The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) is reminding investors that March, which is Fraud Prevention Month, is a good time to use IIROC’s online resources to do their research before making investment decisions.
“Doing some homework using IIROC’s online resources is an excellent way for Canadians to become more informed about investing – by learning what services are available and important questions they can ask their advisor,” said Lucy Becker, IIROC vice president, public affairs.
IIROC provides a searchable database, the “AdvisorReport” so that investors can learn more about the background, qualifications and disciplinary history of advisors who work for IIROC-regulated firms.
For investors looking for more information regarding an advisor’s credentials, IIROC encourages investors to check its glossary of financial certifications, which provides information on commonly used certifications in Canada.
There is also an online investor resource centre, which features investor education tools and resources including tutorials, brochures and bulletins.
Canadians may also see information in some public libraries and community centres, where IIROC is distributing bookmarks to raise awareness about these educational resources.