings. For more information, contact the OSC LaunchPad team at osclaunchpad@osc.gov.on.ca.
|
|
|
Proposed Revised Rule for Distributions outside Canada
Comments due: September 27, 2017
The OSC published for comment revised OSC Rule 72-503 Distributions Outside Canada and proposed Companion Policy 72-503 Distributions Outside Canada. The proposed rule would provide explicit prospectus and registration exemptions that would preserve current cross-border practices.
Learn More
|
Proposed Amendments to Resale of Securities
Comments due: September 27, 2017
The CSA published for comment proposed amendments to National Instrument 45-102 Resale of Securities that would introduce a new prospectus exemption for the resale of securities of a foreign issuer.
Learn More
|
Proposed Amendments relating to Designated Rating Organizations
Comments due: October 4, 2017
The CSA published for comment proposed rule amendments and policy changes related to designated rating organizations (DROs) and credit ratings of DROs.
Learn More
|
Proposed Amendments to Registration Information
Comments due: October 4, 2017
The OSC published for comment proposed amendments to OSC Rule 33-506 (Commodity Futures Act) Registration Information.
Learn More
|
|
|
Always know the 5 most recent OSC investor warnings and alerts by bookmarking this Fact Card or embedding it on your website or blog.
Learn More
|
|
|
Investor Office Teletownhall
October 24, 2017
Teletownhalls are a way for the Investor Office to connect with thousands of Ontarians at a time. Teletownhalls work much like a call-in radio show where OSC staff provide information, answer questions and conduct live polls over the course of one hour.
The next teletownhall is being held as part of Investor Education Month and will focus on how to spot some common investment scams. You can also ask OSC experts your investment and fraud-related questions.
Registration
|
OSC in the Community
OSC staff are taking the Commission's regulatory mandate from Bay Street to Main Street with seminars on preventing fraud and making informed investment decisions.
- Hamilton - September 28, 2017
- Milton - October 3, 2017
- Toronto (North York) - October 11, 2017
- Whitby - October 17, 2017
- Toronto (Etobicoke) - October 25, 2017
- Cambridge - October 26, 2017
- Toronto (Downtown) - October 28, 2017
- Oshawa - October 30, 2017
Learn More
|
OSC Dialogue 2017: Embracing Change
October 12, 2017
OSC Dialogue 2017 is coming up soon, bringing together business leaders, regulators and international policy experts and others to explore the impact of emerging technologies, data analytics in enforcement, long-term trends in corporate governance and the evolving investor experience.
At this time, registration for the event has reached capacity. If you would like to be placed on the wait list or have any questions please email dialogue@osc.gov.on.ca.
|
Roundtable to Discuss Third Annual Review of Women on Boards and in Executive Officer Positions
October 24, 2017
The OSC will hold a roundtable to discuss the findings of its third annual review of disclosures made under National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices relating to women on boards and in executive officer positions.
Learn More
|
|
|
|