The British Columbia government has appointed Brenda Leong, as chair and CEO of the B.C. Securities Commission, effective October 13, the BCSC said Tuesday.

“I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead the commission at a very challenging time in securities regulation,” says Leong.

“Protecting investors must be the commission’s highest priority,” she adds.

Prior to this appointment, Leong was the chief operating and chief enforcement officer of the BCSC, responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative affairs of the commission.

She has successfully initiated and delivered results for all of the BCSC’s operating divisions, implemented significant service enhancements, and built strong relations with securities regulators in other provinces through the Canadian Securities Administrators, the commission says.

Leong holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Alberta, Edmonton and a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto.

“I can think of no one better suited than Brenda to lead the BCSC,” says Brent Aitken, BCSC vice chair, who was acting chair.

“Brenda is knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of securities regulation. She is committed to investor protection and has strong relationships with other regulators and the regulated community,” he says

IE