News Releases
Canadian securities regulators grant Designated Rating Organization status under new regulatory framework
Apr 30, 2012
The Canadian Securities Administrators announced today the official designation of DBRS Limited, Fitch, Inc., Moody’s Canada Inc., and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (Canada) as Designated Rating Organizations (DROs) under applicable Canadian securities laws, as contemplated under National Instrument 25-101 Designated Rating Organizations (NI 25-101).
On April 20, 2012, NI 25-101 came into force, establishing a regulatory framework for the oversight of credit rating organizations, by permitting them to apply for DRO status. This framework is consistent with international regimes applicable to credit rating agencies.
The four rating agencies granted DRO status are in compliance in all material respects with U.S. federal securities laws applicable to a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO). The U.S. requirements set out in the NRSRO regime are equivalent to the obligations under NI 25-101 and impose obligations to adhere to rules concerning conflicts of interest, governance, conduct, compliance and required filings.
The designation orders make each of the DROs subject to regulation under applicable Canadian securities laws. The DROs will have a six month transition period to fully implement all requirements set out in NI 25-101. Once they have done so, the CSA expect to issue and announce amended and restated designation orders.
The enabling legislation required to make NI 25-101 a rule in Saskatchewan will be proclaimed in Saskatchewan later this year.
The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada’s provinces and territories, co-ordinate and harmonize regulation for the Canadian capital markets.
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For more information:
| Carolyn Shaw-Rimmington Ontario Securities Commission 416-593-2361 |
Mark Dickey Alberta Securities Commission 403-297-4481 |
| Sylvain Théberge Autorité des marchés financiers 514-940-2176 |
Richard Gilhooley British Columbia Securities Commission 604-899-6713 |
| Ainsley Cunningham Manitoba Securities Commission 204-945-4733 |
Wendy Connors-Beckett New Brunswick Securities Commission 506 643-7745 |
| Shirley Lee Nova Scotia Securities Commission 902-424-5441 |
Dean Murrison Saskatchewan Financial Services Commission 306-787-5879 |
| Janice Callbeck PEI Securities Office Office of the Attorney General 902-368-6288 |
Doug Connolly Financial Services Regulation Div. Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-2594 |
| Helena Hrubesova Yukon Securities Office 867-667-5466 |
Louis Arki Nunavut Securities Office 867-975-6587 |
| Donn MacDougall Northwest Territories Securities Office 867-920-8984 |