Canadian Securities Regulators Seek Comment on Amendments Relating to Direct Electronic Access

For Immediate Release CSA

Toronto – The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) announced today it is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to NI 23-103 Electronic Trading (NI 23-103), which would provide a framework for the provision of direct electronic access (DEA).

NI 23-103 outlines the risk and supervisory policies, procedures and controls that must be put in place for dealers to manage the risks associated with electronic trading, including the use of algorithms and high frequency trading. NI 23-103 will be implemented on March 1, 2013.

The proposed changes introduce a framework for the provision of DEA, a critical piece in managing the risks of electronic trading. The proposed DEA provisions include standards for DEA clients, written agreements and a requirement for adequate training.

“Today’s proposals are an important step in establishing a framework for direct electronic access and greater controls to mitigate and manage the risks created by high-speed automated trading,” said Bill Rice, Chair of the CSA and Chair and CEO of the Alberta Securities Commission. “As technological innovations evolve, it is imperative that securities regulators continue to focus on this area in order to maintain fair and efficient capital markets in Canada.”

The proposed DEA amendments were initially published for comment in April 2011, but were not finalized with NI 23-103 in order to develop CSA requirements that are complemented by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada’s (IIROC) Universal Market Integrity Rules (UMIR). IIROC published amendments to UMIR today which include amendments relating to DEA and to trading by dealers through other dealers.

Investors and market participants are encouraged to submit comments on the proposed amendments by January 23, 2013. For more information visit the websites of the CSA members.

The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada’s provinces and territories, coordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets.

 

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For more information:

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

Mark Dickey
Alberta Securities Commission
403-297-4481

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

Dean Murrison
Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission
306-787-5879

Janice Callbeck
PEI Securities Office
Office of the Attorney General
902-368-6288

Doug Connolly
Financial Services Regulation Div.
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-2594

Helena Hrubesova
Yukon Securities Registry
867-667-5466

Louis Arki
Nunavut Securities Office
867-975-6587

Donn MacDougall
Northwest Territories
Securities Office
867-920-8984