The Commission regulates the securities market by, among other things, registering:

market intermediaries;
employees and officers of market intermediaries;
securities (for public distribution); and
issuers of securities.

The registration process ensures that companies and individuals provide the Commission with key information on:

their operations;
their management;
financial position; and in certain cases, the securities they intend to distribute

Who Needs to be Registered?

Both firms and individuals that conduct securities related activities are required to be registered. These persons are registered based on specific classification criteria. Each category or classification has specific requirements and permits different activities.

Authorized CIS Service Providers

Authorized CIS Service Providers are companies that provide services to Collective Investment Schemes must be authorized by the Commission. These include:

Custodians: provide custody and safekeeping of scheme assets.
Responsible Persons: supervise the operations and management of a CIS, ensuring compliance with offering documents, governing legislation, and industry best practices.

Only companies can be Authorized as CIS Service Providers.

Broker-Dealers

A Broker-Dealer acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers of securities.

As a Broker: executes orders on behalf of clients.
As a Dealer: trades for the firm’s own account.

Broker-Dealers may also function as Underwriters and/or Managers of Collective Investment Schemes. Given the provisions of the Securities Act, Chapter 83:02 of the Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (the “Act”) only companies can be registered as Broker-Dealers

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New Features

Introduction of New Features to the EASi Platform

The Commission is pleased to inform that new features have been added to its Electronically Advanced Submission interface or EASi platform which will significantly enhance the user experience with the system. One of the key features is the ability to submit applications for renewal of registration.

The introduction of the new features will improve the Registration and Renewal process by allowing users to conduct a wider range of transactions remotely, thus minimising the necessity for in-person or paper-based interactions with the Commission.

Registrants are reminded that they are required to complete the Onboarding Process, before utilising the full range of features available through EASi. The system will further assist in the completion of forms by highlighting mandatory fields and identifying certain inaccurate data entries. Upon submission, users will receive notifications and can track the status of their applications. The system also includes features that allow subsequent forms to be pre-populated from previous submissions, thereby reducing data entry requirements.

The EASi platform will contribute to the development of the local securities market by creating more efficiency and accuracy within the regulatory system, and ensure a more robust market for all to participate. We therefore encourage those registrants, who have not yet completed the Onboarding Process, to do so as soon as possible.

What is EASi?

EASi is an online service offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (“ the Commission”) that allows persons or organisations involved in the Securities Market to manage their registration, disclosures filings and renewals online. EASi is meant to replace the manual process for all submissions which it facilitates.

The “Electronically Advanced Submission interface” (EASi) aims to improve current processes by allowing users to conveniently conduct their business at any time from any place. It also allows for faster turnaround time for submissions, and facilitates the tracking of application status. It is a secure, convenient way of doing business with the Commission.

EASi Quicklinks:

Restricted Broker-Dealers / Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Managers

A Restricted Broker-Dealer / Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Manager is a Broker-Dealer whose activities are limited to managing Collective Investment Schemes ONLY. Given the provisions of the Securities Act, Chapter 83:02 of the Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago only companies can be registered as Restricted Broker-Dealers/ Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Managers.

Investment Advisers

An Investment Adviser provides advice to clients on investing in, buying, or selling securities. Both corporate entities and individuals/natural persons, can be registered as Investment Advisers.

Registered Representatives

Registered Representatives are senior officers, agents or employees of registered Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers or Underwriters who interact with the public in relation to securities-related activities. Registered Representatives are individuals or natural persons.

Reporting Issuers

A Reporting Issuer is a company that either plans to distribute or has distributed securities to the public.

Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO)

A Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) is an organisation with the authority to create and enforce industry rules and standards, protecting investors by promoting ethics and fairness. Generally, SROs tend to function securities exchanges or clearing agencies.

Substantial Shareholder

A Substantial Shareholder is an individual who owns 10% or more of a Broker-Dealer, Investment Adviser, or Underwriter. A substantial shareholder is an individual or natural person, and not a company. Such an individual must be approved by the Commission as “fit and proper.”

Underwriter

An Underwriter is a company that arranges the issuance or distribution of securities and may agree to purchase unsold securities, guaranteeing subscription in part or in full.

What Needs to be Registered?

Securities that are intended to be listed on a securities exchange and/or distributed to the public of Trinidad and Tobago are required to be registered with the Commission.

Securities are also registered by type. Common categories include, but are not limited to:

Equity – Shares representing ownership of a company.
Bonds – Debt instruments where the issuer borrows from investors and agrees to repay principal on maturity, with periodic interest payments.
Collective Investment Schemes (Mutual Funds) – Pooled investments managed by a fund manager, who invests according to the fund’s objectives.