IIROC encourages investors to use advisor database to conduct "due diligence" during Fraud Prevention Month

TORONTO, March 8, 2013 /CNW/ - The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) is encouraging investors to use its free online service, AdvisorReport, to do background checks when selecting an advisor as part of Fraud Prevention Month.

IIROC's AdvisorReport is a popular and easily-accessible online tool that allows investors to research the background, qualifications and disciplinary information on advisors with whom they choose to work. It is another useful resource to help investors be better informed and conduct "due diligence" on their IIROC-regulated investment advisors.

Also, this month, over 250,000 IIROC bookmarks are being distributed throughout libraries across the country to raise awareness about this important service.

"IIROC's mandate includes a strong focus on investor protection and we continue to develop and promote resources, like AdvisorReport, to help investors make informed decisions," said Lucy Becker, IIROC Vice President, Public Affairs.

IIROC offers various investor tools and resources including tutorials, webcasts and brochures which can be found online.

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IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.  Created in 2008 through the consolidation of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada and Market Regulation Services Inc., IIROC sets high quality regulatory and investment industry standards, protects investors and strengthens market integrity while maintaining efficient and competitive capital markets.

IIROC carries out its regulatory responsibilities by creating and enforcing rules regarding the proficiency, business and financial conduct of dealer firms and their registered employees and through the creation and enforcement of market integrity rules regarding trading activity on Canadian marketplaces.

SOURCE: Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) - General News