


The May Enforcement Roundup contains information about one by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). There are also 11 new additions to the Investment Caution List. CIRO Enforcement CIRO Sanctions Gaurav (Gavin) Banerjee Gaurav Banerjee admitted to borrowing monies from a client. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Gaurav Banerjee agreed to a permanent prohibition from conducting securities related business in any capacity while […]
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The BC Securities Commission (BCSC) will pay people who provide helpful information about investment fraud and other serious types of market misconduct. The whistleblower program awards will range from $1,000 to $250,000 and will be determined by how quickly the information was reported, how much the information contributed to the enforcement outcome, and the seriousness […]
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Every June, the BCSC recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), but elder financial abuse can occur anytime.
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Learn about ways to talk about elder financial abuse, and the various resources available in BC.
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The April Enforcement Roundup contains information about one enforcement action taken by the BC Securities Commission (BCSC). There are also eight new additions to the Investment Caution List. BCSC Enforcement BCSC Settlement Agreements Andrew Pollard Andrew Pollard, CEO of a publicly-traded junior mineral exploration company has paid $25,000 to the BC Securities Commission (BCSC) for failing to file timely reports of his securities trading activity. Pollard is a B.C. […]
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The March Enforcement Roundup contains 2 enforcement actions taken by the BCSC. There are also 12 new additions to the Investment Caution List.
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The February Enforcement Roundup contains 2 enforcement actions taken by the BCSC. There are also 8 new additions to the Investment Caution List.
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The January Enforcement Roundup contains 1 enforcement action taken by the BCSC and 1 by CIRO. There are also 16 new additions to the Investment Caution List.
Read MoreA knock comes at the door. The occupant opens it to find a police officer and an investigator from the BC Securities Commission (BCSC). They would like to talk about money laundering – specifically, to warn the person answering the door, or someone living at that address, that they are suspected of transferring funds for […]
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The December Enforcement Roundup contains information about four enforcement actions taken by the BC Securities Commission (BCSC) and two by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). There are also six new additions to the Investment Caution List. BCSC Enforcement BCSC Settlement Agreements Multi-Metal Development Ltd. and Shaun Methven Dykes A panel of the BCSC has found that a BC-based public mining company and its CEO made false or misleading […]
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Social media is playing a bigger role than ever when it comes to making investment decisions, particularly with self-directed investors.
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It all began with a complaint to the BC Securities Commission (BCSC) from a disgruntled former business associate of a local company. It ended – sort of – seven years later, with a string of settlements and sanctions against six individuals and four companies, and a new set of expectations in British Columbia about a […]
Read MoreThe pitch seemed promising: Taking advantage of the public’s thirst for craft brews, and the Fraser Valley’s superb conditions for growing the key ingredient, investors were offered a chance to own stakes in a 125-acre hops farm in Agassiz. It helped that the two individuals behind Fraser Valley Hop Farms Inc. (FVHF) – CEO Alexander […]
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The November Enforcement Roundup contains information about one enforcement action taken by the BC Securities Commission (BCSC). There are also three new additions to the Investment Caution List. BCSC Enforcement BCSC Settlement Agreements William Brent Meikle and Hit TV Brands Inc. A former BC resident and his company have agreed to pay almost $4.2 million […]
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From tackling emerging market risks to embracing social media trends, here are some of the highlights that shaped our investor education efforts this year.
Read MoreCryptocurrencies and blockchain are the same thing.
Correct Answer: False
Blockchain is a type of digital ledger. A digital ledger records transaction information and then duplicates and distributes the information across the entire network of computer systems on that ledger. A cryptocurrency, on the other hand, is a digital asset that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend.
Regulators and law enforcement can’t trace cryptocurrency transactions.
Correct Answer: False
Cryptocurrency transactions can be traced. Though cryptocurrencies can be created, moved, and stored outside the purview of governments, regulators, and financial institutions, each transaction is recorded in a permanent fixed digital ledger. The ledger allows anyone who is plugged in to view the transaction history.
Cryptocurrencies are low-risk investments if you buy and hold.
Correct Answer: False
Many factors may make cryptocurrencies and crypto assets risky investments (e.g., cyberattacks and hacking, their speculative nature, liquidity, security, and volatility). Additionally, many crypto assets and online crypto trading platforms aren’t regulated in Canada. Securities regulators are working with operators of platforms to ensure they comply with applicable securities laws.
I can trade crypto assets through a registered dealer in Canada.
Correct Answer: True
You can trade crypto assets in Canada using registered cryptocurrency platforms. Cryptocurrency trading is legal in Canada, and you should note that profits are taxable as capital gains, or as income if you are classified as a day trader. You can check a platform’s registration by visiting the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website or by contacting a Canadian securities regulator to inquire.
Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) are a crypto asset that people can collect and trade.
Correct Answer: True
An NFT is a digital asset that often represents real-world objects like art, music, and videos. NFTs are bought and sold online, frequently with cryptocurrency, and they are generally encoded with the same underlying software as many cryptocurrencies. “Non-fungible” means that it’s unique and can’t be replaced with something else.
There is no difference between cryptocurrencies and crypto assets, these terms are interchangeable.
Correct Answer: False
The term “crypto assets” is generally used to reference a broad range of digital assets with a variety of properties and/or uses. The term “cryptocurrencies" refers to a specific type of crypto asset, which is generally designed to be used as a medium of exchange, similar to the way we use fiat currencies (a.k.a. government-issued money) to purchase goods and services.
Not all crypto assets are securities.
Correct Answer: True
Not all crypto assets are securities or are subject to securities laws. That said, the regulatory treatment of a particular crypto asset will depend on whether it is a security or derivative. Despite the fact that a crypto asset may not be classified as a security or derivative, the way they are bought, sold and/or traded can be subject to securities laws.
Bitcoin will retain its value and rise in price over time because there’s a limited supply.
Correct Answer: False
You could lose some or all of the money you used to purchase any crypto asset or cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin. Like many investments or financial assets, there is no guarantee that crypto assets or cryptocurrencies will retain their value or rise in price.
Cryptocurrencies can be used for payments.
Correct Answer: True
Some cryptocurrencies can be used for payments; however, it can be difficult, expensive, and/or slow. Their price volatility may also be a factor in an individual or business accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment.
Crypto asset scams are among the most popular types of online investment scams.
Correct Answer: True
As the popularity and price of cryptocurrencies rise, so do the scams associated with these digital assets. The volatile, online, and often unregulated nature of crypto assets makes it easy for people to fall victim to fraud in a number of ways. For example, fraudsters use the anonymity of the internet to attempt to avoid detection by regulators or law enforcement.
Nice work. You have a good understanding of crypto assets! Crypto assets are a constantly evolving type of investment, so there is always more to know. Visit InvestRight.org to learn more about crypto assets, investment fraud, and other important investor education information with these resources:
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