OSC warns that Bitconnect and its BCC Exchange aren’t registered in Ontario

TORONTO — The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is asking for people to contact the provincial regulator if they’ve been approached by representatives of Bitconnect or its affiliates, which includes an online exchange platform known as the BCC Exchange.

The OSC says websites operated by Bitconnect offer multiple investment opportunities that include “mining,” “trading” and “staking” Bitconnect Coin — a type of cryptocurrency.

The securities commission says Bitconnect isn’t registered in the province to solicit investments or provide advice about buying or selling securities. A spokeswoman for the provincial regulator says it sometimes warns the public about possible harmful activity in progress, but doesn’t disclose when or if it’s actively investigating a subject. There was no initial response to requests for comment sent to Bitconnect and BCC Exchange.

The OSC warning comes after a Texas regulator issued a cease and desist order against Bitconnect in January, claiming Bitconnect said it would deliver annualized returns of 100 per cent or more by issuing Bitconnect Coins.

The Ontario Securities Commission said on April 6 it is gathering information on several cryptocurrency trading platforms after it received a number of complaints. OSC spokeswoman Kristen Rose said platforms that offer this type of trading may classify as a marketplace, and would be required to comply with the rules governing exchanges or alternative trading systems.