The Ontario Securities Commission

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is an independent Crown corporation that is responsible for regulating the capital markets 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 OSC’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 Investments (OBSI), 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 registration of any person or business trying to sell you an investment 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 invest, 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 estate investment securities, including real estate investment trusts and limited partnerships, mortgage investment entities and syndicated mortgages, and uses video interviews with OSC staff members to help explain the topic.