Ontario Securities Commission

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is an independent Crown agency that serves as the primary regulator of capital markets in Ontario, Canada. It operates under the authority of the Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act, which empower it to establish legally binding rules and policies governing market participants.

The OSC oversees a wide range of entities, including market participants including firms and individuals who sell securities and derivatives, firms who provide investment advice in Ontario, public companies, also marketplaces such as the Toronto Stock Exchange. Its mandate is to protect investors from unfair, improper, or fraudulent practices while fostering fair, efficient, and competitive capital markets. Additionally, the OSC supports capital formation and contributes to the stability of the broader financial system.

Through its regulatory, enforcement, and policy-making functions, the OSC ensures transparency, accountability, and integrity in Ontario’s capital markets. 

The OSC regulates these entities through:

• recognition or approval of marketplaces, SROs, clearing agencies, clearing houses, and investor protection funds operating in Ontario
• regulatory and filing requirements
• policy initiatives related to market structure and marketplace operation

Generally speaking, OSC-registered broker profile will be found at https://info.securities-administrators.ca/nrsmobile/NrsSearch.aspx. Try to find it and check if it will match the info from the broker website.

The detailed steps are as follow:

1. Select the “Firm” tab. Find the entity name or the NRD Number of the broker, which you can get from the broker's website;

2. Enter the NRD Number or entity name into the search bar at https://info.securities-administrators.ca/nrsmobile/NrsSearch.aspx, then click the Search button. You will see a list of companies appearing below the search bar. 

When you have an issue with a broker or investment firm regulated by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), it's important to follow a structured process to resolve your complaint. Here’s how you can proceed:

1st Way: 

If your issue remains unresolved after contacting the broker, or if you're dissatisfied with the outcome, you may escalate your complaint to the OSC.

1. Online Submission: https://portal.osc.ca/contactus/

2. Call the OSC:

1-877-785-1555 (Toll-free)
416-593-8314 (Local)
1-866-827-1295 (TTY)

3. Email: inquiries@osc.gov.on.ca