Canadian securities regulators adopt amendments to modernize investment fund rules

TORONTO, June 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) today published final amendments to National Instrument 81-102 Mutual Funds (NI 81-102) and related consequential amendments, as part of the CSA's Modernization of Investment Fund Product Regulation Project.

The objective of this phase of the project is to address market efficiency, investor protection and fairness issues that arise out of the regulatory regimes that apply to publicly offered mutual funds and non-redeemable investment funds. 

Today's amendments, which were proposed in March 2013, introduce fundamental investment restrictions and operating requirements for non-redeemable investment funds and enhanced disclosure requirements regarding securities lending by all investment funds in Canada.

"By modernizing these important investment fund rules, the CSA aims to create fair and consistent product regulation across the spectrum of retail investment funds," said Bill Rice, Chair of the CSA and Chair and CEO of the Alberta Securities Commission.

Following completion of this step in the project, the CSA will further consider its alternative funds proposals through additional research and industry consultation.

The amendments, which come into force on September 22, 2014 and are subject to certain transition periods, can be found on CSA member 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.

SOURCE: Canadian Securities Administrators

Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington, Ontario Securities Commission, 416-593-2361; Mark Dickey, Alberta Securities Commission, 403-297-4481; Richard Gilhooley, British Columbia Securities Commission, 604-899-6713; Sylvain Théberge, Autorité des marchés financiers, 514-940-2176; Kevan Hannah, Manitoba Securities Commission, 204-945-1513; Wendy Connors-Beckett, Financial and Consumer Services Commission, New Brunswick, 506-643-7745; Tanya Wiltshire, Nova Scotia Securities Commission, 902-424-8586; Janice Callbeck, Office of the Superintendent of Securities, P.E.I. 902-368-6288; Don Boyles, Office of the Superintendent of Securities, Newfoundland and Labrador, 709-729-4501; Rhonda Horte, Office of the Yukon Superintendent of Securities, 867-667-5466; Louis Arki, Nunavut Securities Office, 867-975-6587; Gary MacDougall, Northwest Territories Securities Office, 867-873-3318; Daniela Machuca, Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan, 306-798-4160