Fern Karsh, BA, JD is a highly experienced professional who has held various roles in the legal and financial sectors. Fern is currently serving as a Senior Policy & Technical Lead at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) where Fern manages high stakes projects and legislative advocacy. Prior to this, Fern worked at the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and FAIR Canada in policy and legal roles. With a strong educational background including a Juris Doctorate from the University of Toronto, Fern specializes in regulatory analysis, policy development, and legal counsel in the financial industry.
Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA)
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) is a new, independent regulatory agency created to improve consumer and pension plan beneficiary protections in Ontario. FSRA was established to replace the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario (DICO). The agency is flexible, self-funded and designed to respond rapidly to an evolving commercial and consumer environment. In this capacity, FSRA will: • Promote high standards of business conduct • Foster a sustainable, competitive financial services sector • Respond to market changes quickly • Promote good administration of insurance and pension plans • Encourage innovation The newly created agency protects Ontarians by regulating: • Property and casualty insurance • Life and health insurance • Credit unions and caisses populaires • Loan and trust companies • Mortgage brokers • Health services providers (related to auto insurance) • Pension plan administrators • Financial planners and advisors For more information, visit www.fsrao.ca