Compliance manual for a registered dealer or adviser
Drafting the compliance manual and policies a registered firm must keep.
Timing depends on the other parties, lenders and any regulatory review; the lawyer confirms the steps in writing before work starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Prepares prospectuses, listing applications and disclosure documents
Advises on continuous disclosure, insider reporting and shareholder meetings
Prepares registration applications for dealers, advisers and fund managers
Advises on take-over bids, issuer bids and reverse takeovers
Responds to securities commission investigations or enforcement
What is not included
Regulatory filing, registration and search fees and other disbursements
Tax, accounting or valuation advice, unless the lawyer agrees to provide it
Disputes or enforcement proceedings that arise later
Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral
Who this service is for
Companies going public or listed on an exchange
Dealers, advisers and fund managers seeking registration
Issuers or individuals contacted by a securities regulator
Information to have ready
1Corporate records and recent financial statements
2Existing disclosure filings and stock exchange correspondence
3Details of directors, officers and major shareholders
4Any letters from a securities regulator
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $5,000–$20,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
What is a general security agreement?+
It is an agreement giving a lender security over a business's personal property, such as equipment, inventory and receivables. It is usually registered under Ontario's Personal Property Security Act.
Do I need independent legal advice before signing a guarantee?+
Lenders often require it, and it is wise in any case. The lawyer explains what you are promising and the risks before you sign.
Can a private company raise money from investors without a prospectus?+
Often, yes, by relying on a prospectus exemption, but each exemption has conditions and some require a filing with the securities regulator. The lawyer confirms which ones may apply.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No financing, approval or regulatory outcome can be guaranteed
Investment and tax decisions remain yours, with advice from your own financial advisers
The work is limited to the scope the lawyer confirms in writing