The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has announced that it will leave fee rates unchanged for market participants for a period of two years, starting April 1, 2018.

The OSC is funded by fees from market participants and typically re-evaluates its fee levels every three years. Rates were last set in 2015, and fees generally fall into two categories: participation and activity fees. Participation fees cover the cost of a broad range of regulatory services, while activity fees are charged at flat rates and cover the costs of reviewing various regulatory documents, such as registration applications.

Making critical investments

In a March 15 announcement, the OSC stated that while fees remain unchanged, it “will continue to make critical investments in data and information systems, enforcement tools, facilities rehabilitation, and other technology.” The regulator says it will draw down on its cash position in fiscal 2019 in order to fund these initiatives.

To learn more, consult OSC Notice 13-707 Fees under OSC Rule 13-502 Fees and OSC Rule 13-503 (Commodity Futures Act) Fees