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The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) today published CSA Staff Notice 31-311 which provides guidance for the transition from the existing registration regime to the new registration regime under proposed National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements and Exemptions.

In an effort to make the transition as smooth and efficient as possible, CSA staff have outlined several items in the notice of which registrants should be aware of, including proposed changes to the National Registration Database (NRD), the conversion by firms and individuals to new categories of registration and the transition period to comply with new requirements under NI 31-103.

As part of the transition, the NRD is scheduled to be shut down from September 25 to October 12, 2009 to allow for the conversion to new categories of registration. During this time, firms would have read-only access to the database.

However the following material information are required to be submitted to securities regulators during the freeze period and then re-filed on the NRD after the database reopens:

• reinstatement of Registered Individuals and Permitted Individuals; • termination notices for individuals who resign or are dismissed for cause; and • notices of changes to civil, criminal and financial information.

NI 31-103 is subject to final approvals. If approved, CSA staff expects to publish NI 31-103 in July 2009. It would come into force on September 28, 2009.

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TD acquires thinkorswim

TD Waterhouse Canada announced today that it has acquired thinkorswim Canada. This follows the earlier announcement that TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation, which is owned by TD Bank, acquired thinkorswim Group Inc.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Chicago, thinkorswim Group is an online brokerage company specializing in options. The Canadian subsidiary was formed in 2007.

“We believe this is a strong strategic fit which will ultimately benefit all clients through added trading functionality, product offering and access to valuable resources to help self-directed investors take greater control of their investments,” said John See, president, TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage.

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Cashin leaves Marret Asset Management

Barry Allan, chief executive officer of Marret Asset Management, announced today that Laurence Cashin has resigned as a credit analyst and chief financial officer, effective June 19, 2009, to pursue other opportunities.

Marret has recently hired three new employees, including a portfolio manager, a credit analyst and a chief financial officer.

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SSQ appoints senior vice-president

SSQ Financial Group has announced the appointment of Marie Lamontagne to the newly created position of senior vice-president corporate communications and marketing, effective September 14, 2009.

Lamontagne joined SSQ General Insurance in 2001 as vice-president of development, marketing and e-business

In her new role, she will be responsible for corporate communications (internal and external) and marketing. In addition to assisting and advising the CEO on corporate management issues, she will propose communications objectives and strategies that are in line with the group’s strategic plan and mission.

(06/12/09)