The Enforcement Roundup is a monthly summary of enforcement-related activities in British Columbia taken by securities regulators.
Read MoreConvenience, control, and lower costs are why some investors choose to manage their own investment portfolios.
Read MoreWhat's the difference between a take-over bid and a mini-tender offer?
Read MoreWhen it comes to investing, the adage “time is money” takes on a profound meaning, especially for young investors.
Read MoreRegistered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) are accounts registered with the Canada Revenue Agency that help you save for retirement or other goals.
Read MoreLearn the ins and outs of trading crypto assets, including how to buy crypto assets wisely, and how to determine if crypto is right for you.
Read MoreLearn to help your children develop healthy money habits as a foundation for their investment journey, and refresh your own financial knowledge along the way.
Read MoreWe craft an investing scenario that describes three common investing pitfalls, and go over how to recognize and avoid them.
Read MoreThe Enforcement Roundup is a monthly summary of enforcement-related activities in British Columbia taken by securities regulators.
Read MoreThe July 2024 Enforcement Roundup highlights four enforcement actions taken by the BC Securities Commission (BCSC) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). It also includes 15 additions to the Investment Caution List. BCSC Enforcement BCSC Penalties Capstone Asset Management Inc. A Langley-based investment firm has paid $12,000 to the BCSC for failing to maintain […]
Read MoreThe CSA warns Canadians about fraudulent “investment groups” promoted on social media like Facebook and Instagram. These groups could be running a scam called a “pump and dump.”
Read MoreThe June 2024 edition of the Enforcement Roundup features two enforcement actions taken by the BC Securities Commission. It also includes 16 new additions to the Investment Caution List.
Read MoreA money mule is someone who acts as a middle person to transfer money generated by illegal or criminal activity.
Read MoreThe Enforcement Roundup is a monthly summary of enforcement-related activities in British Columbia taken by securities regulators.
Read MoreInvestRight is brought to you by the BC Securities Commission
The BC Securities Commission (BCSC) strives to make the investment markets benefit the public – enabling people to achieve their financial goals, enterprises to grow, and British Columbia to thrive.
Through smart rules, diligent oversight, strong enforcement, and reliable guidance, we act as guardians of the province’s investment marketplace, striving to make BC a place where people can invest with confidence and companies can flourish.
BC Securities Commission
701 West Georgia Street
P.O. Box 10142, Pacific Centre
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1L2
BCSC Contact Centre: 604-899-6854
Toll Free: 1-800-373-6393
Email: [email protected]
Connect with us
Cryptocurrencies 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:
Good job. You understand the basics of crypto assets! Because crypto assets are an ever-changing type of investment, there is always more to know. Check out InvestRight’s crypto asset resources to learn more about these digital investments:
Taking this quiz is a good start in assessing your knowledge. There is much to learn about crypto assets. This quiz is only an introduction to the basics. To find out more about crypto assets, check out some of the following resources:
Help others improve their knowledge of crypto assets.
Share BCSC InvestRight's Crypto QuizLearn about concepts such as diversifying your investment portfolio, investment fees, working with an advisor, and investing trends.
Get to know the fraud warning signs and learn how fraudsters target people with investment scams.
Sign up to receive emails and updates from BCSC InvestRight. We share valuable and timely information about a variety of investment-related topics.