The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) today published a new study focused on the recent experiences of self-directed investors, also known as do-it-yourself (DIY) investors.

Approximately 10% of self-directed investors surveyed opened their account since the pandemic began. The study looked at who are self-directed investors, why some people choose to invest on their own, and where people get their investing information. Learn more

The majority of self-directed investors are male, and more than half are either young or retired and have graduated from university. Many self-directed investors say they enjoy buying and selling investments on their own. However, their experience is not always seamless as 10% had trouble accessing their accounts and 17% had issues completing a trade during the pandemic. Learn more

When it comes to making decisions, 13% of self-directed investors use information found on social media, but most investors rely on their own personal experiences with a company, the financial performance of the company, and the ease of making the trade. Learn more

Stock Market Basics

The stock market is a network of stock exchanges, which includes the Toronto Stock Exchange, where investors can buy and sell shares of public companies. You can also find exchange-traded funds and other securities. Learn more

First-Time Investor Mistakes

As a first-time investor, you may face situations where your emotions or inexperience results in a regrettable financial decision. You shouldn’t be overly discouraged since all investors, even experienced ones, make the occasional mistake. Take a look at these 10 common first-time investor mistakes to help you avoid early pitfalls. Learn more

Cannabis Investing

There are now many businesses that operate in the cannabis industry. Some investors believe there is high growth potential and are amongst the first people to invest. When you invest in the cannabis industry, like any emerging sector, you’re exposed to different types of risk that can affect your potential return. Learn more

Self-Directed RRSPs

A self-directed registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is an account that gives you more control over your retirement savings. You decide which investments to hold, and when to buy and sell. You are also responsible for doing your own research and tracking your progress. Learn more

Fear of Missing Out

Are you investing for the right reasons? The fear of missing out, or FOMO, can lead to irrational investment decisions that harm your finances. You may be tempted to chase the latest "hot stock" or investing trend without understanding if it fits your investment goals or risk tolerance. Learn more

Teaching Children About Money

Teaching your child good money habits can help them develop important life skills. You can play an important role in guiding a child's ability to grasp basic financial concepts and help them understand core money values like distinguishing between needs and wants. Learn more

The Cranial Cash Clash

How much do you know about finances and investing? The Cranial Cash Clash is a financial literacy game that helps you test your knowledge on important topics like spending, saving, investing, debt and investment fraud.

Visit GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca for more free articles, tools and calculators to help you with your finances.

Protection of Older and Vulnerable Clients

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) is on track to publish the final amendments that will enhance the protection of older and vulnerable clients across Canada, in early summer 2021.

CSA staff expect the final amendments will be similar to the changes proposed in March 2020 and come into force on December 31, 2021, subject to all necessary approvals.

The amendments are part of the CSA’s strategic goal to enhance investor protection by providing registrants with tools and guidance to address situations involving potential financial exploitation or diminished mental capacity, when working with older and vulnerable clients. Learn more

Framework for Compliance for Crypto Asset Trading Platforms

The CSA and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) recently published a notice outlining securities law requirements that apply to crypto asset trading platforms (CTPs) and how they may be tailored by regulators for the CTPs business model. Learn more