The Commission, as a part of its function to maintain the integrity of the investment funds, securities and capital markets, has the authority to conduct investigations and hearings. The Board carries out these functions via 2 standing statutory bodies. These bodies are as follows:
Hearing Panel – This Panel presides over regulatory hearings and determines disciplinary matters of the Commission. In carrying out its functions, the Hearing Panel is empowered to impose various sanctions, remedies or other relief, as provided for in the Securities Industry Act, 1999 and Investment Funds Act, 2003.
Disciplinary Committee – This committee assists the Executive Director in making recommendations to the Commission, on the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken as a result of an investigation. It is empowered to make one of four (4) recommendations:
- dismissal of the matter;
- the issue of a letter of caution or some other informal remedial action;
- the filing of a formal complaint and proceeding with a regulatory hearing before the Commission; or
- the reference of the matter to the Attorney-General.
All decisions of the Hearing Panel are final decisions of the Commission.