Canadian DeFi rules tracker
DeFi is legal in Canada, but the rules around it are moving. As of 2026-11-01, crypto platforms must register with securities regulators, the Stablecoin Act is enacted but not in force, CARF reporting is proposed for 2027, and CRA has no DeFi-specific guidance. Latest official change: 2026-10-30, Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF): platforms to report users to CRA (Committee reported the bill with amendments).
Coming up and pending
- Stablecoin Act: enacted, not in force Enacted, not in force (2026-03-26)
- CSA launches Project Tokenization Proposed (2026-03-31)
- Proposed Stablecoin Regulations published for consultation Proposed (2026-10-24)
- Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF): platforms to report users to CRA Proposed (2027-01-01)
The timeline
- · Finance Canada / ParliamentProposed
Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF): platforms to report users to CRA
Draft rules (2025-08-15) would require crypto-asset service providers to file annual information returns about users. Budget 2025 deferred the application date to January 1, 2027. The measure is in Bill C-31, which was reported back from committee with amendments on 2026-10-30 and had not received Royal Assent as of 2026-11-01.
For DeFi users: Platforms would share your transaction information with CRA. Your own reporting obligations already apply either way. No official page we found states the first reporting date.
Source: LEGISinfo: Bill C-31 (45-1) (page date 2026-10-30) · CARF in Canada: proposed crypto platform reporting to the CRA
Entry history (6)
- 2025-08-15 Draft legislative proposals released.
- 2025-11-04 Budget 2025: application deferred to 2027-01-01.
- 2026-05-06 Bill C-31 first reading.
- 2026-06-03 Second reading; referred to the Finance committee.
- 2026-10-30 Committee reported the bill with amendments.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: at report stage, no Royal Assent; Senate pre-study authorized 2026-06-10.
- · Finance Canada (Canada Gazette Part I)Proposed
Proposed Stablecoin Regulations published for consultation
Proposed rules: redemption at par within 3 business days, redemption fees capped at 1%, no interest or yield for holding, daily reserves of high-quality liquid assets in segregated accounts at a qualified Canadian custodian, monthly reporting to the Bank of Canada, and penalties up to $1 million (serious) or $10 million (very serious). The government aims for fall 2027.
For DeFi users: Comments are open for 60 days from 2026-10-24 (our calculation: about 2026-12-23). Yield on stablecoins would have to come from somewhere other than the issuer.
Source: Stablecoin Regulations, Canada Gazette Part I, Vol. 160, No. 43 (page date 2026-10-24) · Canada’s Stablecoin Act: what’s enacted, what’s not in force yet
Entry history (2)
- 2026-10-24 Published for 60-day consultation.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: consultation open; details confirmed on the Gazette page.
- · CSA and CIROIn force
Prediction markets: current rules, then guidance on event contracts
Anyone facilitating trading in event contracts that are securities or derivatives must be registered or recognized; no prediction market has been recognized as an exchange or registered as a dealer by the CSA. On 2026-08-27 the CSA said sports and entertainment event contracts should not be regulated within securities law.
For DeFi users: On-chain prediction markets are not authorized in Canada; using one is outside Canadian investor protection.
Source: Prediction markets: CSA and CIRO remind industry and investors of the current rules (page date 2026-04-02)
Entry history (3)
- 2026-04-02 Reminder published.
- 2026-08-27 Joint notice: sports and entertainment event contracts outside securities law; other types under assessment.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker.
- · CSAProposed
CSA launches Project Tokenization
The CSA began work on how tokenized financial products fit securities law, starting with stakeholder engagement and workshops (Calgary 2026-04-09, Toronto 2026-06-11). Later phases could include a discussion paper or live testing.
For DeFi users: Tokenized securities and real-world assets are where DeFi meets regulated markets. A discussion paper would be the first CSA document addressing this directly.
Source: CSA invites stakeholders to participate in tokenization initiative (page date 2026-03-31)
Entry history (3)
- 2026-03-31 Initiative launched.
- 2026-05-20 Toronto workshop livestream announced.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: no discussion paper yet.
- · Parliament / Finance Canada / Bank of CanadaEnacted, not in force
Stablecoin Act: enacted, not in force
Announced in Budget 2025 (2025-11-04) and enacted by Bill C-15 (Royal Assent 2026-03-26). The Justice Laws consolidation marks it 'not in force'. Finance Canada's framework: 1:1 high-quality liquid reserves, redemption at par, no interest or yield to holders, Bank of Canada supervision.
For DeFi users: When in force it will regulate fiat-backed stablecoin issuers, not DeFi protocols. Until then, no Canadian stablecoin-specific law protects holders, and CDIC does not cover stablecoins.
Source: Stablecoin Act (S.C. 2026, c. 3, s. 600) (page date 2026-10-15) · Canada’s Stablecoin Act: what’s enacted, what’s not in force yet
Entry history (4)
- 2025-11-04 Announced in Budget 2025.
- 2026-03-26 Royal Assent (Bill C-15).
- 2026-03-31 Finance Canada framework page updated.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: still marked not in force; no coming-into-force order found in Canada Gazette Part II regular issues to 2026-10-21.
- · OSCIn force
Example platform terms: the $30,000 investment limit
An OSC director's decision for one authorized platform (2026-03-25) sets a 12-month net investment limit of $30,000 for most retail clients ($100,000 for eligible crypto investors; none for accredited) on crypto other than specified assets such as Bitcoin, Ether and Solana. The limit does not apply in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Québec or Saskatchewan under that decision.
For DeFi users: Limits like this are platform-specific terms, not a general law. They do not apply to DeFi.
Source: OSC Director's decision (2026-03-25) (page date 2026-03-25) · How crypto trading platforms are regulated in Canada
Entry history (2)
- 2026-03-25 Amended decision issued.
- 2026-10-30 Checked: added to tracker.
- · CSA Systemic Risk CommitteeCompleted
CSA risk report: stablecoins growing, not currently systemic
The CSA's 2025 report noted the growing role of stablecoins and the risks of high concentration, and said it does not see stablecoins currently presenting a systemic risk.
For DeFi users: Stablecoins are DeFi's main settlement asset; the CSA is watching them while federal issuer rules are pending.
Source: CSA publishes 2025 Systemic Risk Committee Annual Report (page date 2026-02-12)
Entry history (2)
- 2026-02-12 Report published.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker as context.
- · CIROIn force
CIRO digital asset custody framework for crypto platforms
CIRO issued a tiered, risk-based custody framework for dealer members operating crypto platforms, imposed through membership terms and effective immediately. It covers crypto and tokenized assets, including stablecoins.
For DeFi users: Sets how registered platforms must hold your crypto. It does not apply to anything you move into a DeFi protocol.
Source: CIRO issues guidance on digital asset custody (page date 2026-02-03) · Platform failure: when the company holding your crypto goes under
Entry history (2)
- 2026-02-03 Framework issued (Guidance Note 26-0033).
- 2026-10-30 Checked: added to tracker.
- · CRAIn force
CRA replaces its crypto guide with a set of crypto-asset pages
CRA's 'Information for crypto-asset users and tax professionals' (modified 2025-10-29) replaced the older guide. Sub-pages cover dispositions and income (2025-12-02), mining and staking (2025-11-10), records (2025-11-10) and GST/HST (2025-11-10). None addresses DeFi lending, liquidity pools, wrapping or bridging.
For DeFi users: CRA's general rules apply to DeFi, but CRA has not said how lending, pools, wrapping or bridging are treated. See the treatment map for each action.
Source: Information for crypto-asset users and tax professionals (page date 2025-10-29) · CRA treatment map for DeFi actions
Entry history (3)
- 2025-10-29 Landing page modified.
- 2025-12-02 Income from crypto-asset transactions page modified.
- 2026-10-30 Checked: old guide URL returns 404; no DeFi-specific content.
- · CSAIn force
CSA reminder to crypto-backed lending platforms
The CSA reminded crypto-backed lending platforms that they may be trading or distributing securities requiring registration and a prospectus, and told investors to check registration or exemptive relief.
For DeFi users: Borrowing against crypto through a platform should involve a registered or exempted provider. DeFi lending protocols have no such status.
Source: CSA reminds crypto-backed lending platforms of potential regulatory requirements (page date 2025-10-22) · DeFi lending protocols: collateral, health factor and liquidation explained
Entry history (2)
- 2025-10-22 Reminder published.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: two crypto-backed lending platforms appear on the CSA authorized list.
- · CSAIn force
New rules for investment funds holding crypto (NI 81-102) in force
Amendments set which crypto assets public crypto funds may hold, limit crypto investing by other public funds, and require custodians to keep private keys in offline storage with limited exceptions. Published 2025-04-17; in force 2025-07-16.
For DeFi users: Regulated crypto ETFs and funds are the main alternative for people who want exposure without self-custody or DeFi protocol risk.
Source: CSA publishes amendments for investment funds investing in crypto assets (page date 2025-04-17)
Entry history (3)
- 2025-04-17 Final amendments published.
- 2025-07-16 In force.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker.
- · Prime Minister's OfficeIn force
Proposed capital gains inclusion increase cancelled; one-half continues
The government cancelled the proposed increase in the capital gains inclusion rate. Half of a capital gain continues to be taxable.
For DeFi users: Gains on crypto treated as capital property remain one-half taxable. Business income from crypto is fully taxable.
Source: Prime Minister Carney cancels proposed capital gains tax increase (page date 2025-03-21) · Capital gains or business income: how CRA decides for crypto
Entry history (3)
- 2025-01-31 CRA reverted to administering the one-half rate pending legislation.
- 2025-03-21 Increase cancelled.
- 2026-10-30 Checked: CRA crypto page (2025-12-02) still states half of a capital gain is taxable.
- · CSA Systemic Risk CommitteeCompleted
CSA risk report: DeFi watched, not yet a stability threat
The CSA's 2024 annual capital markets report noted ongoing concerns about security, investor safeguards and the lack of regulatory accountability in DeFi, judged DeFi not yet large enough to threaten financial stability, and said surveillance is essential.
For DeFi users: The CSA's clearest published statement on DeFi: monitoring rather than a DeFi-specific rule, for now.
Source: CSA 2024 Annual Report on Capital Markets (page date 2025-12-02)
Entry history (2)
- 2025-02-19 Report published.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker as context.
- · CRA (Income Tax Rulings Directorate)Completed
CRA internal interpretation: custodial staking on a CSA-compliant platform
In internal technical interpretation 2024-1031821I7, CRA said depositing or staking crypto through a platform compliant with CSA requirements is not a disposition (beneficial ownership stays with the user), rewards are generally section 9 income when credited or as they accrue, and business vs property income depends on the user's level of activity.
For DeFi users: Covers custodial staking on registered platforms only. Staking from your own wallet, delegated or liquid staking are still not addressed.
Source: Internal T.I. 2024-1031821I7 (severed letter text) (page date 2025-01-17) · Staking, mining and crypto rewards: what CRA has and hasn’t said
Entry history (2)
- 2025-01-17 Interpretation issued.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: letter text read; added to tracker and treatment map.
- · CSAIn force
Deadline: platforms may only offer stablecoins that meet CSA terms
After two extensions, the CSA set December 31, 2024 as the date after which platforms may only offer stablecoins (VRCAs) that comply with their decision or undertaking terms. The CSA warned stablecoins do not have the protections of regulated deposits.
For DeFi users: Some stablecoins disappeared from Canadian platforms after this date; they remain available in DeFi without these protections.
Source: CSA update to platforms about value-referenced crypto assets (page date 2024-09-26) · Stablecoin designs compared
Entry history (4)
- 2024-04-17 Deadline moved from April 30 to October 31, 2024.
- 2024-09-26 Deadline moved to December 31, 2024.
- 2024-12-31 Deadline reached.
- 2026-10-30 Checked: added to tracker.
- · CSA and CIROIn force
Crypto platforms expected to register as investment dealers and join CIRO
The CSA and CIRO said crypto trading platforms should prioritize investment-dealer registration and CIRO membership, and that the interim restricted-dealer approach would not continue.
For DeFi users: Registered platforms move toward full dealer standards. DeFi protocols remain outside the system.
Source: CSA and CIRO expect crypto trading platforms to prioritize investment dealer registration (page date 2024-08-06) · How crypto trading platforms are regulated in Canada
Entry history (2)
- 2024-08-06 Joint release published.
- 2026-10-30 Checked: added to tracker.
- · CRA (Income Tax Rulings Directorate)Completed
CRA internal interpretation: liquidity pool deposits and withdrawals are dispositions
In internal technical interpretation 2023-0973071I7, CRA's Rulings Directorate said that, on the limited facts provided, depositing tokens into a DeFi liquidity pool for receipt tokens and later redeeming them were both dispositions, and that reward tokens were income under sections 3 and 9. CRA stressed the comments may only apply to that situation.
For DeFi users: The only CRA document we found that addresses a DeFi pool. It is non-binding, not published on canada.ca, and disputed by practitioners (Canadian Tax Focus, November 2024). See the liquidity rows of the treatment map.
Source: Internal T.I. 2023-0973071I7 (severed letter text) (page date 2024-03-20) · CRA treatment map for DeFi actions
Entry history (2)
- 2024-03-20 Interpretation issued (internal, severed and released later).
- 2026-11-01 Checked: letter text read; added to tracker and treatment map.
- · IOSCO (OSC and Québec AMF staff on the working group)Completed
IOSCO final policy recommendations for DeFi
IOSCO set out nine non-binding DeFi recommendations, including identifying the responsible persons behind DeFi arrangements, consistent regulatory outcomes, disclosures, enforcement and cross-border cooperation.
For DeFi users: If Canada regulates DeFi directly, expect a focus on who is responsible for a protocol rather than treating it as ownerless. As of 2026-11-01 no Canadian regulator has published a DeFi-specific rule or staff notice.
Source: IOSCO finalises its policy recommendations for DeFi (page date 2023-12-19)
Entry history (2)
- 2023-12-19 Final report published.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: no CSA DeFi-specific notice found; this remains the international template.
- · CSAIn force
CSA Staff Notice 21-333: interim terms for stablecoins (VRCAs) on platforms
Stablecoins offered on Canadian platforms must meet terms including reserves held by a qualified custodian for holders and public disclosure on governance, operations and reserves. The CSA had said stablecoins may be securities or derivatives.
For DeFi users: Explains why only some stablecoins are available on registered Canadian platforms. In DeFi you can hold any stablecoin, with none of these checks.
Source: CSA clarifies interim approach to value-referenced crypto assets (page date 2023-10-05) · Stablecoins explained: how pegs hold, how they break, and where Canada stands
Entry history (2)
- 2023-10-05 Staff notice published.
- 2026-10-30 Checked: added to tracker.
- · Bank of Canada (staff)Completed
Bank of Canada staff note: Decentralized finance, innovations and challenges
A staff analytical note described DeFi's layers (settlement, assets, applications) and concluded that its innovations have potential but introduce new risks. The note states its views are the authors' and may differ from the Bank's official views.
For DeFi users: The most direct DeFi-specific publication from a Canadian federal authority. It is analysis, not a rule.
Source: Staff Analytical Note 2023-15 (page date October 2023)
Entry history (2)
- 2023-10 Published (no day shown on the page).
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker as context, not a rule.
- · CSAIn force
CSA Staff Notice 21-332: enhanced expectations for crypto platforms
Enhanced pre-registration undertakings require custody with qualified custodians, segregation of client assets, no margin, credit or leverage, and no offering of stablecoins or proprietary tokens without CSA consent.
For DeFi users: Explains why Canadian platforms limit leverage and which stablecoins they list. These are platform protections; DeFi has none of them.
Source: Canadian securities regulators strengthen oversight (OSC copy of CSA release) (page date 2023-02-22) · How crypto trading platforms are regulated in Canada
Entry history (2)
- 2023-02-22 Staff notice published.
- 2026-10-30 Checked: added to tracker.
- · CSA membersIn force
New self-regulatory organization (now CIRO) and CIPF take effect
Securities regulators recognized the New SRO, combining IIROC and the MFDA, and approved the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, effective January 1, 2023. The New SRO was renamed the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) on June 1, 2023.
For DeFi users: CIRO is the body crypto trading platforms are expected to join as investment dealers, and it sets their custody framework.
Source: Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization and CIPF (CSA) (page date 2026-07-09)
Entry history (3)
- 2023-01-01 Amalgamation effective (New SRO).
- 2023-06-01 Renamed CIRO.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker.
- · CSAIn force
CSA expands pre-registration undertakings: custody, segregation, no margin
The CSA said platforms operating while seeking registration must give enhanced undertakings: client assets with qualified custodians and segregated, no margin or leverage for Canadian clients, and that stablecoins may be securities or derivatives.
For DeFi users: These protections apply to assets held on a platform. The moment you move crypto into a DeFi protocol, none of them follow.
Source: CSA provides update to crypto trading platforms operating in Canada (page date 2022-12-12) · How crypto trading platforms are regulated in Canada
Entry history (2)
- 2022-12-12 CSA update published.
- 2026-10-30 Checked: added to tracker.
- · Capital Markets Tribunal (Ontario)Enforcement
Poloniex permanently banned in Ontario
The Tribunal permanently barred Polo Digital Assets, Ltd. (Poloniex) from trading securities in Ontario and ordered a $1,500,000 penalty, disgorgement of US$1,825,417.89 and $138,371.50 in costs.
For DeFi users: The OSC's first case against an offshore platform ended in a permanent ban. Poloniex is on the CSA banned list.
Source: Order, In the Matter of Polo Digital Assets, Ltd. (page date 2022-10-27) · CSA crypto platform checker
Entry history (3)
- 2021-05-25 Statement of allegations.
- 2022-10-27 Final order.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: listed on CSA Banned Crypto Platforms.
- · Capital Markets Tribunal (Ontario)Enforcement
OKX operator settlement: $600,000 penalty and disgorgement
The Tribunal approved a settlement with Aux Cayes FinTech Co. Ltd. (OKX platform): a $600,000 administrative penalty, US$514,950 disgorged, $25,000 in costs and an undertaking limiting its Ontario business.
For DeFi users: Platform availability for Ontarians can change quickly; check a platform's status before relying on it.
Source: Order, In the Matter of Aux Cayes Fintech Co. Ltd. (page date 2022-10-12)
Entry history (3)
- 2021-08-18 Statement of allegations.
- 2022-10-12 Settlement approved.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker.
- · OSC / Capital Markets TribunalEnforcement
Bybit settlement: disgorgement and limits on its Ontario business
Bybit Fintech Limited disgorged US$2,468,910, paid $10,000 in costs and undertook not to open new Ontario accounts or market to Ontarians while registration talks continued, and to wind down leveraged products for Ontario retail clients.
For DeFi users: Leverage and derivatives products from offshore platforms are restricted for Ontario retail users, and platforms can force you to unwind positions.
Source: OSC holds global crypto asset trading platforms accountable (page date 2022-06-22)
Entry history (2)
- 2022-06-22 Settlement approved.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker.
- · Capital Markets Tribunal (Ontario)Enforcement
KuCoin permanently banned in Ontario with a $2 million penalty
After a hearing with no one appearing for the respondents, the Tribunal permanently ordered KuCoin's operators (Mek Global Limited and PhoenixFin Pte. Ltd.) to cease trading in securities or derivatives in Ontario and imposed a $2,000,000 penalty plus $96,550.35 in costs.
For DeFi users: A large offshore exchange can lose lawful access to Ontario overnight, leaving users with access and recovery risk. KuCoin is on the CSA banned list.
Source: Order, In the Matter of Mek Global Limited and PhoenixFin Pte. Ltd. (page date 2022-06-21) · CSA crypto platform checker
Entry history (2)
- 2022-06-21 Order issued; reciprocated in other provinces.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: listed on CSA Banned Crypto Platforms.
- · FINTRACIn force
Large virtual currency transaction reports and the travel rule take effect
Reporting entities must report receipts of virtual currency worth $10,000 or more (including several receipts totalling $10,000 within 24 hours for the same person), within 5 working days. From the same date, virtual currency transfers must carry originator and beneficiary information.
For DeFi users: Moving large amounts from a DeFi wallet to a Canadian exchange can trigger a report, and exchanges may ask who owns the wallet you are sending from or to.
Source: Reporting large virtual currency transactions to FINTRAC
Entry history (2)
- 2021-06-01 In force: LVCTR and travel rule for virtual currency.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: FINTRAC guidance still states June 1, 2021.
- · CSA and IIROCCompleted
Joint Staff Notice 21-329: how platforms comply (interim restricted-dealer route)
The notice explained how securities law applies to crypto trading platforms, split them into dealer and marketplace platforms, and allowed time-limited registration as a restricted dealer if they offered no leverage or margin. That interim route was discontinued on 2024-08-06.
For DeFi users: This is the framework behind Canada's registered platforms and the limits on what they may offer. DeFi protocols sit outside it entirely.
Source: 21-329 Guidance for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms (BCSC) (page date 2021-03-29) · How crypto trading platforms are regulated in Canada
Entry history (3)
- 2021-03-29 Joint staff notice published.
- 2024-08-06 Interim restricted-dealer approach discontinued (CSA/CIRO release).
- 2026-11-01 Checked: status set to completed.
- · OSCCompleted
OSC tells crypto platforms serving Ontarians to come forward by April 19, 2021
The OSC told platforms offering securities or derivatives in Ontario to contact staff by April 19, 2021 or face action, and said platforms that allow access to Ontarians are treated as operating in Ontario. The first proceeding, against Poloniex, followed on 2021-05-25.
For DeFi users: Offshore does not mean out of scope. Platforms accessible from Ontario can be ordered to stop serving you, which is why several restricted or left.
Source: OSC takes action against non-compliant international crypto asset trading platform (page date 2021-05-25)
Entry history (3)
- 2021-03-29 Warning issued (restated in the OSC release of 2021-05-25).
- 2021-05-25 Statement of allegations against Polo Digital Assets (Poloniex).
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker.
- · CSA (OSC principal regulator; AMF)Completed
First crypto trading platform decision in Canada
The CSA's first crypto asset trading platform decision was for Wealthsimple Digital Assets Inc. on August 7, 2020, through the CSA Regulatory Sandbox. That decision has since expired; later decisions followed the same model of platform-specific terms and conditions.
For DeFi users: Registered platforms became the regulated route for Canadians to buy crypto. Each one's decision sets what it may offer, which is why products differ between platforms.
Source: Former CSA Regulatory Sandbox / Crypto Asset Trading Platform Decisions (page date 2025-02-25) · CSA crypto platform checker
Entry history (3)
- 2020-08-07 Decision issued.
- 2024-01-01 The successor 2023 decision for that entity expired (per CSA list).
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker.
- · FINTRAC / Finance CanadaIn force
Virtual currency dealers must register with FINTRAC as money services businesses
From June 1, 2020, businesses dealing in virtual currency (exchange or transfer services) must register as money services businesses, report suspicious transactions and run a compliance program. Foreign MSBs directing services at people in Canada are covered too.
For DeFi users: Fiat on-ramps and off-ramps and custodial crypto services serving Canadians are anti-money-laundering regulated. They must verify your identity and may report your transactions, including transfers to and from a DeFi wallet.
Source: SOR/2019-240, Canada Gazette Part II (page date 2019-07-10)
Entry history (3)
- 2019-07-10 Regulations published (SOR/2019-240).
- 2020-06-01 In force: virtual currency dealer MSB registration.
- 2026-11-01 Checked: FINTRAC MSB page (modified 2025-10-01) still lists dealing in virtual currency as an MSB activity.
- · CSAIn force
CSA Staff Notice 21-327: when crypto platforms fall under securities law
CSA staff said securities law can apply to a platform even if it trades only commodity-like crypto, because your contractual right to the asset can itself be a security or derivative. A platform is generally outside this test only if it makes and settles immediate delivery of the asset to you.
For DeFi users: This is where Canada's 'custody means regulated' logic starts. A service that holds your crypto and gives you a claim is treated as a regulated platform; self-custody, where the asset is delivered to your own wallet, is generally outside this test.
Source: CSA Staff Notice 21-327 (ASC copy) (page date 2020-01-16) · How crypto trading platforms are regulated in Canada
Entry history (2)
- 2020-01-16 Staff notice published (guidance, still current).
- 2026-11-01 Checked: added to tracker.
Change log
Every addition and status change to this tracker, newest first. Statuses are only changed when an official source changes.
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Questions people ask
Is DeFi legal in Canada?
Yes, using decentralized finance is not prohibited in Canada, but rules apply around it. Crypto trading platforms that serve Canadians must register with securities regulators, crypto transactions can be taxable, and no crypto-asset is CDIC-insured. Using a DeFi protocol directly from your own wallet gives you none of the protections that apply to registered platforms.
Is the Stablecoin Act in force?
Not as of 2026-11-01. It received Royal Assent on 2026-03-26 but the Justice Laws consolidation marks it "not in force"; proposed regulations were published on 2026-10-24 and Finance Canada expects the framework in 2027.
When does CARF crypto reporting start in Canada?
It is proposed with a deferred application date of 2027-01-01 and was in Bill C-31, which had not received Royal Assent as of 2026-11-01. No official page we found states the first reporting date.
How do I get alerts when a rule changes?
Use the email alert form or subscribe to the RSS feed at /rules/feed.xml. Each change is also added to the change log on this page with its date.
Education only. Nothing on this page is financial, investment, tax or legal advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell, stake, lend or borrow any crypto-asset. Crypto-assets can lose some or all of their value and are not covered by CDIC. Canadian rules change: check the dated sources above and talk to a qualified professional about your situation. Full disclaimer.