Asad Akhtar

Asad Akhtar

Associate, Corporate

Contact Information

aakhtar@osler.com

tel: 416.862.4242

Office

Toronto

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Areas of Expertise

Bar Admission

  • Ontario, 2017

Education

  • Osgoode Hall Law School, J.D.
  • University of Manitoba, B.Comm.

Language(s)

English

Asad is an associate in our Corporate group. His practice focuses on capital markets and frequently advises clients on Canadian securities regulatory matters. Asad has expertise developing and leading policy initiatives in Canada on innovative business models, including the regulatory framework for crypto asset trading platforms, digital asset custodians, digital asset investment funds and initial coin/token offerings.  

Asad assists clients to obtain regulatory approval for innovative business models and investment products through applications for registration and exemptive relief. Asad also advises clients on regulatory audits, investigations and compliance issues.  

Prior to joining Osler, Asad served as Legal Counsel to the Ontario Securities Commission where he worked in the Innovation Office, Corporate Finance, Compliance and Registrant Regulation and Derivatives branch.

    Notable Matters prior to joining Osler

    Lead OSC Staff reviewer for the first crypto asset trading platform in Canada to be registered under securities legislation.

    Lead OSC Staff reviewer for the first initial coin offering in Canada to receive exemptive relief from the registration and prospectus requirement under securities legislation.*Lead OSC Staff reviewer for the first private investment fund in Canada that offers investors exposure to various digital assets. 

    Lead OSC Staff reviewer for the first digital asset marketplace in Canada to receive exemptive relief from marketplace requirements under securities legislation.

    Advised OSC Enforcement Staff on multiple matters relating to potential breaches of Ontario securities and derivatives laws. 

  • Community Living Ontario, Pro Bono Student
  • Community Legal Aid Services Program, Intake Volunteer
  • Osgoode Business Clinic, Senior Pro Bono Case Worker

  • South Asian Bar Association
  • Law Society of Ontario

  • Chair and moderator for panel on crypto assets and fraud, Osgoode Hall Law School Investor Protection Clinic Conference, September 2022
  • Guest lecturer on novel offerings in the Canadian capital markets, Osgoode Hall Law School (Regulation of Financial Institutions), April 2022
  • Guest lecturer on novel offerings in the Canadian capital markets, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (Global Professional Master of Laws), January 21, 2022
  • Speaker on Client Focused Reforms, Portfolio Managers Associations of Canada, September 2021
  • Guest lecturer on novel offerings in the Canadian capital markets, University of Windsor (Faculty of Law), April 2021
  • Guest lecturer on innovative business models and securities law requirements, University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management, Master of Financial Risk Management Program), June 2018

Significant policy work:

During his time at the Ontario Securities Commission, Asad significantly contributed to the following publications:

  • OSC Staff Investigative Report of QuadrigaCX, April 14, 2020
  • CSA Staff Notice 21-327 Guidance on the Application of Securities Legislation to Entities Facilitating the Trading of Crypto Assets, January 16, 2020
  • Joint CSA/IIROC Consultation Paper 21-402 Proposed Regulatory Framework for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms, March 14, 2019
  • CSA Staff Notice 46-308 Securities Law Implications for Offering of Tokens, June 11, 2018
  • Multilateral Instrument 91-102 Prohibition on Binary Options, December 12, 2017
  • CSA Staff Notice 46-307 Cryptocurrency Offerings, August 24, 2017