OSC | OSC Proceedings - Before the Commission

IN THE MATTER OF THE SECURITIES ACT
R.S.O. 1990, C. S.5, AS AMENDED

- AND -

IN THE MATTER OF

UNIVERSAL SETTLEMENTS INTERNATIONAL INC.

TORONTO – Following a hearing commenced on June 26, 2006 in relation to the above named matter, the Commission issued its Decision and Reasons and Order today.

In its Reasons, the Commission found that the interests in death benefits of life insurance policies from insured persons (viators) offered by Universal Settlements International Inc. (USI) are securities under subsection 1(1) of the Securities Act. Further, the Commission found that USI has not complied with Ontario securities law and has not acted in the public interest.

The Commission issued an Order under subsection 127(1) of the Act which provides that:

- USI permanently cease trading in securities unless:

(a) USI fulfills the registration and prospectus requirements in Ontario securities law; or

(b) USI meets the requirements for an exemption in Ontario securities law;

- USI and its agents are exempted from the cease trade order and, prospectively only, the registration and prospectus requirements of the Act, but only to the extent necessary for them to complete tasks relating to existing investments of investors. This exemption does not apply to acts in furtherance of trades relating to moneys from investors that have not already been committed to the life policies of specific viators. Such moneys should be returned to the investors, forthwith;

- There is no order as to costs.

A copy of the Reasons and Decision as well as the Order, is available at www.osc.gov.on.ca

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
JOHN P. STEVENSON
SECRETARY