Civil and regulatory disputes in the securities and financial services sectors involve unique business issues as companies and individuals are typically subject to regulation and oversight by securities commissions, self-regulatory organizations, stock exchanges and law enforcement agencies.

In addition to having an in-depth understanding of the regulatory environment, our lawyers truly appreciate the importance of taking into account the commercial context in which their clients operate. They can provide guidance in a number of different types of proceedings:

Securities regulatory defence

We assist clients having to face investigations and enforcement proceedings brought by the Autorité des marchés financiers du Québec (AMF), the Chambre de la Sécurité financière, other provincial securities commissions and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRA). We have significant experience with cross border investigations involving the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and other U.S. regulators and law enforcement agencies. We also act on suitability reviews and investigations by Canadian stock exchanges, including the Montreal Exchange. Our extensive experience in resolving such issues, combined with our excellent working relationship with the regulators and SROs, makes us uniquely qualified to assist our clients in such matters.

Securities class action defence

We act for companies, directors, officers, securities dealers, advisors, investment funds, fund managers, traders, insurance brokers and other capital market participants in a wide range of securities class actions, including primary and secondary market liability claims, claims arising out of alleged fraud or claims against investment funds, fund managers and traders arising out of allegedly problematic trading strategies and practices.

Civil litigation and employment disputes

We act for plaintiffs and defendants in all aspects of corporate and commercial litigation matters, including civil liability and professional negligence. We have particular expertise with investment loss litigation, violation of fiduciary duties, abusive commercial practice, fraud and defamation. Our expertise also extends to employment disputes in the financial market sector.

Drafting and implementation of manuals and compliance programs

We advise our clients in the drafting, revision and regular update of their compliance manuals, in addition to their implementation within their organization.