The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted to foster a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and to protect investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.
This legislation is designed to ensure that Alberta's capital market operates fairly and efficiently for participants, and that investors have timely, accurate information on which to base investment decisions. It also ensures that those who sell securities in Alberta are registered and that they conduct themselves according to applicable laws and professional standards.
In addition to regulating Alberta's capital market, the ASC oversees the activities of the TSX Venture Exchange (formerly the Canadian Venture Exchange or CDNX) and the Investment Dealers Association of Canada (IDA).
Commission Members - appointed to the ASC by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council - are empowered to hear enforcement proceedings and consider applications for exemptions from the requirements of securities legislation. ASC Members also hear appeals of decisions made by certain regulatory authorities.
The ASC is a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), an association that consists of the 13 securities regulators across Canada.
