Registered crypto asset trading platforms

This page was last updated on January 18, 2024.

The following crypto asset trading platforms have received exemptive relief to offer crypto products to investors in Ontario:

NameCategory of RegistrationDate of Exemptive Relief
(Most recent decision only)
Bitbuy Technologies Inc. (Bitbuy)Restricted Dealer (Dealer and Marketplace)November 30, 2023
Bitvo Inc.Restricted Dealer (Dealer)April 25, 2022
Coinberry Limited (Coinberry)Restricted Dealer (Dealer)

August 19, 2021

[Expired – business acquired by Bitbuy]

Coinsquare Capital Markets Ltd.Investment Dealer (Dealer and Marketplace)October 12, 2022
Fidelity Clearing Canada ULC (Fidelity Digital Assets)Investment Dealer (Dealer)April 18, 2022
Fidelity Digital Asset Services, LLCExempt Marketplace and Clearing AgencyJanuary 18, 2023
Hibit Technology Ltd.Restricted Dealer (Dealer)September 14, 2023
Netcoins Inc. (Netcoins)Restricted Dealer (Dealer)October 6, 2023
Newton Crypto Ltd.Restricted Dealer (Dealer)August 15, 2022
Shakepay Inc.Restricted Dealer (Dealer)May 25, 2023
Simply Digital Technologies Inc. (carrying on business as CoinSmart)Restricted Dealer (Dealer and Marketplace)December 21, 2021
[Expired – business acquired by Bitbuy]
VirgoCXRestricted Dealer (Dealer)May 30, 2022
Wealthsimple Digital Assets Inc.Restricted Dealer (Dealer)June 23, 2023
[expires January 1, 2024] 
Wealthsimple Investments Inc.Investment Dealer (Dealer)December 18, 2023 [effective January 1, 2024]

Registered crypto asset trading platforms are subject to terms and conditions, which can be viewed in the individual exemptive relief decisions linked in the chart above.

As explained in CSA Staff Notice 21-332 Crypto Asset Trading Platforms: Pre-Registration Undertakings - Changes to Enhance Canadian Investor Protection, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) expect unregistered CTPs that satisfy eligibility criteria to provide a pre-registration undertaking to their Principal Regulator while their applications for registration and related relief are reviewed. By giving these undertakings, unregistered CTPs agree to comply with provisions that address investor protection concerns and are consistent with requirements currently applicable to registered CTPs. These commitments are generally consistent with requirements currently applicable to registered CTPs and are intended to address investor protection and level-playing-field concerns, as explained below.

The following crypto asset trading platforms have entered into a pre-registration undertaking with their principal regulator to continue operations while their application for registration is reviewed.

NameDate of pre-registration undertaking
ByteX Financial Ltd. Et al operating as ByteXMarch 24, 2023
CatalX CTS Ltd. operating as CatalXMarch 24, 2023
[Withdrawn – Subject to cease trade order issued by the Alberta Securities Commission]
Coinbase Canada, Inc. et al operating as CoinbaseMarch 24, 2023
Coinsquare Capital Markets Limited[Replaced by exemptive relief decision above]
Foris DAX, Inc. operating as Crypto.comAugust 3, 2022
DigiFinex Canada Limited et al operating as DigiFinexMarch 24, 2023
Gemini Trust Company, LLC et al operating as GeminiMarch 24, 2023
Payward Canada Inc. et al operating as KrakenMarch 24, 2023
NDAX Canada Inc. operating as NDAXMarch 24, 2023
Satstreet Inc.March 24, 2023
Shakepay Inc. et al operating as Shakepay[Replaced by exemptive relief decision above]
Uphold Worldwide Ltd. et al operating as UpholdMarch 27, 2023

 

On March 29, 2021, the OSC communicated  to crypto asset trading platforms that they must contact Staff to initiate the registration process, or face enforcement action.

The OSC continues to work with firms (for which it is Principal Regulator) that initiated compliance discussions with Staff to assess the appropriate path to registration in Ontario.

Unregistered platforms operating in Ontario that are non-compliant may be included on the OSC Investor Warnings and Alerts Page and subject to regulatory action, including temporary orders.

Registered and unregistered platforms are reminded that OSC staff may review their compliance with securities law requirements, including in relation to advertising and marketing. False or misleading advertising and improper marketing strategies raise concerns about the fitness of a firm and its principals for registration. For recent guidance, see Joint CSA-IIROC Staff Notice 21-330 Guidance for Crypto-Trading Platforms - Requirements relating to Advertising, Marketing and Social Media Use.

Visit the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website for a list of crypto asset trading platform decisions in other jurisdictions.

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