British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC)

Vancouver, Canada

The BCSC regulates the securities industry in British Columbia, Canada, including companies who issue securities, registered firms who trade in securities, and other market participants such as exchanges and clearing agencies. 

BCSC’s Fintech & Innovation Team (FIT) is a dedicated cross-functional group within the BCSC that focuses on guiding and regulating innovative business activity that engages securities laws. This includes local businesses wishing to conduct activities domestically or internationally, and foreign businesses wanting to do business in British Columbia or transact with British Columbia residents. 

We also work with other securities regulators across Canada to facilitate harmonized pan-Canadian regulations and authorizations, where feasible.

Geographical Jurisdiction

British Columbia

We regulate the securities industry in British Columbia. This includes firms and individuals who trade or advise in securities or derivatives, and various market participants including trading marketplaces, clearing agencies and crowdfunding portals.

We also regulate activity in any industry or sector that engages British Columbia securities laws, such as for example the issuance of securities in British Columbia or distribution of securities to British Columbia residents

  • Guidance on the application of laws and rules to innovative business models
  • Support with authorisation to operate in our jurisdiction 
  • Live Sandbox testing environment
  • Waivers or exemptions, for any entity meeting certain criteria
  • Engagement with firms on regtech and suptech solutions
  • Engagement with innovators and/or other third parties (e.g. academics, consultants and other organisations)

Focus Area

  • Business model must have relevance to securities laws
  • Firm must have already commenced operations, or show operational readiness to commence operations within two months of application
  • Fintech, regtech or suptech business models are considered 
  • In accordance with section 26(c) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the BCSC may collect personal information such as personal contact information, name of beneficial owners and relevant individual registration and licensing information for the purposes of the administration of the BC Securities Act. The personal information will be collected and used for the purposes of helping businesses grow in a regulated, transparent market and to discharge our functions effectively as part of GFIN. If you have any questions about this collection, please contact Zach Masum, Manager, Legal Services at 1-604-899-6869. The application form may collect personal information that is not business contact information. The personal information is stored or accessed outside Canada for the purposes of helping businesses grow in a regulated, transparent market and to discharge our functions effectively as part of GFIN. By using and submitting the application form, you are consenting to the storage or access of this personal information outside Canada and global access by members of GFIN. If the personal information is about an individual other than yourself and you do not have their consent, or if you do not consent, please contact Zach Masum, Manager, Legal Services at 1-604-899- 6869 to discuss a possible alternative method for collection. 

Our Contact Information

[email protected]

1-604-899-6869

https://www.bcsc.bc.ca/industry/financial-technology-innovation