Securities Regulator Hears from Regular Investors

If you're a small (i.e., non-retail) investor living in Ontario with something to say about mutual funds, legal standards for financial advisors, or credit rating agencies, now's your chance to say it.

The Ontario Securities Commission's Investor Advisory Panel wants to hear from you. The panel was established a few months ago specifically to receive input from small investors when it comes to developing new policies. Earlier this month, the panel released its first round of initiatives and is inviting small investors to comment.

Specifically, the panel is looking for input on four things:

1. The Ontario Securities Commission's new point-of-sale rules, which aim to provide better information to mutual fund investors about the funds they buy. As of January 1, 2011, mutual fund companies must provide a "fund facts" document to investors who ask for one, but the commission is still developing other ways to improve mutual fund sales disclosure.2. Whether higher standards should be implemented for financial advisors, essentially making them legally obligated to act in investors' best interests.

3. Ways to improve enforcement against companies and people who violate securities laws.

4. How credit-rating agencies should be regulated in Canada.

Although there's no firm deadline for comments, the panel would prefer to hear from investors by January 15, 2011. You can email your comments to iap@osc.gov.on.ca. To find out more about the Investor Advisory Panel's early initiatives or to get their mailing address, click here.

More on this topic:
Where to Invest Your Money Now
Why Mom Didn't Teach Us About Investing