Understand Investing
Investing puts your money to work so you can meet your financial goals faster. Learn the fundamentals including different investment types and accounts, buying and selling investments, and more.
Investing puts your money to work so you can meet your financial goals faster. Learn the fundamentals including different investment types and accounts, buying and selling investments, and more.
Home > Search results for ‘ get started with investing’ > Page 2 A private placement is when a company issues securities privately rather than offering them to the public through a stock exchange. Securities offered through private placement investments may be one of many investment types, including shares, bonds, investment funds, limited partnership or trust units, […]
Home > Search results for ‘ get started with investing’ > Page 2 Elder financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse. It is defined as the unlawful or unauthorized use of an elderly person’s financial assets. It is also the act of pressuring an elder to authorize consent or use of their financial assets. […]
Home > Search results for ‘ get started with investing’ > Page 2 Religious organizations, community groups, and older adults are often targets for fraudsters. This section identifies the groups and communities that are commonly targeted by fraudsters. Clubs & Organizations Fraudsters will often promote their scheme by befriending a respected member of a club or organization. Once […]
Be sure that you know what you are paying for your investment and what you are getting in return.
Home > Search results for ‘ get started with investing’ > Page 2 Public companies are required to disclose and report to the public according to rules laid out by regulators. When researching a public company, it’s important to know where this information resides and how you can access it to make more informed investment decisions. Always […]
Home > Search results for ‘ get started with investing’ > Page 2 BC residents have lost millions of dollars to individuals they believed they could trust. Sometimes we depend on our family, friends, or co-workers for advice. Fraudsters know it and exploit the trust that exists within a family or community to defraud people. When a […]
Looking for a comprehensive path to get started with investing, take your investment knowledge to the next level, or stay away from investment fraud? We’ve got you covered with these free online resources.
Home > Search results for ‘ get started with investing’ > Page 2 Debt can either help or hurt your financial future, depending on how you use it. If you borrow money wisely, debt can be a valuable tool that helps you manage expenses over a period of time. But if you use debt carelessly, it can […]
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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:
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