The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) announced today its new initiative, OSC LaunchPad, described as the first dedicated team by a securities regulator in Canada to help fintech businesses navigate securities law requirements and accelerate time-to-market.

OSC LaunchPad will provide direct support to eligible new and early-stage fintech businesses through meetings with the OSC LaunchPad team on navigating the regulatory framework, flexibility around current regulatory obligations, or informal guidance at an early stage on potential securities regulation implications.  The OSC also indicated that it will consider time-limited registration or exemptive relief for fintech businesses to test their products, services and applications.

Eligible fintech businesses can apply for support through the OSC LaunchPad’s website.

The OSC is hosting an OSC LaunchPad Information Day on November 3, 2016. Registration is available through the OSC Launchpad webpage.

In addition, the OSC announced it will establish a fintech advisory committee to further understand the issues faced by start-ups in the space.