New Brunswick Securities Commission (released Nov 13, 2012)

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A panel discussion exploring crowd funding as a way to raise equity capital for business will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the Wu Conference Centre, 6 Duffie Dr., University of New Brunswick, Fredericton.

The New Brunswick Securities Commission is hosting the event as part of its Fullsail capital markets development initiative.

"We know this is a hot topic, and we want to be ahead of the curve in Canada as we evaluate the implications of crowd funding on the regulation of our capital markets," said David Barry, chair of the commission. "It is important that we provide a venue and actively participate in this discussion to ensure that our dual mandate of balancing capital markets development and investor protection is integrated."

Potential investors, entrepreneurs considering raising capital, professionals, business consultants, economic development officers, academics and students are invited to participate. Panelists will provide various viewpoints on the current landscape of crowd funding and potential models that could benefit New Brunswick businesses as well as considerations from an investor's perspective.

The panel will include leading experts on the topic:

● Norm Betts representing the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance;
● Peter Klohn, partner at Stewart McKelvey;
● Brian Koscak, chair of the Exempt Market Dealer Association of Canada; and
● Jake van der Laan, director of enforcement at the commission.

Biographies of each panel member are online.

"These panelists represent many points of view, and each brings expertise that will open the eyes of participants," said Barry. "We hope this discussion is just the beginning as we work our way through the benefits and cautions of what may be the newest form of raising capital in North America."

The afternoon will begin with an introduction to crowd funding by Devashis Mitra of the University of New Brunswick. Nancy Mathis, executive director of the Wallace McCain Institute at the university, will moderate the panel discussion and will encourage audience questions.

This event is open to the public and provided free of charge. Pre-registration is required and may be done online.

As an independent provincial Crown corporation, the New Brunswick Securities Commission oversees the capital markets in New Brunswick and regulates those that sell or manage securities. The commission's mandate is to protect investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, and to foster fair and efficient capital markets and confidence in capital markets.

Source:  here