Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization is the national self-regulatory body for investment dealers in Canada, working alongside the provincial securities commissions.

What it means for a retail trader

Canadian residents are generally served only by CIRO member firms. Margin rates are set by the regulator, and client accounts at member firms are covered by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund within its limits if a member becomes insolvent.

How to check a firm

Search the firm’s legal name or licence number on the official register linked above. Confirm that the name, the number and the website on the register match the firm you are dealing with, and that its permissions cover the product you want to trade. Clone firms often borrow a real firm’s name and number but use a different web address.