The Commission has the authority to investigate and adjudicate all complaints lodged with it under Section 49 of the Securities Act Chapter 83:02 (“the Act”).

The staff of the Commission reviews and investigates all complaints and tips related to the securities industry, including but not limited to those made against registrants (broker-dealers, investment advisers, underwriters, and reporting issuers) Complaints must be made in writing.

Upon receipt of a complaint or tip, the staff of the Commission may decide that further investigation is warranted, if the actions of these individuals or companies suggest a possible breach or possible breaches of the Act. Upon completion of an investigation, including the provision of legal advice (internal and external), staff of the Commission will make a recommendation to the Board which may include convening a hearing, if staff is of the opinion that the individual or company against whom a complaint was made, has contravened or is contravening the Act.

Where can a victim of investment fraud go for help?

• Lodge a complaint to the TTSEC using the online complaint form on our website at ttsec.org.tt or call us at 624-2991 and ask for our market regulation and surveillance division.

OR

• Report a scam anonymously through our Investor Protection App available on both the Google Playstore and Apple Store.

SEC Complaint Procedure

What is the first step in lodging a complaint regarding any aspect of the securities market?

Step 1: Make your complaint to the company

You should make your complaint in writing to the company concerned.

If you have a problem with an investment product you have purchased or the service that you have received, you are entitled to complain and receive some form of redress.

As an investor you have the right to:

• Receive a clearly defined process for raising and resolving complaints;
• Receive information about alternatives available to you if the firm is unable to resolve a dispute to your satisfaction.

Step 2: Get the company’s response to your complaint in writing

If you are dissatisfied with the company’s response to your complaint or if you are unable to resolve your complaint with the company you should request a letter from the company stating its final position on your complaint. You should also make a note of any persons at the company with whom you discussed the matter. Go to Step 3.

Step 3: Lodge a complaint with the Commission

The Commission has the authority to investigate complaints in respect of the securities industry and models its procedures on best practices in developed securities markets.

Write a summary of your problem while ensuring that all of the key elements relevant to your complaint are provided in as clear a manner as possible.Provide copies of all supporting documents. If you are mailing in your complaint please attach a photocopy of all documents, including letters, contracts, invoices and any other papers related to your problem. Whilst we will need to see your original documents for verification we will keep the photocopies for the purposes of the investigation.

Investigations are usually non-public and kept confidential. 

Step 4: The Commission will review your written complaint

The Commission will acknowledge your complaint. The letter will provide you with a reference number which you will need to quote when contacting our offices.

The Commission has the authority to investigate the complaint if the person has been aggrieved by any act of any individual or company falling under the Act.

Once the investigation is complete, the Commission may take a decision on the matter and may make such order as it thinks just in keeping with section 49(4) of the Act.

Investor Protection App

Report a scam anonymously through our Investor Protection App available on both the Google Playstore and Apple Store.