The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has appointed three new members to its Investor Advisory Panel (IAP): Brett Kimak, Rob Wells, and Christine Zalzal. The IAP plays a critical role in shaping regulatory policy, annual priorities, strategic plans, and other key initiatives, helping CIRO fulfill its public interest responsibilities by ensuring investor perspectives are considered.
New Appointments Strengthen Investor Voice
CIRO’s Investor Advisory Panel is committed to keeping pace with the evolving investment industry. Alexandra Williams, Senior Vice-President, Strategy, Innovation, and Stakeholder Protection at CIRO, stated: “The investment industry continues to evolve. CIRO’s IAP is committed to ensuring we keep pace with that change. Our focus is on strengthening the investor voice as new products, services and channels emerge—from advice and Order-Execution-Only platforms to crypto assets and innovative models like prediction markets. Our role is to help ensure Canadian investors have the information to stay informed in a rapidly shifting landscape.”
Addressing Complex Investor Issues
Dorothy Sanford, Chair of the Investor Advisory Panel, emphasized the complexity of modern investor challenges. “From cryptocurrency to prediction markets to AI and emerging technology, the issues facing Canadian investors today are complex. With the addition of these new members, CIRO is in a strong position to support investors’ evolving needs,” she said.
Biographies of New Members
Brett Kimak brings nearly 30 years of experience in securities regulation, governance, risk, and compliance across Canadian financial services. He has deep direct experience with investors, including complaint handling and regulatory expertise. Earlier in his career, Kimak worked in enforcement with a securities regulator, gaining exposure to investor protection and market conduct matters. He has held senior leadership roles such as Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and President & Ultimate Designated Person (UDP) within regulated investment management and wealth management organizations. Kimak has provided comments to securities regulators on policy and has advised financial institutions through consulting roles. He holds an MBA, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, and holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Rob Wells is a senior investment industry professional with nearly four decades of experience in Canadian capital markets as a registered investment advisor, branch manager, and senior vice-president at a major financial institution. He worked directly with a diverse array of investors and has extensive experience in Canada’s regulated securities environment, including specialized knowledge of advisor and dealer complaint handling, regulatory compliance, and investor advisory services. Wells has worked to improve financial literacy and advocated for improved investment and tax reporting for retail investors. He holds numerous industry credentials and has board experience.
Christine Zalzal (biography not provided in the source material) completes the trio of new appointees.
The appointments underscore CIRO’s commitment to investor protection and ensuring that regulatory frameworks adapt to emerging trends and technologies.
