IIROC encourages investors to check advisor database before making investment decisions

October is Investor Education Month

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) is promoting its free advisor check database, IIROC AdvisorReport, during Investor Education Month to help investors when they are selecting or working with an advisor.

IIROC's AdvisorReport is a popular and easily-accessible online tool that allows investors to research the professional background, qualifications and employment history of investment advisors who work at IIROC-regulated firms.

In researching IIROC's information, investors can learn how much experience an advisor has and find out whether that advisor has ever been disciplined or has restrictions in place for breaking IIROC's rules. Last year, nearly 40,000 searches were conducted online.

"Investors need access to relevant information and tools to help them make informed decisions," said Lucy Becker, IIROC Vice-President, Public Affairs and Member Education Services. "IIROC's advisor check database is another useful resource that Canadians can use to do research when choosing an advisor to help them invest their savings."

IIROC's website offers various helpful tools including investor bulletins on topics like borrowing to invest and understanding risk, and an investor knowledge quiz.  

IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and their trading activity in Canada's debt and equity markets. IIROC sets high quality regulatory and investment industry standards, protects investors and strengthens market integrity while supporting healthy Canadian capital markets. IIROC carries out its regulatory responsibilities through setting and enforcing rules regarding the proficiency, business and financial conduct of dealer firms and their registered employees and through setting and enforcing market integrity rules regarding trading activity on Canadian equity marketplaces.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) - General News

Paul Howard, Director, Communications & Public Affairs, 416 646-7279, [email protected]; Karen Archer, Manager, Media Relations, 416 865-3046, [email protected]