Legal Counsel II
Compliance and Registrant Regulation Branch
Permanent, Full-Time
File #23-31
Who We Are
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The Commission’s mandate is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair and efficient capital markets and confidence in capital markets, to foster capital formation and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, adjudication and enforcement work. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.
We offer an inclusive, diverse, fair and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.
What We Do
The Compliance and Registrant Regulation (CRR) Branch oversees the dealers, advisers and investment fund managers that the public relies upon when investing in securities. Using a risk-based approach, CRR focuses on initial and ongoing registration and compliance reviews of registrants. CRR also develops significant policy/legislative initiatives affecting registered firms and individuals, at both the Ontario and national levels. The branch consists of integrated, multi-disciplinary teams including professional staff (chartered accountants and lawyers), registration officers (corporate and individual), and support staff.
CRR is currently hiring for a permanent, full-time Legal Counsel to join their team.
Summary
The Legal Counsel is a dynamic role within the Registration Team which carries out a fundamental function for Ontario securities regulation. Reporting to the Manager, the Legal Counsel provides advice and recommends courses of action regarding the securities registration regime in Canada, including on novel matters.
The Legal Counsel routinely engages with external stakeholders, making impactful contributions within the securities regulatory environment.
In this role you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop a strong network of working relationships with legal practitioners and other professionals through work in a fast-paced and evolving regulatory environment.
- Foster and build productive relationships with the registrant community and contribute to the Branch’s ability to efficiently and effectively grant registration to individuals and firms.
- Promote a results-oriented environment where the impact of registrant regulation activities are visible in terms of investor protection and confidence in Ontario’s capital markets.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Legal Counsel supports the Registration Team by advising on the registration regime in Canada under National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements and Ongoing Registrant Obligations and related instruments.
The Legal Counsel addresses legal issues which arise during the course of the Registration Team’s review of applications for registration and recommends decisions in response to applications for exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. Working with the Registration Team and professionals from compliance teams in the CRR Branch, the Legal Counsel interfaces with registrants and their legal representatives to address issues of suitability for registration and other registration-related matters.
The Legal Counsel engages in outreach with the business community and plays an impactful role in navigating legal and business challenges and driving solutions on registration-related issues.
The Legal Counsel also carries out a key function in the development of significant policy/legislative initiatives affecting registrants at both the Ontario and national levels. Through working with professionals among the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization, the Legal Counsel promotes effective and consistent approaches on registration-related issues across Canada.
Qualifications for Success
- A membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Minimum 5 years relevant securities/industry experience post call to the Bar
- A strong understanding of the securities industry and securities legislation
- Demonstrated proficiency in balancing regulatory objectives with practical business considerations
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative recommendations
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely
- Excellent research and legal drafting skills including experience drafting legislation, rules or other regulatory instruments
- Strong analytical thinker able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals
- Demonstrated ability to establish collaborative working relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate various aspects of projects and policies with appropriate staff within the organization
Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.
Apply online by June 16, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST.
**Internal applicants: please apply using the Taleo profile created with your OSC email address**
We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.
The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the LGBTQ2S community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.
The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: BlackNorth Initiative, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pride at Work Canada
If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox HRRecruitment@osc.gov.on.ca.
Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.
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