THE capital markets, including the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC), have been declared essential services by the B.C. government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the BCSC, the province has specifically identified the following as part of the capital markets:
- self-regulatory organizations
- exchanges
- clearing agencies
- investment-fund dealers, advisers and managers.
The BCSC has clarified with the Ministry of Finance that all dealers and advisers, not just those involved with investment funds, are included as essential services.
Although these services are allowed to remain open, they must follow the orders and guidance provided by the Provincial Health Officer to ensure safe operations and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
The list was developed by Emergency Management BC in consultation with other government ministries and the provincial health officer.
More information about the BCSC’s response to the COVID-19 crisis is available here .