Legal Counsel II

Business Unit

Regular, Full time

Closing Date: October 2, 2025

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.

legal Counsel ll

Registration, Inspections and Examinations Division

Permanent, Full-Time

Who We Are

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 Commission’s mandate is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair and efficient capital markets and confidence in 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, adjudication and enforcement work. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

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

What We Do

The Registration, Inspections and Examinations (RIE) division oversees the dealers, advisers and investment fund managers that the public relies upon when investing in securities. RIE maintains a critical presence among market participants by conducting on-site examinations or desk reviews of various registrants and other regulated entities to assess compliance with securities laws, applying a risk-based approach to inform its planning activities.

RIE also assesses the suitability of registrants (both firms and individuals) for initial and ongoing registration. Where it appears there may be non-compliance or that the registration is otherwise objectionable, RIE will recommend remedial action, terms and conditions, or other modifications to a registrant’s registration, including suspension or denial.

The division consists of integrated, multi-disciplinary teams including professional staff (chartered accountants and lawyers), registration officers (corporate and individual), and support staff.

RIE is currently hiring for a permanent, full-time Legal Counsel to join their team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Registration and Registrant Conduct, the Legal Counsel will work on advising on the registration regime in Canada in applying Ontario securities law and other relevant laws acting as a legal resource on registration and compliance issues to other staff and industry participants; periodically advising on policy/legislative initiatives affecting registrants, at both the Ontario and national levels; and assisting with domestic and international information requests. The Legal Counsel position will also work collaboratively with Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization, government and stakeholders to reach a resolution on current and emerging issues.

The Legal Counsel’s tasks will include:

• Preparing case briefs, legal analysis, data requests and recommendation memoranda as directed by management;
• Assisting with opportunities to be heard when RIE’s recommended regulatory action is contested;
• Assisting in the remediation process when terms and conditions are imposed to address identified non-compliance by a registrant.

Qualifications for Success

• A membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Minimum 5 years relevant securities/industry experience post call to the Bar
• A strong understanding of the securities industry and securities legislation with a good understanding of the exempt market and exempt market dealer operations
• Demonstrated proficiency in balancing regulatory objectives with practical business considerations
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative recommendations
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely
• Excellent research and legal drafting skills including experience drafting legislation, rules or other regulatory instruments
• Strong analytical thinker able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals
• Demonstrated ability to establish collaborative working relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate various aspects of projects and policies with appropriate staff within and outside the organization

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

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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 HRRecruitment@osc.gov.on.ca.

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

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