CIRO Interim Rules – Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

This document replaces the FAQs published on May 12, 2022.

The responses to these FAQs:

  • are based on the interim rules for CIRO (interim rules) as currently drafted and attached and may not apply if there are subsequent changes or amendments to these rules,
  • attempt to address various Member situations, and
  • are meant to clarify that there will be no change in CSA delegation of registration for investment dealer or mutual fund dealer firms, or their registered and permitted individuals, as of January 1, 2023.

Members are encouraged to reach out to CIRO staff to understand how the interim rules apply to their unique circumstances.

General changes

1. Why will there be CIRO interim rules?

To ensure minimal disruption to members and their employees and Approved Persons, each set of IIROC and MFDA Rules will be adopted by CIRO and will continue to apply with some key rule changes proposed in the interim to address structural impediments to the industry.

The CIRO Day 1 interim rules will be comprised of the following rule sets:

  1. the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules1 ,
  2. the Universal Market Integrity Rules, and
  3. the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules.

2. When will there be a consolidated rule book?

The Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules and the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules will be consolidated into a single, highly harmonized rule set over time after the establishment of CIRO. A consolidated rules plan is being developed and we will provide regular updates on this plan and our progress in carrying it out. For greater clarity, the Universal Market Integrity Rules will not be part of the consolidated rules plan.

3. What are the key changes proposed in the interim rules?

The rule changes that will be incorporated within the interim rules (primarily within the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules) are those designed to:

  1. eliminate IIROC District Council regulatory approval authorities while maintaining their advisory role,
  2. permit mutual fund dealers to introduce business to investment dealers, enabling greater mutual fund dealer client access to exchange traded funds,
  3. give mutual funds only registered individuals employed by firms registered as both investment dealer and mutual fund dealer (dual-registered firms) the option of conducting business primarily within the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules on a permanent basis,
  4. permit mutual-funds-only registered individuals, retained or contracted as agents by a dual registered firm, to be able to direct commissions to an unregistered corporation, where permitted by local securities legislation, provided they are not in the process of upgrading their proficiencies to those of a securities licensed individual2 ,
  5. facilitate the timely movement of accounts between affiliated firms (including situations where accounts are being moved to a dual-registered Affiliated Firm) without requiring the completion of new account documentation, under certain conditions, and
  6. allow for a sufficient Dealer Member implementation period to make changes to membership disclosure for the names of CIRO and the investor protection fund.

Conducting mutual fund business and investment dealer business within the same legal entity (dual-registered firms)

4. What is the CIRO membership process for dual-registered firms?

Firms will be required to complete and submit a membership questionnaire to CIRO that provides information on their plans to operate as both an investment dealer and a mutual fund dealer.

Firms should also submit their business plan and include:

  • details of new business lines, products and/or services being added
  • if the firm is a dual-platform/affiliate firm, the legal entity within which they plan to house their combined operations3
  • the proposed organization structure of the dual-registered entity including whether operations will be integrated or there will be separate divisions for investment dealer business and mutual fund dealer business
  • details of the transaction (e.g, purchase of or amalgamation with existing mutual fund dealer or investment dealer, transfer/onboarding of advisor(s), etc.)4
  • account transfer details and repapering timelines, if applicable
  • policies and procedures for any new division, business lines or activities, and for any new applicable rule requirements to be approved as a dual-registered firm5 . See question #10 for additional considerations for single-platform mutual fund dealer firms, and question #11 for single-platform investment dealers
  • details of any new systems, vendors, agreements
  • details on the supervisory structure including whether there is a single UDP and CCO or separate (see question #34 for details)

In addition to the CIRO membership questionnaire, firms will need to submit an abbreviated Form 33-109F6 Firm Registration to their principal regulator6  to register the firm as both an investment dealer and mutual fund dealer (or complete a Form 33-109F6 if it is an initial application for registration). The application will be reviewed by CIRO and CSA under a coordinated process recognizing the firm’s existing registration and membership status7 .

Firms should consider whether any other exemptive relief would be required as part of their plans to become dual-registered. For example, there may be existing custodial arrangements that are acceptable under the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules that are not acceptable under the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules. There are also differences in systems and books/records requirements (account statement generation and disclosures, trade confirmations, etc.). There may be a need to accommodate these arrangements through CIRO granting of exemptive relief. See question #9 for details.

CIRO staff will advise such members if any additional other preliminary steps or approvals are required.

5. What are the individual registration category changes for dual-registered firms?

Representatives of a dual-registered firm in the Approved Person category of “Registered Representative dealing in mutual funds only who is an employee of a firm registered as both an investment dealer and a mutual fund dealer” should register in the category of “dealing representative, mutual fund dealer” in NRD8 .

  1. Where the proposed dual-registered firm is currently registered as a mutual fund dealer only:

    There will be no change to the individual registration category for mutual fund dealing representatives. They will continue with the dual-registered firm under the registration category of “dealing representative, mutual fund dealer”.
  2. Where the proposed dual-registered firm is currently registered as an investment dealer only:
     
    • There will be no change to the individual registration category for mutual fund dealing representatives registered with the mutual fund dealer affiliate. They will continue with the dual-registered firm under the registration category of “dealing representative, mutual fund dealer”.
    • Registered Representatives dealing in mutual funds only with an investment dealer will need to change their registration category to “dealing representative, mutual fund dealer” for which the corresponding approval category under the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules is “Registered Representatives dealing in mutual funds only who are an employee of a firm registered as both an investment dealer and a mutual fund dealer”.

6. Can firms other than dual-registered firms include new mutual fund or investment dealer business lines within one legal entity?

Yes. A firm that is registered as an investment dealer and not registered as a mutual fund dealer will continue to be able to carry out both investment dealer business and mutual fund dealer business within one legal entity. However, unlike in the case of dual-registered firms, the investment dealer will continue to have to get the proficiencies of their mutual funds only licensed individuals upgraded to those required for individuals dealing in securities.

7. What rules apply to a dual-registered firm and their employees and Approved Persons?

Dual-registered firms and their employees and Approved Persons will be required to comply with:

  • CIRO Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules, and
  • CIRO Mutual Fund Dealer Rules, where there is no corresponding requirement in CIRO Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules. See responses to questions #10 and #11 for clarification.

Further guidance with respect to dual-registered firms will be provided later this year.

8. Will a dual-registered firm be considered as one or two Dealer Member(s) of CIRO?

The dual-registered firm will be considered to be one Dealer Member of CIRO.9

9. What kinds of exemptive relief will CIRO consider for dual-registered firms?

CIRO will consider permitting a dual-registered firm to conduct certain mutual fund dealer business as it would have been approved to do as a mutual fund dealer. For example, exemptive relief may be considered where a firm organizes its mutual fund and investment dealer businesses into two separate divisions.

Some examples of exemptive relief from CIRO interim rules, subject to conditions, that will be considered for the mutual fund division or business unit of the dual-registered firm are:

  • Permitting an introducing broker (for the investment dealer business) to maintain a separate/additional mutual fund dealer carrying broker, or to self-clear mutual fund operations
  • Relief from investment dealer requirements respecting client reporting on the condition that the firm complies with mutual fund dealer client reporting requirements
  • Trading in segregated funds through the mutual fund dealer division or business unit
  • Allowing Approved Persons licensed as mutual fund dealing representatives to distribute deposit instruments outside of the firm.

10. My firm is a mutual fund dealer with no investment dealer affiliate. What additional information would the firm need to provide to CIRO to be approved as a dual-registered firm?

As noted in question #7, dual-registered firms and their employees and Approved Persons will be required to comply with CIRO Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules except where there is no corresponding requirement in CIRO Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules, then CIRO Mutual fund dealer rules must be followed. A mutual fund dealer will therefore need to provide evidence of compliance with any new investment dealer requirements under CIRO Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules.

In addition to the items identified in question #4, the information that a mutual fund dealer will need to provide are as follows:

  • Proforma financial and capital projections to demonstrate ability to meet investment dealer minimum capital requirements and any enhanced requirements pertinent to new and additional business lines 10
  • Individual designated as a Chief Financial Officer
  • Individual(s) registered as an Investment Representative or Registered Representative
  • Individual(s) approved as Supervisor
  • Details of new investment dealer operations and clearing arrangements including introducing/carrying arrangements (e.g., Type 1-4)
  • Panel Auditor
  • Policies & Procedures for
    • New business lines and activities being added
    • New rule requirements including for books and records, account transfers, back-office and operational requirements, trading-related requirements including best execution, and cybersecurity incident reporting obligations

11. My firm is an investment dealer with no mutual fund dealer affiliate. What additional information would the firm need to provide to CIRO to be approved as a dual-registered firm?

As noted in question #7, dual-registered firms and their employees and Approved Persons will be required to comply with CIRO Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules. Mutual fund dealer rules must be followed where there is no corresponding requirement in CIRO Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules. Therefore, investment dealers wishing to add a mutual fund registration must provide policies and procedures and evidence to demonstrate compliance with those mutual fund dealer rules where there is no investment dealer rule. For example:

  • Leveraged account (i.e., borrowing to invest) supervision and suitability obligations
  • Branch review requirements

12. Can a mutual fund dealer that is also registered as an exempt market dealer (EMD), an investment fund manager (IFM) or both an EMD and an IFM retain these additional firm registrations if the firm becomes registered as an investment dealer?

If the firm continues to have Approved Persons registered as exempt market dealing representatives, the firm will have to maintain its EMD registration. However, in the case of firms also registered as an exempt market dealer, these firms will also be subject to the requirements set out in the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules that apply to exempt market dealer activities. As a reminder, in such cases, firms and individuals registered under a firm’s EMD/IFM registration categories remain under the jurisdiction of the CSA regulators.

13. Will an exemption be required to facilitate the movement of client accounts from the mutual fund dealer affiliate to the dual-registered firm?

We have introduced a provision within the Interim Rules to facilitate the timely movement of accounts between Affiliated Firms (including situations where accounts are being moved to a dual-registered Affiliated Firm) without requiring the completion of new account documentation, provided:

  • the account, products and services to be made available to the client
  • the know-your-client information collected,
  • the approach used to assess the information collected, and
  • fees applicable to the account,

at the new affiliated registered firm are materially the same as at the current firm, and the existing account agreement has an acceptable assignment clause.

In other instances, the dual-registered firm will be required to execute the normal new account agreements and documentation but may be given more time (by way of an exemption) to execute these agreements and documentation11 .

Other requirements, relief and/or approvals may be required by CIRO and/or CSA regulators, depending on the firm’s proposal. Please speak to CIRO and/or CSA staff about your firm’s specific proposal.

14. Will individuals registered as “dealing representative, mutual fund dealer” be permitted to continue to direct commission payments received from the dual-registered firm?

Yes. Individuals registered as “dealing representative, mutual fund dealer” will continue to be permitted to direct commissions within those jurisdictions that permit it and in accordance with Mutual Fund Dealer Rule 2.4.1(b) and Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rule subsections 2551(8) and 2551(9). 12

Introducing Broker/Carrying Broker Arrangements

15. What changes have been made to the Introducing Broker/Carrying Broker Arrangements in the interim rules?

Under current MFDA Rules, an MFDA member may only enter an introducing broker/carrying broker arrangement with another MFDA member. Similarly, under the IIROC rules, an IIROC member may only enter an introducing broker/carrying broker arrangement with another IIROC member. The interim rules have been amended to permit mutual fund dealers to introduce to investment dealers.

16. What business can a mutual fund dealer member introduce to an investment dealer member?

Under the revised interim rules, a mutual fund dealer member can introduce all or any part of its business to an investment dealer member. The services provided by the investment dealer carrying broker may include order execution, clearing and settlement, custody of funds and securities and maintenance of books and records.

17. Which Rules (mutual fund dealer member or investment dealer member Rules) apply to the mutual fund introducing dealer?

A mutual fund dealer member still, primarily, operating as a mutual fund dealer will generally be subject to the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules. The only exception is where, for a particular activity, compliance by one introduction arrangement party to one set of Interim Rule requirements13  interferes with the ability of the other arrangement party to comply with a different set of Interim Rule requirements14  – in this case, both parties must seek exemptive relief from CIRO that specifies the manner in which the activity must be performed and the rule requirements that apply.

18. What is the approval process for new Introducer Broker/Carrying Broker Arrangements?

As is currently required under Mutual Fund Dealer and Investment Dealer Rules, new Introducing Broker/Carrying Broker Arrangements (including the form of agreement) and any amendment to or termination of the arrangement or agreement must be approved by CIRO staff before it is to be effective.

19. What agreement needs to be signed between a mutual fund dealer introducing broker and an investment dealer carrying broker?

There is no standard form agreement that is prescribed for mutual fund dealers who wish to enter into introduction arrangements with investment dealers. However, the agreement must be approved by CIRO and include provisions that address, at a minimum:

  • Services being provided by the investment dealer carrying broker to the mutual fund dealer
  • Regulatory responsibilities of the parties including responsibilities for compliance, supervision, etc.
  • Client reporting requirements
  • Disclosures to clients on the relationship between the parties
  • Minimum notice of termination timelines and clauses

The introducing/carrying agreement between the mutual fund dealer and the investment dealer is not valid or effective until formally approved by CIRO. Furthermore, as CIRO rulebooks are consolidated and harmonized over time, in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the terms of the agreement and the CIRO rules and requirements, the CIRO rules will prevail.

CIRO Regional Councils and National Council

20. What is the role of the CIRO Regional Councils and National Council?

The 10 IIROC District Councils and five (5) MFDA Regional Councils will be replaced by seven (7) Regional Councils comprised of Dealer Members from the following regions: Atlantic, Québec, Ontario, Manitoba (including Nunavut), Saskatchewan, Alberta (including Northwest Territories) and Pacific (British Columbia and Yukon Territory).

The Regional Councils will have an advisory role and provide regional perspectives and recommendations on regulatory policy matters to staff of CIRO. In addition, the Regional Councils will advise CIRO on industry trends and issues to ensure that CIRO is proactive in dealing with emerging issues.

The National Council will be comprised of the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of each Regional Council and will act as a forum for cooperation and consultation among the Regional Councils and provide recommendations on regulatory policy matters.

21. What will be the Composition of the New Regional Councils and how will they be constituted?

Each Regional Council will be composed of four to twenty Dealer Member representatives, as determined from time to time by the Regional Council, including a chair and vice-chair, and one or more ex-officio members appointed by the CIRO Board.

A Dealer Member with offices in the Region may nominate a member of the Regional Council. The Dealer Members of each Region will meet at least annually for the purpose of electing members of the Regional Council.

Elections will be held to constitute the CIRO Regional Councils. The first election will be held in the first half of 2023.

District Hearing Committees

22. What is the CIRO Hearing Committee Structure?

CIRO will have 10 District Hearing Committees which will replace the current IIROC District Hearing Committees and MFDA Regional Councils and be responsible for conducting hearings. Functions currently residing with IIROC District Councils relating to hearing committee nominations, and MFDA Regional Councils with respect to members sitting as hearing panel members, will be assumed by a CIRO Board Committee (Appointments Committee). The Appointments Committee will have responsibility for appointing members to District Hearing Committees. The Appointments Committee will be composed of at least seven Directors, including the President and CEO of CIRO, and a majority of which (including the chair of such committee) will be independent.

23. What will happen to the MFDA Regional Councils and IIROC District Hearing Committees?

To ensure continuity of enforcement proceedings, elected or appointed members of a MFDA Regional Council or a IIROC District Hearing Committee prior to December 31, 2022 will automatically be deemed to be a member of CIRO Hearing Committee for the district in which the member resides and the term of each individual as a member of the CIRO District Hearing Committee will expire on the date that his or her term as a member of the MFDA Regional Council or IIROC District Hearing Committee will have expired.

Compliance & Enforcement

24. Can a dual-registered firm integrate compliance and supervisory systems or do they have to remain separate?

A dual-registered firm can choose to either integrate its compliance and supervisory systems or operate separate systems for its investment dealer and mutual fund dealer lines of business provided the member complies with applicable regulatory requirements and the CIRO Rules.

25. Will the dual-registered firm be subject to separate business conduct examinations for its investment dealer and mutual fund dealer operations?

The CIRO business conduct examination approach to a dual-registered firm will depend on the nature of the member’s operations, organizational structure, lines of business and degree of integration.

26. Will the dual-registered firm be required to file reports on both the METs and COMSET systems?

The dual-registered firm should file reports using the COMSET system, including reports related to activity that occurred at the time the member’s mutual fund dealer operations were run separately under an MFDA member.

Registration/ Approval Changes

27. Will there be a change to the delegation of registration or registration responsibility by the CSA and CIRO?

No. The CSA will continue to register all individuals seeking registration as “dealing representative, mutual fund dealer” whether such individuals are retained or contracted by a mutual fund dealer only firm or a dual-registered firm. CIRO will continue to register investment dealer dealing representatives in accordance with the current CSA delegations to IIROC.

28. Will there be a change to the registration/approval process for individual dealing representatives and approved persons at dual-registered firms?

The CSA will prepare and provide guidance on NRD filing processes related to dual-registered firms and the individual registrants and Approved Persons.

29. Will I continue to have an opportunity to be heard if I disagree with a recommendation related to a registration/approval decision? Will I continue to have a right to appeal a registration/approval decision?

Yes, these rights will continue to exist under the interim rules, in respect of recommendations and decisions which refuse registration/approval, deny exemptive relief, or impose terms and conditions.

30. If I am currently approved as a Registered Representative dealing in mutual funds only with an investment dealer, will there be changes to my proficiency requirements, including any post approval requirements?

If you remain with the firm that is only an investment dealer, you will still be required to upgrade within 270 days. This includes completing the Canadian Securities Couse (CSC) and Conduct and Practices Handbook Course (CPH) within 270 days of your initial approval in that category. It also includes completing either the 90-day training program and upgrading to Registered Representative, or the 30 day training program and upgrading to Investment Representative, within 18 months of your initial approval.

However, if your firm becomes a dual-registered firm, you will need to transition into the new approval category of “Registered Representatives dealing in mutual funds only who are an employee of a firm registered as both an investment dealer and a mutual fund dealer”.

For Continuing Education requirements, see question 37.

31. If I was previously registered as a dealing representative with an MFDA member firm, do I need to complete any additional courses or meet any different requirements under the interim rules?

No, you do not need to complete any additional courses or meet any different requirements under the interim rules. For further information pertaining to the different registration categories, see response to question #5.

32. I am formerly approved as a “Supervisor over Approved Persons”, with an IIROC member firm. Do I need to complete any other courses to supervise individuals in the new category of “Registered Representatives dealing in mutual funds only who are an employee of a firm registered as both an investment dealer and a mutual fund dealer”?

No.

33. I am currently a branch manager with a former MFDA member firm. Do I need to be approved as a Supervisor under the interim rules in relation to activities of individuals approved to deal in mutual funds only? What are the proficiency requirements for a Supervisor?

Yes, Branch Managers who are Supervisors within the meaning of the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules will need to apply for approval as a Supervisor.

If you were acting as a designated branch manager with a former Mutual Fund Dealers Association member during the 90 days before the interim rules come into effect, you do not need to complete any additional courses.

Also, if you have previously completed certain courses that are considered acceptable alternatives, as set out in Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rule subsection 2625(2), then you do not need to complete any additional courses. These acceptable alternative courses are subject to the validity requirements set out within this same subsection.

Otherwise, in order to be approved as a Supervisor, you will need to meet the applicable requirements in Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rule clauses 2602(3)(xiii) and 2602(3)(xxi).

34. Do dual-registered firms need to have two UDPs and two CCOs, i.e. one for the investment dealer operations and for the mutual fund dealer operations?

No. Dual-registered firms must have a UDP and a CCO who meet the applicable requirements, including proficiency requirements.

Depending on a firm’s scale and the kind of activities carried out by different operating divisions, the dual-registered firm may put forward more than one CCO.

CIRO and CSA will consider applications on a case-by-case basis and applications for exemptive relief would need to be filed with CIRO and CSA if the firm proposes to have more than one UDP or one CCO.

35. I am approved as a Registered Representative dealing in mutual funds only and I have additional proficiencies to trade in exchange-traded funds and/or exempt market products. Will I be allowed to continue to trade in these products under the interim rules?

Yes, provided you were permitted to trade in exchange-traded funds or exempt market products during the 90 days before the interim rules come into effect, you will be allowed to continue trading in those products.

36. I want to be able to trade in exchange-traded funds or exempt market products as a Registered Representative dealing in mutual funds only employed by a dual-registered firm. What are the proficiencies I will need to meet to be able to trade in these products? Will the continuing education requirements change?

The proficiencies for new applicants are listed in Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rule sections 2603(1)(ii) and 2603(2)(ii), respectively. The requirements for Continuing Education as listed in interim Mutual Fund Dealer Rule 900, which are unchanged from the current requirements, will continue to apply to you.

For Continuing Education requirements, see question 37.

37. Will my Continuing Education requirements change?

No, if you are currently registered in a category with either an investment dealer or a mutual fund dealer, and stay in that category, the requirements for Continuing Education and the reporting platforms for that category will continue to apply.

Individuals in the new category of Registered Representative dealing in mutual funds only at a firm registered as both an investment dealer and a mutual fund dealer will be subject to the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules for Continuing Education if registered outside of Québec. They will also be required to comply with the Continuing Education requirements of the Chambre de la sécurité financière (CSF) if registered in Québec.

Although the requirements are substantially similar, some individuals who are registered or approved under, and therefore subject to, both the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules, and the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules (i.e., CCO, UDP, Supervisor) will need to report their Continuing Education under both sets of rules.

Québec considerations

38. What are the implications for all Mutual Fund Dealers registered in Québec? What rules are they subject to on Day 1?

Mutual Fund Dealers registered in Québec will be deemed members of CIRO on Day 1. During a transitional period, they will continue to be subject to Regulation 31-103 for their activities in Québec and to avoid regulatory duplication, they will not be required to comply with CIRO Rules, with the exception of provisions required to ensure the smooth operation of CIRO and to allow MFDs registered in Québec to participate as members in the consultations of CIRO and on the committees that it shall create. CIRO will exempt such Mutual Fund Dealers from compliance with the specified CIRO rules and requirements until the transitional period ends.

CIRO interim rules will apply to the activities outside Québec of mutual fund dealers who are registered in Québec and other provinces/territories and Regulation 31-103 will continue to apply to their activities within Québec for a transitional period, as specified above. CIRO will continue to work cooperatively with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) to oversee Mutual Fund Dealers who are registered in Québec and other provinces/territories.

39. Who will be performing the examinations for mutual fund dealers registered in Québec as of Day 1?

On Day 1, the status quo will apply. The AMF will lead the examinations for activities in Québec and will continue to work cooperatively with CIRO for activities outside Québec.

40. Who will be in charge of enforcement proceedings?

  1. Mutual Fund Dealers who are only registered in Québec 

    Mutual Fund Dealers who are only registered in Québec will continue to be subject to enforcement proceedings by the AMF for dealers and their executives. For their registered representatives, the CSF will continue to be in charge of enforcement proceedings.
  2. Mutual Fund Dealers who are registered in Québec and other provinces/territories

    For activities in Québec, the AMF will continue to be in charge of enforcement proceedings for the dealers and their executives. For activities outside of Québec, CIRO will continue to oversee enforcement proceedings for dealers and their executives. For their registered representatives, the CSF in Québec and CIRO outside Québec will continue to be in charge of their respective enforcement proceedings.
  3. Mutual Fund business of dual-registered firms who are registered in Québec and other provinces/territories

    CIRO will oversee enforcement proceedings for all dealers and their executives at dual-registered firms. For the mutual fund dealing representatives registered in Québec, the CSF will be in charge of the enforcement proceedings.

41. How will the AMF, the CSF and CIRO coordinate the application of their respective Enforcement decisions?

The AMF and the CSF will inform CIRO of their respective enforcement decisions, allowing CIRO to take the appropriate measures. The AMF, CSF and CIRO will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow them to collaborate and coordinate regarding Enforcement decisions and other activities, where applicable.

42. Will dealing representatives of mutual fund dealers registered in Québec be required to become approved persons of CIRO, for their activities in Québec?

No. Dealing representatives of Mutual Fund Dealers registered in Québec will only be required to register with the AMF, for their activities in Québec.

Fees

43. Will there be a change to the fee model for dealer members?

Upon the Amalgamation, and on an interim basis, i.e., until such time as the new fee model is implemented, the existing fee structures and models of IIROC and the MFDA will be maintained and administered by CIRO with necessary modifications (the “Interim Fee Model”).In order to align administration of annual membership fees for CIRO under the Interim Fee Model, all fees will be set and approved with the budget in March. Fees will be communicated on or about the first week of April with the first quarterly installment for annual membership fees due for payment by the first business day of May. Each subsequent quarterly installment for annual membership fees will be invoiced at the beginning of the quarter and due by the first business day of the following month. The timing of processes related to non-payment of membership fees has also been aligned.

As one of the public interests guiding principles is facilitating access to advice for investors of different demographics, including those primarily served by smaller and independent firms, it is important to retain and support that community through the transition to the new regulatory model. Accordingly, the Interim Fee Model will be modified to reduce both minimum fees and rebalance downward the fee rates per Revenue Tier for investment dealer fees and Assets Under Administration (“AUA”) category for mutual fund dealer fees applicable to the small dealer group15 . Specifically,

  • The investment dealer minimum fee will be reduced from $22,500 to $16,000 with the related Revenue Tiers reduced accordingly.
  • The mutual fund dealer minimum fee will be reduced from $3,000 to $1,500, with the related AUA fee rates under $1 billion reduced by 50% for small mutual fund dealers.

This modification would apply starting for fiscal year 2024 and will apply for a minimum of two years or until the final fee model is determined.

Previous IIROC Equity Market Regulation, Debt Market Regulation, and Debt Information Processor fee models will remain largely unchanged as part of the Interim Fee Model, except for the impact of the change in timing of fee setting.

44. As the fiscal year end for MFDA is June 30 and for CIRO will be March 31, how will that impact my fees as a mutual fund Dealer Member?

As the first quarter of fiscal 2024 for CIRO is equivalent to the last quarter of fiscal 2023 for MFDA, mutual fund Dealer Members will continue to pay the quarterly membership fees communicated for fiscal 2023 for that quarter, with the balance of annual membership fees for fiscal 2024 calculated and evenly distributed over the remaining three quarters due for payment following the Interim Fee Model.

45. What will the Interim Fee Model be for dual-registered firms?

Dealer Members that register as both an investment dealer and a mutual fund dealer will pay fees under both the IIROC and MFDA fee structures within the Interim Fee Model until such time as the new fee model is implemented. In other words, the investment dealer business will be subject to the IIROC fee model, and the mutual fund business will be subject to the MFDA fee model.

46. Where can I find details on the Interim Fee Model?

IIROC Notice [22-0181]16  contains the Interim Fee Model applicable to Investment Dealer Members and Marketplace Members, and Mutual Fund Dealer Rule 8.5 contains the Interim Fee Model applicable to Mutual Fund Dealer Members. Dealer Members registered as both an investment dealer and a mutual fund dealer will need to refer to both.

47. What is the fee model for integration cost recovery? Which firms will be charged for integration costs of CIRO?

Integration costs will be recovered through a separate fee, calculated based on an integration cost recovery model (the “Integration Cost Recovery Model Fees”), charged quarterly as a percentage of the applicable firm’s annual membership fees, subject to a 10% annual cap17 . The percentage will be set annually and charged over three to five years until the balance of integration costs are recovered. The final timeframe will be determined after all integration costs incurred by March 31, 2024, are known, to ensure that fees will remain under the 10% of annual membership fees cap.

Single platform firms will not be charged for the costs of integration. Applicable firms include existing MFDA Members and IIROC Members who are affiliated with each other through the same controlling ownership interest, and any CIRO Member that becomes dually registered before the cost recovery period ends.

48. What is the fee model for Mutual Fund Dealers who are registered in Québec?

On January 1, 2023, mutual fund dealers who are registered in Québec will not pay fees to CIRO. The transition of regulatory services in Québec and related impact on fees will follow the same fee model principles as outlined in CIRO Recognition Order. While CIRO will continue to operate on a cost recovery basis, efforts will be made to minimize or avoid fee impacts of duplicative regulatory structures during transition in Québec, and specifically ensure that mutual fund dealers in Québec pay CIRO a reduced fee, the amount of which shall be proportionate to the services offered to them.

49. When will a final fee model be determined? What is the process to determine a final fee model?

CIRO will continue the project commenced during the Amalgamation planning process to develop an appropriate fee model for CIRO following the Amalgamation. Development of a new fee model will be a complex exercise and will require expert professional advice. Implementation of any such fee model will involve consultation with Members and other stakeholders and will be subject to a public comment process and approval by the Recognizing Regulators.

In accordance with the Recognition Order, the following principles will be applied in a fee model adopted by CIRO:

  • All fees imposed by CIRO must be equitably allocated and be proportionate to Members’ activities.
  • Fees must not have the effect of creating unreasonable barriers to access.
  • The process for setting fees must be fair and transparent.
  • CIRO must operate on a cost-recovery basis
  • 1The title of this rule set has been changed from “IIROC Rules” to “Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules” to clarify that these interim rules:
     o in most areas only apply to investment dealers and, where applicable, their employees and Approved Persons
     o in certain areas:
         ▪ apply to both investment dealer and marketplace Regulated Persons, including investment dealers and their employees and Approved Persons
         ▪ represent partially consolidated rules of CIRO in that apply to both investment dealer and marketplace Regulated Persons, including persons subject to the Universal Market Integrity Rules (UMIR), but do not apply to mutual fund dealer Regulated Persons, including their employees and Approved Persons.
  • 2Mutual fund dealer representatives with a firm that is only registered as a mutual fund dealer will continue to be able to direct commissions in accordance with Mutual Fund Dealer Rule 2.4.1(b).
  • 3If the “transferor” firm will no longer require registration after transfer, that firm should apply to (i) the CSA to voluntarily surrender its registration, and (ii) the CIRO to terminate its membership.
  • 4Firms should consider whether notice under section 11.9 or 11.10 of NI 31-103 is required.
  • 5Refer to question 8 for clarification on the rules that apply to dual-registered firms and their Approved Persons.
  • 6Principal regulator and the OSC, if the OSC is not the firm’s principal regulator.
  • 7CSA and CIROs will provide guidance on dual-registration application process and NRD filings in December 2022.
  • 8CSA and CIROs will provide guidance on dual-registration application process and NRD filings in December 2022.
  • 9Note that the resigning firm must continue to be in good standing (i.e. have positive capital) throughout the process of resignation. Firms should be mindful of any reduction in revenues and profits of the resigning affiliate from advisors transitioning to the dual-registered firm to ensure that the resigning firm remains capitalized.
  • 10Note that regulatory financial filing requirements (MFR and Form 1) are different for mutual fund dealers and investment dealers.
  • 11The exemption would not extend to the regular required know your client information updates.
  • 12New agreements regarding the payment of commissions to unregistered corporations in the prescribed form may need to be completed in some cases (e.g., where a mutual fund dealing representative transfers to a new dealer).
  • 13Such as the mutual fund dealer introducing broker complying with mutual fund dealer rule requirements for a particular activity.
  • 14Such as the investment dealer carrying broker complying with investment dealer rule requirements for a particular activity.
  • 15A small dealer is defined for the purposes of the Interim Fee Model as a Member that is either: (i) an investment dealer that pays the investment dealer minimum fee, or (ii) a mutual fund dealer with AUA for mutual fund dealer fee purposes that is less than $1 billion. Note that MFDA small dealers excludes carrying dealers as they do not hold AUA.
  • 16 IIROC Fee Model Guidelines – Update November 2022
  • 17Integration Cost Recovery Model Fees will begin for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 at an amount not to exceed 8% of annual membership fees.