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Check Before You Invest

There are three types of checks you should perform on any person or business trying to sell you an investment or give you investment advice.

1. Check Registration - Investment industry professionals must register with the securities regulator in each province or territory to practice their business. Working with a registered financial advisor helps protect you as an investor. Look up individual financial advisors or firms on the National Registry Page of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) page to see if they are registered before you commit to working with them.
2. Check their Category - All registered service categories are not the same. Checking to see what products and services firms and individuals are authorized to provide will help you hire the best advisor to meet your investment needs. It can also lower the chances that you will be taken advantage of or scammed through unethical practices. This categories guide can help you understand the different category roles. 
3. Check Disciplined History- Find out if an individual or firm has ever broken regulatory rules and if they have been disciplined. Search the Disciplined List for more information.

This resource is from the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). They are responsible for regulating the capital markets in Ontario.