Class Actions Landscape In Financial Services

Since the threats of new and increased U.S tariffs first emerged in the spring, the Ontario government has looked to reduce trade barriers and improve harmonization for licensing standards between provinces.

Expanding a payment business into Canada requires navigating FINTRAC's Money Services Business registration framework. Understanding the regulatory requirements, compliance obligations, and practical steps for MSB registration helps international payment providers establish compliant operations in one of the world's most established financial markets.

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization’s (CIRO) proposed Incorporated Approved Person model could materially change how client-facing advisors structure their businesses and receive compensation with significant impacts to sponsoring firms. The proposed rule amendments, published on July 9, 2026, would introduce a harmonized incorporated compensation option for client-facing Approved Persons across CIRO regulated dealers. Comments are due November 6, 2026.

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) published its third quarterly release of the year on September 10, 2026, noting that the targeted adjustments made to its guidance were made with a view to supporting a resilient and competitive Canadian financial system.

Bill C-12 has fundamentally transformed Canada's anti-money laundering framework by introducing penalties up to forty times higher than previous levels and expanding compliance obligations across the financial sector. The legislation now requires all reporting entities to enroll with FINTRAC and maintain "reasonably designed, risk-based and effective" compliance programs, while imposing cumulative maximum penalties that can reach 3% of global revenue.

This Bulletin summarizes key regulatory developments impacting the payments sector in 2025 and looks ahead to 2026.

The Bank of Canada (the “Bank”) has published two proposed guidelines relating to the accreditation process for prospective participants under the Consumer-Driven Banking Framework: the Participating entity accreditation application requirements under the Consumer-Driven Banking Act (the “Participating Entity Guideline”) and the Third-party service provider accreditation application requirements under the Consumer-Driven Banking Act (the “TPSP Guideline”).

The Canadian private equity landscape navigates a transition period marked by prolonged market volatility and stalled exit activity, yet demonstrates resilience through strategic investments in high-growth sectors. Q3 2026 analysis reveals how larger commitments, power and utilities investments, evergreen fund expansion, and healthcare sector dynamics are shaping the market amid escalating trade tensions and evolving investor strategies.

As part of its commitment outlined in the 2024 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, the Government of Ontario is moving forward with the new licensing framework...

On October 13, 2026, British Columbia’s new Mortgage Services Act, S.B.C. 2022, c. 27 (the “MSA”) will come into force and effect, replacing the longstanding Mortgage Brokers Act, R.S.B.C. ch. 313 (the “MBA”). The MSA introduces a modernized regulatory framework for mortgage service providers, including expanded licensing requirements, increased disclosure obligations, enhanced enforcement tools, and significantly higher penalties for non-compliance.

Since the threats of new and increased U.S tariffs first emerged in the spring, the Ontario government has looked to reduce trade barriers and improve harmonization for licensing standards between provinces.

On March 19, 2015, the United States District Court in the District of Minnesota gave preliminary approval to a proposed settlement for the December 2013 data breach suffered by Target Corporation.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (Ministry) has proposed changes to Ontario's drug product formulary listing and pricing regime.

On September 3, the Government of Canada published amendments removing seven types of energy projects from the Physical Activities Regulations (the Project List) under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). As a result, these types of projects will no longer be subject to the IAA but will continue to be regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator Act (CER Act) or applicable provincial environmental assessment regimes.

The Government of Canada has proposed a permanent Productivity Mega Deduction that would allow immediate expensing for most depreciable property and Canadian development expenses acquired or incurred on or after September 15, 2026. This significant tax policy change aims to reduce the marginal effective tax rate on business investment from 13% to 6.4%, though certain exclusions and restrictions apply to specific asset categories.

Québec's Bill 21, enacted in 2019, bans public sector workers from wearing religious symbols and is shielded from most Charter challenges by the notwithstanding clause. The Supreme Court of Canada is now reviewing this controversial law, with a ruling expected as early as November 2026 or later in 2027. Former Minister of Justice Arif Virani discusses the court's struggle to balance competing constitutional principles in this landmark case.

Following a consultation period with consumer groups and the banks, the federal government has amended the Financial Consumer Protection Framework Regulations under the Bank Act (the Amendments)...

The Ontario Ministry of Finance (MOF) is proposing to amend the Insurance Act to introduce a new licensing framework to regulate life and health (L&H) managing general agents (MGAs) in the province.

The Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA) recently released the third version of its principles (Principles 3.0), as well as a form of limited partnership agreement (model LPA, and...

Canada has announced plans to attract private investment through long-term concessions to operate its four largest airports: Toronto-Pearson, Vancouver International, Montréal-Trudeau, and Calgary International. The federal government will retain ownership of the underlying airport land and assets while seeking tens of billions of dollars in private capital to be reinvested in regional airports and local transport infrastructure. Key details regarding the scope of private operational involvement, award