Happy new year to all of our readers (almost 20,000 of you)! We wish you all the best for 2023 as we kick off 2023 with financial resolutions and goals top of mind.

You are not alone if you feel angst over holiday bills or investment returns in 2022. Keep moving forward with the first 2023 issue of Investor News. It has tips to get your finances ready for the years ahead and more.
 
Your time horizon is a key investing consideration. That’s how long you intend to hold an investment. Learn how to match your investing goals with your time horizon and risk tolerance.

The New Self-Regulatory Organization of Canada (New SRO) officially launched. It consolidates the operations of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA). The new SRO oversees all investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and trading activity on Canada’s debt and equity marketplaces. Interim rules may be found on the New SRO website. The organization is also creating an Office of the Investor and the New SRO Investor Advisory Panel. The inaugural leadership team has also been established. More information can be found in the notices published by the CSA, recognizing the New SRO and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. 

You’ll accumulate debt if you spend more than you earn. Making changes to your budget can help. And so can our 10 ways to save.

The First Home Savings Account will be available this year for the first time. This new registered account is designed to help you save for your first home.

Do you overspend to cope with stress? That could jeopardize your long-term financial health and can make you feel even more on edge. Read our money tips to soothe your stress levels and avoid burnout.

Strengthening oversight of crypto trading platforms

The CSA is expanding the requirements for crypto trading platforms operating in Canada. It also continues to monitor stable coins in Canadian capital markets. Investors should use caution and consider getting advice from a registered investment advisor before investing in crypto. And if they choose to invest, despite all known risks, they should check the platform is registered.  

OSC CEO Grant Vingoe was interviewed by the Financial Post and the Globe and Mail to discuss the OSC's approach to crypto regulation.

Civil asset forfeiture proceedings in the Matter of First Class Crypto Inc., Johnathan Harris, Mitchell Carnie and Neill Kloss under the Civil Remedies Act, 2001 resulted in $142,796.18 being deposited into a special purpose account.
 
All individuals or other persons who have suffered pecuniary or non-pecuniary losses (money or non money damages) as a result of the unlawful activity that was the subject of the forfeiture proceeding may make a claim for compensation. Claims are due March 7, 2023, at 5 p.m.

The Investor Office is connecting with multicultural media to provide investor education where people are getting their information. Recently, Investor Office Director Tyler Fleming appeared on Y media to discuss investor protection and education for the public and the South Asian community in Canada.

Here are some recent developments and publications:

• The OSC’s 2023-2024 Statement of Priorities comment period closed in December 2022. Written comments and submissions from stakeholders can be reviewed online. Any necessary revisions will be incorporated into the final 2023-2024 Statement of Priorities. It will be published as part of the OSC Business Plan in spring 2023.
• Kevan Cowan began his term as OSC Chair of the Board effective December 15, 2022, by way of an Order in Council approved and ordered by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
• Given the level of market activity, with filings slowing down in recent months, the OSC published an updated Service Commitment to return to pre-COVID standards for prospectus reviews.
• The OSC announced the membership of the Registrant Advisory Committee for the 2023-2024 term. The committee serves as a forum to discuss issues and challenges faced by registrants in interpreting and complying with Ontario securities law, including registration and compliance related matters.
• The OSC published a report on capital raising activity by corporate (non-investment fund) issuers in Ontario’s exempt market between 2019 and 2021. The report provides a snapshot of key trends relevant to investors and issuers.
• The CSA published results of its first annual systemic risk survey. The findings summarize responses received from more than 600 Canadian portfolio managers and investment dealers. Overall, survey participants indicated that they were most concerned about rising interest rates, household debt, the housing market, the geopolitical environment and cyber vulnerabilities.

An investment policy statement provides guidance for your advisor to keep your portfolio on track over the long term. It can help you avoid making decisions based on your emotions — in good or bad times. Try our tool to create your blueprint.

The year of the rabbit begins on January 22, according to Chinese astrology. The rabbit is said to symbolize patience and luck. Perhaps this is a fortuitous year to take a deep breath and talk to your kids about money.

Warnings & Alerts

Upcoming events