IIROC proficiency project moves on to traders, PMs

The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada’s (IIROC) ongoing project to develop proficiency standards for industry personnel is turning its attention to traders and portfolio managers.

Back in 2020, IIROC launched a project to establish competency standards for various registration categories in an effort to “strengthen and enhance confidence in its proficiency regime,” the self-regulatory organization said in a notice setting out its proposals.

The project is intended to make it easier for firms and individuals to understand the SRO’s proficiency standards and expectations, to set a benchmark for assessing educational course providers, and to provide guidance to providers on the regulator’s expectations.

The first phase of the project proposed “competency profiles” for registered reps. Last year it followed up with proposed standards for top compliance personnel, such as chief compliance officers and ultimate designated persons.

On Monday, the self-regulatory organization issued a consultation on standards for supervisors, traders, portfolio managers and associate PMs.

This latest consultation is now out for comment until Dec. 28. IIROC said it’s aiming to publish the final standards by early 2024.

Additionally, the SRO said that in early fall it will begin the procurement process for an industry education provider ahead of the expiry of its current contract with the Canadian Securities Institute at the end of 2025.

James Langton

James is a senior reporter for Advisor.ca and its sister publication, Investment Executive. He has been reporting on regulation, securities law, industry news and more since 1994.