Canadian regulators seek comments on soft dollar arrangements

CSA Securities

Toronto – The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) are seeking comments on proposed National Instrument 23-102 - Use of Client Brokerage Commissions as Payment for Order Execution Services or Research (“Soft Dollar” Arrangements) and Companion Policy 23-102. The proposed instrument and companion policy clarify how advisers and registered dealers can use client brokerage commissions and include guidelines regarding disclosure of “soft dollar” arrangements.

Soft dollar arrangements refer to the advisers’ use of brokerage commission dollars to pay for trading-related goods or services, including research, advice and analytical tools in addition to trade execution costs. Such arrangements may result in conflicts of interest and obscure the adviser’s best execution.

The goal here is to ensure that advisers manage the appearance of conflicts of interest that may develop when investors do not have complete information about how the adviser spends their money,” says Jean St-Gelais, Chair of the CSA and President & Chief Executive Officer of the Autorité des marchés financiers (Québec). “Investors may not be aware of soft dollar practices. Enhancing disclosure requirements in this area will improve investors’ confidence.”

The CSA Proposed National Instrument 23-102 - Use of Client Brokerage Commissions as Payment for Order Execution Services or Research (“Soft Dollar” Arrangements), - and Companion Policy 23-102 are available on several CSA members’ websites. The comment period ends on October 19th, 2006.

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

Ontario Securities Commission

Laurie Gillett

416 595-8913

Manitoba Securities Commission

Ainsley Cunningham

204 945-4733

Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission

Barbara Shourounis

306 787-5842