OSC investor advisory panel reports amidst ‘rapid pace of change’

The Ontario Securities Commission’s (OSC) investor advisory panel (IAP) is calling for the regulator to pursue more accessible disclosure and investor tools, and consider additional finfluencer regulation, as part of its 2025 annual report. A series of recommendations were released today.

“The past year saw a continuation of significant developments that affect retail investors, including advances in technology, more variety in investment products and ways to invest and increasing uncertainty concerning the economy and the broader geopolitical environment,” according to a media release.

The release came just hours after investor advocate Harvey Naglie called for the report’s publication.

The panel listed seven recommendations:

1. Investor disclosure “that is accessible, clear and easy to understand.”
2. More tools and resources to help investors make decisions.
3. Consideration of additional regulation of finfluencers and “digital engagement practices.”
4. More ways to address misconduct, “including enhanced freeze powers and the power to dispose of frozen assets and impose higher sanctions.”
5. Implementation of binding authority for the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments “as soon as possible.”
6. Guidance on the risks related to AI use by market participants and investors.
7. Assessment of the investor impact of capital formation initiatives, “such as permitting long-term asset funds to be sold to retail investors.”

The panel’s mandate is to deliver the retail investor perspective to OSC initiatives.

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