International Financial Securities Regulatory Commission: Other Alerts

The International Organization of Securities Commissions would like to alert the public to the following:

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has set up the new Generic Top Level Domains Program (gTLD Program). This program administers the registration of domains1 in the category of Financial Services and Markets Sector.

Investors and consumers should note that the registration and use of one of these domains by a financial services company, investment firm or individual does not guarantee that the company or person using it has been authorized to operate by the relevant financial services regulator.

Investors and consumers are urged to consult the registry of authorized financial entities and individuals in their jurisdictions in order to confirm whether a company or individual using one of these domains is authorized to offer financial services. Unlike investors and consumers who employ authorized entities, those who deal with unauthorized firms and individuals receive no legal protection.

The International Financial Securities Regulatory Commission was established to promote investor confidence in the securities and capital markets by providing more structure and government oversight.