meta_id 3155141

On May 14, 2026, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) published its 2026-2027 Examination Priorities through the Registration, Inspections and Examinations Division (RIE). According to the OSC news release , the priorities outline key areas of focus for compliance examinations over the coming year, reflecting a risk‑based approach informed by horizon scanning, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with regulatory partners. RIE is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance examination processes while maintaining robust regulatory judgment. Key examination priorities include: High‑impact and high‑risk firms: RIE will continue to prioritize firms identified through the Risk Assessment Questionnaire (RAQ) as having considerable assets under management (high impact) or elevated risk profiles, focusing resources on areas with the greatest potential for investor harm or systemic risk. Examinations of regulated entities: RIE’s mandate now includes compliance examinations of regulated entities (e.g., exchanges, clearing agencies), with oversight ongoing by the Trading and Markets Division and Corporate Finance Division. Assessing compliance with new regulations: RIE will continue examining derivatives dealers’ compliance with National Instrument 93‑101 (Derivatives: Business Conduct), which came into force in September 2024, and will monitor registrants’ capital market participation fees and excess working capital filings. New examination areas: RIE will conduct joint examinations with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) of a select number of dealer members, including a focus on separately managed accounts. National thematic sweep on marketing practices: RIE, in collaboration with other Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) jurisdictions, will conduct a sweep of registrants’ marketing practices (both traditional and digital) to assess compliance with securities law, including policies, oversight, performance advertising, and disclosures. For‑cause examinations and swift action: RIE will initiate targeted examinations in response to specific concerns such as investor complaints, regulatory referrals, or emerging issues like “ramp‑and‑dump” stock manipulation schemes and account intrusions. Cybersecurity and AI initiatives: RIE will publish results of a recent CSA‑led cybersecurity examination and will continue a two‑phase AI initiative (survey and examinations) to assess registrants’ use of AI systems in their operations. RIE affirms that it will continue to provide guidance and resources to registrants, including outreach programs and a topical guide, to promote proactive compliance. The priorities are not exhaustive as RIE will remain responsive to emerging risks and market events.