Investigation Counsel II

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, and enforcement activities. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.

The Enforcement Division of the Ontario Securities Commission investigates and litigates breaches of securities laws in Ontario.  Team members work closely with other securities regulators, self-regulatory organizations and law-enforcement agencies to enhance initiatives to fight misconduct.  A strong visible enforcement presence assists in protecting investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, fosters fair, efficient and competitive capital markets, fosters capital formation, and contributes to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk.

The Office of the Whistleblower, Relationships & Emerging Issues consists of distinct functional groups:  the International Cooperation Group (ICG), Disruptions & Partnerships Team (DPT) as well as the Office of the Whistleblower (OWB).

The Investigation Counsel is a valued member of the ICG. The ICG is made up of lawyers and support staff who are focused on obtaining critical evidence from other jurisdictions to advance the OSC’s investigations and to assist other domestic and international regulators and law enforcement partners in obtaining evidence in Ontario in support of their investigations.  You will work closely with investigation and litigation teams and with staff from other domestic and international regulators and law enforcement to help support their investor protection mandates. The OSC is also a member of securities regulatory associations, including the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). You will also play an active role, representing the OSC with these associations, contributing to advancing our collective goals and leveraging their work to support the work of the OSC.

The Investigation Counsel will also provide legal support as needed to the OWB and the DPT.  The OWB administers the OSC Whistleblower Program. It is made up of a specialized team of accountants, lawyers and support staff who are focused on encouraging and supporting whistleblowers to come forward and report misconduct and support Enforcement teams in executing whistleblower-related investigations.  The DPT proactively gathers and leverages intelligence to disrupt the risk of misconduct and support collaboration among regulatory and law enforcement partners in protecting investors and the capital markets.

What’s in it for you?

• Work on a wide variety of different securities law matters often involving complex facts and raising novel and challenging legal and investigatory issues.

• Work independently with guidance and support leveraging a mix of traditional investigative techniques, analytical tools, and open-source intelligence analysis.

• Work with domestic and international regulatory and law enforcement agencies on cross-border issues and misconduct

• Engage with a collaborative, progressive, and professionally diverse team.

• Make a difference and have a meaningful impact on investors and participants in Ontario’s capital markets.

What will you do?

•            Provide legal research, advice and support to multi-disciplinary teams regarding possible breaches of securities laws, working alongside investigations and litigation proceedings, to actively seek and gather critical evidence located across various jurisdictions

•            Work independently to establish priorities and identify critical tasks in collecting, organizing, reviewing, researching and analyzing evidence, conducting witness interviews and dealing with external legal counsel.

•            Participate in investigations and litigation proceedings involving cross-border and jurisdictional matters, identifying and addressing important legal issues and assisting in the formulation of strategies navigating jurisdictional issues.

•            Prepare and execute statutory tools to gather and share evidence, including applications for Market Participant Directions, s.11 and s.17 Orders, as well as support litigation counsel with asset preservation applications and other proceedings before the tribunal and the courts

•            Deliver assistance to domestic and international regulators by reviewing incoming requests for assistance and working with staff to take the steps necessary to address those requests appropriately and in a timely manner. 

•            Participate or lead OSC, CSA, NASAA, and IOSCO policies and projects and other initiatives involving issues that cross borders and jurisdictions.

•            Provide updates, analysis, strategy and recommendations, to senior staff and management on legal issues, policies and ongoing file matters.

•            Develop and maintain relationships with multiple stakeholders including other domestic and international securities commissions and regulators, security industry self-regulatory organizations, law enforcement and varied government agencies.

What do you need to be successful in this role?

•            You are a member of the Law Society of Ontario in good standing.

•            Minimum 3 years of relevant securities regulation experience.

•            You offer strong knowledge and experience in the areas of securities litigation, as well as regulatory and administrative law.

•            You demonstrate sound professional judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remedies due to your solid understanding of Ontario securities law.

•            You possess excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship building skills and are adept at positive influencing and adapting your approach with another party to achieve optimal resolution of challenges.

•            Demonstrated ability to establish collaborative working relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders, navigate challenges and conflicts, achieve consensus and collectively move matters forward.

•            Your ability to organize and manage multiple, complex projects and priorities will help ensure you thrive in this challenging role. 

•            Completion of the Canadian Securities Course is an asset.

•            Demonstrated ability to analyze complex and novel issues, engage in strategic thinking “outside the box” and develop creative recommendations.

•            Detail-oriented self-starter who takes great pride in delivering high-quality, timely results.

Please note this opportunity is considered to be a business critical role supporting the Office of the Whistleblower, Relationships & Emerging Issues.

Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.

* OSC Employees: please apply in Workday using the Browse Jobs feature within your Jobs Hub *

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.

The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.

The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: Ascend Canada, BlackNorth Initiative, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pride at Work Canada

If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox [email protected].  
 

Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.