If you’ve had a problem with a financial product or service, it can be confusing to know where to turn when you need help. Consult this handy list of organizations that may be able help you, depending on your concern or complaint.
Where to go for help depends on what kind of product you’re concerned with. The following organizations can help answer questions about financial products or if you have a problem:
Ontario Securities Commission (OSC): regulates financial advisors and issuers in Ontario.
Tel: 1-877-785-1555
TTY: 1-866-827-1295
Email: Inquiries@osc.gov.on.ca
For multilingual resources visit InvestingIntroduction.ca.
Financial Securities Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO): regulates Financial Planners/Financial Advisors, Pensions, Mortgage Brokers, Life and Health Insurance, Property and Casualty Insurance, Credit Unions, Health Service Providers, Loan and Trust Companies and Co-operative Corporations.
Tel: 1-800-668-0128
TTY: 1-800-387-0584
Email: contactcentre@fsrao.ca
Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO): oversees all investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and trading activity on Canada’s debt and equity marketplaces. CIRO consolidates the operations of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA).
Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI): helps consumers resolve disputes with banks and participating investment firms.
Tel: 1-888-451-4519
TTY: 1-855-889-6274
Email: ombudsman@obsi.ca
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC): ensures federally regulated financial entities (banks, credit card companies, insurance companies and others) comply with consumer protection measures.
Tel: 1-866-461-FCAC (3222)
TTY: 1-866-914-6097
www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency
Consumer Protection Ontario: enforces a number of Ontario’s consumer protection and public safety laws, investigate alleged violations and handle complaints.
Tel: 1-800-889-9768
Tel TTY: 1-877-666-6545
www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario
| Organization | |||||
| Banking services | Investments Financial advisors | Insurance Mortgage brokers | Consumer protection laws (door-to-door sales; home renovations…) | Credit cards | |
| Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) | x | x | |||
| Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) | x | ||||
| Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) | x | x | |||
| Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) | x | ||||
| Financial Securities Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO) | x | ||||
| Consumer Protection Ontario | x |
How do you make a complaint?
There are a couple ways you may wish to make a complaint:
Learn more about how your investments are protected at financial institutions.
Resources for investors can help people who may be experiencing distress, whether related to investment losses or other challenges. It features a curated list of websites and tools to help address investor inquiries and connect people to community supports. From mental health resources to crisis helplines, these connections can provide vital assistance during difficult times.
