CIRO Compliance Guide
Plain-language guide to CIRO documentation requirements for Canadian financial advisors. 6 chapters: KYC, suitability, retention, and AI tools.
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Who is the CIRO compliance documentation guide for?
This guide is written for individual advisors at CIRO-regulated dealers. Learn what it covers, what it doesn't, and how to use it effectively.
2 min read - 2
Why does documentation matter for CIRO compliance?
The Client Focused Reforms changed the documentation landscape for individual advisors. Learn why principles-based requirements mean more responsibility, not less.
3 min read - 3
What are the KYC documentation requirements?
Know Your Client documentation forms the foundation of your compliance obligations. Learn about required elements, risk tolerance vs. capacity, and the reasonability review.
3 min read - 4
What is suitability documentation?
Suitability documentation connects your KYC information to your recommendations. Learn the memo format, alternatives consideration, and individualized analysis requirements.
3 min read - 5
What are the client records and retention requirements?
Record retention requirements are straightforward but often misunderstood. Learn what counts as books and records, the 7-year rule, format requirements, and common mistakes.
3 min read - 6
Evaluating AI Tools for CIRO Compliance
How to evaluate AI tools for CIRO compliance. Covers shadow AI risk, a four-criteria framework, data handling questions, and what approved tools look like.
3 min read - 7
How do I build a documentation system?
Knowing the requirements is different from implementing them. Get practical starting points, quality checkpoints, and tips for integrating documentation into daily practice.
2 min read