Adviser Registration

Nova Scotia securities laws require anyone trading securities or in the business of advising clients on securities to be registered with the securities commission, unless a registration exemption applies. The company an advisor works for must also be registered in Nova Scotia. This regulatory system helps to make sure that all registered dealers and advisors meet certain minimum standards. However, it does not mean that they are all equally skilled, that they provide the same services, or that they charge the same fees.

Investors can help protect themselves by “doing their homework” before choosing an advisor and then by building a good relationship with their investment adviser. Investor complaints most often happen because of a relationship breakdown between a financial adviser and an investor. Unscrupulous behaviour also continues to arise in the marketplace.