IIROC encourages Canadians to ask questions and do research before investing

March is Fraud Prevention Month

TORONTO, March 10, 2015 /CNW/ - The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) reminds investors that Fraud Prevention Month is a good time to use IIROC's online resources to do some research before making investment decisions.

Checking an advisor's registration is one way investors can protect themselves. Using IIROC's searchable database, AdvisorReport, investors can check the background, qualifications and disciplinary history when selecting or working with an advisor at an IIROC-regulated firm.

Investors can also learn more about an advisor's credentials, what the certifications mean and what the advisor did to achieve them, by using IIROC's Glossary of Financial Certifications - an easy-to-use service that allows investors to access information on close to 50 commonly used certifications in Canada in one central location.

Investors can check out IIROC's online investor resource centre which features a full suite of investor education tools and resources including tutorials, brochures and bulletins.

"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.

Also, this month, over 250,000 IIROC bookmarks are being distributed throughout public libraries across the country to raise awareness about AdvisorReport and the Glossary. IIROC bookmarks are also being handed out to seniors attending Active Living Fair events in community centres across Ontario.

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IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.  Created in 2008 through the consolidation of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada and Market Regulation Services Inc., IIROC sets high quality regulatory and investment industry standards, protects investors and strengthens market integrity while maintaining efficient and competitive capital markets.

IIROC carries out its regulatory responsibilities by creating and enforcing rules regarding the proficiency, business and financial conduct of dealer firms and their registered employees and through the creation and enforcement of market integrity rules regarding trading activity on Canadian marketplaces.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) - General News

Related Links

http://www.iiroc.ca