To learn about registration, watch this video: Understanding Registration.
Learn more about working with a registered advisor by reading the Investor Guide.
Learn how to do a background check in four simple steps.
To learn more about what to expect from your investment advisor, watch this video: Know What to Expect From Your Registered Investment Advisor.
Working with a registered investment advisor is a choice. If you feel you need help or want support in choosing investments and managing your money, a registered investment advisor can work with you to achieve your goals....
Read moreWorking with a registered investment advisor is a choice. If you feel you need help or want support in choosing investments and managing your money, a registered investment advisor can work with you to achieve your goals. It’s important to note that an investment advisor that sells securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds must be registered with a provincial securities regulator.
Always do a background check on anyone who claims they are registered to sell investments so that you can avoid falling for a potential fraud.
There are a number of things you can expect when working with a registered investment advisor.
They should make clear and specific recommendations, and explain how their recommendations will help you meet your financial goals.
This should include explaining the risks involved with every investment they recommend.
They should answer your questions about investment products and strategies. Remember, if you don’t understand something, ask for clarification until you feel comfortable moving forward with an investment.
They should get your permission before buying or selling investments on your behalf, and confirm it in writing …unless you have a discretionary account or you’ve given someone else trading authority or power of attorney over your account.
They should provide information about the fees you pay and the performance of your investments.
And they should keep your personal information safe, send you regular account statements, and meet with you at least once a year to review your information, progress, and update your plan, if appropriate.
Finally, the type of advice you might get from your investment advisor will depend on the type of advisor you’re working with. Make sure you’re working with an advisor who is qualified to offer the type of advice, products, and services you need.
Canadian securities regulators, such as the BC Securities Commission, also play a role in how the client-advisor relationship is conducted.
Regulators recently made rule amendments based on the concept that clients’ interests come first. The reforms will be in full force on December 31, 2021.
In a nutshell, your investment service provider and its registered advisors are required to put your interests first when recommending or choosing investments for you. If there’s a material conflict of interest, they must address it in your best interest. They will also need to do more to clarify what you can expect from them in terms of investment products and services.
More information is available from the BC Securities Commission.
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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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