News Release

Vancouver - The British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) has noticed an increase in the number of cryptocurrency offerings involving an initial coin offering (ICO) or initial token offering (ITO).

Companies may use cryptocurrency offerings to raise capital or to advance a project or a business, by issuing newly invented coins or tokens through an ICO or ITO.  In many cases, these coins and tokens are securities.   If they are securities, the company, and associated individuals, conducting the ICO or ITO must comply with securities law.

British Columbia residents should exercise extreme caution when considering whether to invest in a cryptocurrency offering.  While some companies follow through on their business plan or idea, others do not.  Some companies issue coins or tokens solely for speculative trading in the secondary market, which is an inherently risky activity for investors.

The BCSC urges anyone who has received an unsolicited offer to participate in an ICO or ITO to contact the BCSC inquiries line at 604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393.

For information on how to become better informed about cryptocurrencies and ICOs, please visit https://www.investright.org/about-investing/what-are-initial-coin-offerings-or-icos/.

The BCSC takes a proactive approach to help protect B.C. investors by publishing an Investment Caution List, which identifies unregistered activity and unqualified securities promoted in British Columbia. The BCSC relies on information from the public and other agencies to identify new entries to the list.

For information on how to become better informed about investment products and services, please visit InvestRight at www.investright.org.

About the British Columbia Securities Commission (www.bcsc.bc.ca)

The British Columbia Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating capital markets in British Columbia through the administration of the Securities Act. Our mission is to protect and promote the public interest by fostering:

• A securities market that is fair and warrants public confidence
• A dynamic and competitive securities industry that provides investment opportunities and access to capital

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Media Contact:
Alison Walker
604-899-6713

Public inquiries:
604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 (toll free)
inquiries@bcsc.bc.ca

Learn how to protect yourself and become a more informed investor at www.investright.org