When conducting a formal interview with an investment professional you are looking to hire, consider asking them the following questions:
Conduct a search on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ (CSA) National Registration Search.
The CSA’s Disciplined List contains the names of individuals and companies disciplined by securities regulators in Canada. View the CSA’s Disciplined list.
If you have any questions about how to do a background check, contact BC Securities Commission Inquiries.
You should do a background check on anyone who claims they are registered to sell investments. You can complete a check in four simple steps. Step 1 – Use the Canadian Securities Administrators’, or CSA’s, National Registration...
Read moreYou should do a background check on anyone who claims they are registered to sell investments. You can complete a check in four simple steps.
Step 1 – Use the Canadian Securities Administrators’, or CSA’s, National Registration Search tool to check registration. A link is available at the end of this video.
Step 2 – Check to see if the individual, firm, or service you are considering has ever been disciplined for bad practices. You’ll be able to find a record of the violation and the discipline they received using the CSA’s Disciplined List.
Step 3 – Search the Internet. When doing a search, pay close attention to information about wrongdoing or bad practices of any kind in the results.
It’s important to note that finding results for the name you’re looking for is not a guarantee that you have found the person you’re checking. Combine the search result information with information returned from the other sources described in this video.
Step 4 – If you are considering working with an investment professional, conduct a formal interview to see if they are the right fit for you. If you plan to use an investment service, do your research and talk to the company before committing.
You can also contact BCSC Contact Centre. They can help you conduct different searches or point you to investor education information over the phone.
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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.
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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:
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:
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