About us

The Ontario Securities Commission

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is an independent Crown corporation that is responsible for regulating the capital marketsCapital markets Where people buy and sell investments.+ read full definition in Ontario. Our statutory mandate is:

To provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk.

Providing protection to investors is a key part of the OSCOSC See Ontario Securities Commission.+ read full definition’s mandate. As a regulatory agency, the OSC administers and enforces the Securities Act (Ontario) and the Commodity Futures Act (Ontario). Specifically, the OSC works to protect investors by making and enforcing rules governing the securities industry in Ontario.

The Investor Office

GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca is managed by the Investor Office of the OSC. The Investor Office sets the strategic direction and leads the OSC’s efforts in investor engagement, education, outreach and research. The Investor Office also has a policy function, plays a key role in the oversight of the Ombudsman for Banking Services and InvestmentsOmbudsman for Banking Services and Investments A national, independent and not-for-profit organization that helps resolve disputes between consumers and financial services firms when they can’t come to a resolution on their own.+ read full definition (OBSIOBSI See Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments.+ read full definition), and provides leadership at the OSC in the area of behavioural insights and improving the investor experience.

Visit our other resources

• CheckBeforeYouInvest.ca – Always check the registrationRegistration A requirement for any person or company trading investments or providing advice in Canada. Securities industry professionals are required to register with the securities regulator in each province or territory where they do business.+ read full definition of any person or business trying to sell you an investmentInvestment An item of value you buy to get income or to grow in value.+ read full definition or give you investment advice.
• InvestingQuestions.ca – Have a question about investing or the investment world? Ask us or read what other investors are curious about.
• InvestingIntroduction.ca – Whether you are new to investing or new to Canada, investing for your future is important. And no matter how much (or little) money you have to investInvest To use money for the purpose of making more money by making an investment. Often involves risk.+ read full definition, having the right information and resources can help you make better decisions for you and your family.
• GetSmarterAboutRealEstate.ca – A multimedia feature article that combines information and design to guide readers through several types of common real estateEstate The total sum of money and property you leave behind when you die.+ read full definition investment securities, including real estate investment trusts and limited partnerships, mortgageMortgage A loan that you get to pay for a home or other property. Often the loan is for 20 years or more. You make a set number of payments for a set amount each year.+ read full definition investment entities and syndicated mortgages, and uses video interviews with OSC staff members to help explain the topic.