meta_id 3146259

On May 12, 2026, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) released the 2025 Annual Report from its Investor Advisory Panel (IAP), detailing the Panel's activities, submissions, consultations, and meetings throughout the year. The IAP identified significant developments affecting retail investors, including technological advances, expanded investment product variety, and increased economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The Panel's work focused on understanding these issues' impact on retail investors and providing the retail investor perspective to the OSC's policy and rule-making initiatives, with a particular emphasis on investor protection. The IAP made recommendations across multiple areas to enhance investor protection and capital market integrity. Key recommendations include: ensuring disclosure is accessible, clear, and easy to understand, particularly for do-it-yourself investors; providing additional tools, resources, and supports for investor decision-making with appropriate safeguards; considering additional measures to regulate finfluencers and restrict digital engagement practices; expanding tools and strategies to address wrongdoing, including enhanced freeze powers and higher sanctions; finalizing and implementing binding authority for the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments; providing regulatory guidance on artificial intelligence (AI) deployment and use to clarify responsibilities and liabilities for market participants and investors; and assessing investor protection impacts when considering capital formation initiatives, such as permitting long-term asset funds for retail investors. The IAP comprises up to nine members appointed for terms of up to two years, with possible reappointment for one additional term. The OSC's Investor Office provides administrative support and serves as liaison between the Panel and the Commission. The Panel commends the OSC's efforts to ensure regulatory consistency, guard against systemic risk, and support Ontario investors through its Action Plan for Truth and Reconciliation.