Canadian regulators release results of hedge fund review

CSA Securities

Toronto – The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) today issued Staff Notice 81-316 Hedge Funds, summarizing the findings of a sample-based review of hedge funds in Canada.

The CSA conducted the review in response to increased retail interest in hedge funds. The review was done through a combination of compliance reviews of fund managers and advisers, disclosure reviews and industry consultations. Based on the review, the CSA determined that while an appropriate securities regulatory framework exists for hedge funds in Canada, certain areas can be improved.

“Regulators in Canada recognize the increased popularity of hedge funds among retail investors,” said Jean St-Gelais, Chair of the CSA and President & Chief Executive Officer of the Autorité des marchés financiers (Québec). “While we feel the necessary regulatory framework is in place, it is important to continually examine the framework against new products in our evolving markets.”

The review identified areas for improvement, including issues with principal protected notes (PPNs), referral arrangements, distribution, disclosure and registration of fund managers. The notice sets out the CSA’s views on how these areas will be monitored or improved.

CSA Staff Notice 81-316 Hedge Funds is available on several CSA members' websites.

The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada’s provinces and territories, co-ordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets.

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For more information:

CSA member name

Point of contact

Phone number

Autorité des marchés financiers

Frédéric Alberro

514 940-2176

Alberta Securities Commission

Tamera Van Brunt

403 297-2664

British Columbia Securities Commission

Andrew Poon 

604 899-6880

Manitoba Securities Commission

Ainsley Cunningham

204 945-4733

New Brunswick Securities Commission

Jane Gillies

506 643-7745

Nova Scotia Securities Commission

Nicholas A. Pittas

902 424-6859

Ontario Securities Commission

Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington

416 593-2361

Saskatchewan Financial Service Commission

Barbara Shourounis

306 787-5842