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The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) today published its annual Compliance Priorities Report – a review of the issues and trends identified through the past year's compliance and registration activities, that also provides a preview of areas of regulatory focus for the coming year.
"This report is an important overview of issues and challenges that firms should address to better comply with IIROC's regulatory standards," says Victoria Pinnington, IIROC's Senior Vice-President, Market Regulation and Policy. "Ensuring compliance with IIROC's high standards is an integral part of our mandate to protect investors and maintain confidence in the integrity of Canada's capital markets."
Priorities outlined in this year's report stem from risks and trends identified in firms' business conduct, financial operations requirements, trading practices, as well as registration and membership filings and disclosures.
Among IIROC's areas of focus for the coming year are:
- Implementing changes to risk models to ensure IIROC's compliance resources are focused on the greatest risks to investors and market integrity;
- Continuing to support firms' cybersecurity resiliency by compiling and reviewing the results of IIROC's second survey on cybersecurity preparedness conducted in late 2018; and,
- Ensuring IIROC-regulated firms demonstrate a commitment to a strong compliance culture.
"Firms should use this Compliance Priorities Report, along with our guidance notices, conferences and other forums, to help them protect their clients and businesses," says Elsa Renzella, IIROC's Senior Vice-President, Enforcement and Registration. "Firms should treat the report as a tool that assists them with complying in a manner that is appropriate for their unique business models."
