Canadian Securities Regulators Seek Comment on Proposals to Modernize Investment Fund Rules

TORONTO, March 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) today published for comment proposed amendments to National Instrument 81-102 Mutual Funds (NI 81-102), proposed changes to Companion Policy 81-102CP, and related consequential amendments, as part of the CSA's Modernization of Investment Fund Product Regulation Project.

The proposed changes and amendments aim to enhance investor protection and market efficiency by providing a consistent regulatory framework in key areas, regardless of whether an investment fund is structured as a mutual fund or a non-redeemable investment fund. Key investor protections include introducing rules for non-redeemable investment funds relating to conflicts of interest, and securityholder and regulatory approval of fundamental changes to the fund or its management.

Representing an important step in this modernization initiative, today's publication:

• introduces core operational requirements for publicly offered non-redeemable investment funds, other than scholarship plans;
• proposes enhancements to the disclosure requirements relating to securities lending, repurchases and reverse repurchases by investment funds; and,
• seeks feedback on a more comprehensive alternative fund framework that could provide flexibility for investment funds to use alternative investment strategies, while requiring more effective differentiation among the various types of publicly offered investment fund products.

"Creating a more consistent regulatory framework for comparable investment products and giving investors access to alternative investment strategies are key elements in modernizing investment fund rules," said Bill Rice, Chair of the CSA and Chair and CEO of the Alberta Securities Commission.

The Notice is available on various CSA member websites. The comment period is open until June 25, 2013.

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

Mark Dickey
Alberta Securities Commission
403-297-4481     

Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington
Ontario Securities Commission
416-593-2361

Sylvain Théberge
Autorité des marchés financiers
514-940-2176       

Richard Gilhooley
British Columbia Securities Commission
604-899-6713

Ainsley Cunningham
Manitoba Securities Commission
204-945-4733                                                 

Wendy Connors-Beckett
New Brunswick Securities Commission
506-643-7745 

Tanya Wiltshire
Nova Scotia Securities Commission
902-424-8586      

Daniela Machuca 
Financial and Consumer Affairs
Authority of Saskatchewan 
306-798-4160

Janice Callbeck
The Office of the Superintendent of 
Securities, P.E.I.
902-368-6288     

Doug Connolly
Financial Services Regulation Division of 
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-4189

Rhonda Horte
Office of the Yukon Superintendent
of Securities
867-667-5466

Louis Arki
Nunavut Securities Office
867-975-6587

Donn MacDougall
Northwest Territories Securities Office
867-920-8984