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Ontario Securites Commision - Investor offices
Investor News
April 12, 2021
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The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) today released a new study that explores the impact of the pandemic on the behaviours and attitudes of retail investors. This study is part of the OSC’s ongoing efforts to monitor the impact of the pandemic on investors and markets.

Among its findings, the study found that 32% of investors reported being in a worse financial situation while 16% of investors found their financial situation improved. Learn more

 
 

The COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely affected the financial situation of each retail investor. Many investors are simply trying to endure the hardship and uncertainty of the pandemic.

The research found that 58% of households earning less than $50,000 per year stopped contributing to one or more savings goals. Overall, 35% of investors said they think the pandemic will affect their financial situation beyond the fall of 2021. Learn more

 
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We have been witnessing increased participation by retail investors in our capital markets. Our study found that almost half of retail investors (48%) have been active in buying and selling investments. Of these active investors, 63% have increased their holdings by buying more than they sold. Learn more

 
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Net Worth Calculator

What is your net worth? Use this calculator to find the difference between what you own and what you owe. You can also compare your results to other Canadian households. Calculate Your Net Worth

 
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Preparing for Financial Emergencies

An emergency savings fund can help you better handle an unexpected event, such as losing your job or paying for home repairs. It can provide a financial buffer and may prevent you from going into debt. A general rule is to have enough money to pay for 3 to 6 months of essential living expenses. Learn more

 
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Money Tips for the Gig Economy

The "gig economy" typically refers to short-term, temporary or freelance work where people find jobs through apps or online platforms. 

As a gig worker, your income could fluctuate depending on the amount and type of work you find. Managing financial priorities can be a challenge, especially when you’re also trying to save, invest or reduce debt. Learn more

 
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Selling Your Mutual Funds

If you decide to sell your mutual funds, there could be fees as well as tax consequences such as taxable capital gains. For funds with a deferred sales charge, you may ask if you can sell a certain amount, typically 10%, without fees. Some firms also offer fee waivers for people experiencing financial hardship. Learn more

 
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Building Your Financial Plan

A financial plan can help define your short- and long-term financial goals. It can also help guide your investment decisions and encourage you to remain focused during periods of market volatility or economic uncertainty. Learn more

 
Grant Vingoe, Chair and CEO of the OSC
 

Term Extended for OSC Chair & CEO

The OSC recently announced that the term of Grant Vingoe, Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the OSC, has been extended by the Ontario Ministry of Finance for up to one-year, effective April 15, 2021.

Chair Vingoe was appointed Chair and CEO of the OSC on April 15, 2020 having previously served as Vice-Chair of the Commission, and as a partner with international law firms in Toronto and New York. Learn more

 
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Virtual Hearings Before the OSC Tribunal

Jeff Kehoe, Director of the Enforcement Branch at the OSC, shared his views on virtual hearings and its benefits in a recent Investment Executive interview.

In his interview, Jeff Kehoe notes that allowing members of the public to virtually attend hearings has made the OSC's enforcement efforts more transparent after more than 120 members of the public attended a virtual settlement hearing for Coinsquare Ltd in July. Read the article

 
 

CONSULTATIONS

 

Proposal to modernize registration information framework

Comments due: May 5, 2021

The CSA is proposing targeted changes to provide registered firms and individuals with greater clarity on what information is required as part of the registration process, while also improving the quality of information received by regulators. Learn more

 

WARNINGS/ALERTS

 

Always know the 10 most recent OSC investor warnings and alerts by bookmarking this Fact Card or embedding it on your website or blog.

 

Kirther Investment & Trading Inc.

Kirther Investment & Trading Inc., found at www[dot]kirtherinvestment[dot]com, is not registered in Ontario to engage in the business of trading in securities. Learn more

 

Fortraders

Fortraders, found at www[dot]fortraders[dot]io, is not registered in Ontario to engage in the business of trading in securities. Learn more

 

COVID-19 Fraud Alerts

Watch our COVID-19 fraud alert video series. Fraudsters are exploiting the fear surrounding economic conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fake government messages. Be careful of fraudsters posing as government agencies or departments by text or email.

Financial representative impostors. Be on alert for fraudsters posing as your bank or investment firm advisor.

Quick High-Return Schemes. Fraudsters are targeting people experiencing financial hardship from COVID-19 with quick high-return schemes based outside of Canada.

Pump-and-dump scams. This is a type of investment fraud where fraudsters artificially increase the price of a stock that they own by encouraging other investors to buy it. 

Work from home scams. Be on alert for fraudsters offering fake job opportunities.

 

IOSCO Investor Alerts

Stay informed about the latest international investor warnings and alerts by visiting the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Investor Alerts Portal.

 

KEY DATES

 

OSC in the Community

OSC in the Community is an outreach program that takes the OSC's regulatory mandate from Bay Street to Main Street. OSC staff travel to communities across Ontario to talk to people about making informed financial decisions and avoiding investment fraud.

To protect the health and safety of the public and staff, all OSC in the Community events will be delivered online or by phone until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow guidance from public health authorities.

  • April 14, 2021 - Webinar
  • April 16, 2021 - Webinar 
  • April 26, 2021 - Webinar 
  • April 27, 2021 - Webinar 
  • April 29, 2021 - Webinar 

Learn more

 
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Here are 3 tax credits to remember for seniors. 

 
 
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