Wednesday, January 13, 2021
The Bermuda Monetary Authority on December 15, 2020, released a new consultation paper on its proposal for a conduct of business regulatory regime to better protect retail investors.
Bermuda's financial services regulator had discussed potentially introducing a conduct of business oversight regime in August 2020. At that time, the BMA released a discussion paper on the topic.
The paper noted international work in this area, including by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which has been endorsed by the G-20 and OECD. The paper said that Bermuda will look at the model in place in Ireland, where the Central Bank of Ireland has responsibility for both prudential regulation and conduct of business and consumer protection concerns for multiple sectors including banking, insurance and securities.
The newly released consultation paper says the principles of good conduct of business would be centered on the following expectations – a firm must:
Feedback is being invited on the proposed regime until February 15, 2021.