CSA regulators outline securities law requirements that may apply to cryptocurrency offerings
Aug 24, 2017
On August 24, 2017, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) published CSA Staff Notice 46-307 "Cryptocurrency Offerings," which outlines how securities law requirements may apply to initial coin offerings (ICOs), initial token offerings (ITOs), cryptocurrency investment funds and the cryptocurrency exchanges trading these products.
The notice describes the factors CSA staff consider in assessing whether prospectus, registration and marketplace requirements apply. It also outlines how the CSA Regulatory Sandbox can help fintech businesses contemplating such offerings and summarizes key issues that businesses should be prepared to discuss with CSA staff.
Any business that is planning to raise capital through an ICO or ITO, or that is seeking to establish a cryptocurrency investment fund, should consider whether it involves a security. Businesses should also contact their local securities regulatory authority to discuss possible approaches to complying with securities laws.
Review the press release on the CSA's website and the Staff Notice on the participating jurisdictions' website.
