Economist

Ontario Securities Commission; Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Generous vacation and personal time

Health and wellness benefit package

Training and development programs

Job summary

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) seeks an Economist to contribute to data-driven policy and market analysis within the EMA Department. You will conduct quantitative and qualitative research, work with Azure Synapse and Databricks, and develop reports and dashboards to inform OSC regulatory strategy and priorities.

You will collaborate with a diverse team, present findings to senior staff, and help expand analytical capabilities shaping Ontario’s financial markets.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant work experience in financial services or economic research.
• Experience querying relational databases and modern data-science platforms.
• Strong programming in Python and/or R for data prep, analysis and visualization.
• Ability to communicate technical results to diverse audiences in reports or presentations.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to data collection and analysis informing policy decisions
• Analyze complex research questions and data challenges independently or with others
• Deliver results within timelines and keep stakeholders informed of progress
• Design research studies and identify data sources and analytical techniques
• Present completed analyses through reports or presentations to OSC staff and management
• Communicate key findings to a diverse audience and stakeholders
• Develop analytical skills and knowledge of Ontario’s financial markets

Skills

Data analysis

Python

R

SQL

Data visualization

Education

Undergraduate degree in economics or quantitative field

Master's degree in quantitative discipline (asset)

Canadian Securities Course (asset)

Tools

Azure Synapse

Databricks

Tableau

Power BI

Bloomberg / S&P Capital IQ

Job description

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, and enforcement activities. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.

Regulatory Transformation and Strategic Research

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, adjudication and enforcement work. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

The Economic, Market & Analysis (EMA) Department within the Regulatory Transformation & Strategic Research Division is responsible for the delivery of economic, regulatory and financial research and analysis that supports the development of OSC regulatory strategy and policy recommendations. The Branch advises on and informs the OSC’s strategy, priorities, regulatory operations and discussions with other regulatory bodies and agencies concerned with financial stability.

Reporting to the Manager, Research and Analysis, the Economist will contribute to the analysis of policy issues and market trends by conducting quantitative and qualitative research; compiling data and applying economic analysis. You will be part of a diverse and highly motivated team of problem solvers that are passionate about using data and advanced quantitative methods to better understand the markets we regulate and how new developments or policy proposals will impact key stakeholders.

What will you do?

• Contribute to research initiatives focused on data collection and analysis to help inform key decision makers involved in policy and operational initiatives.
• Work independently and in collaboration with others to analyze complex research questions and address common data challenges.
• Provide results within agreed timelines and keep stakeholders informed of progress and risks on a timely basis.
• Participate in the design of research studies, including identifying sources of data and proposing appropriate analytical techniques.
• Communicate completed analysis through written reports and/or presentations with limited review from senior staff.
• Participate in presentations to OSC staff and as required, senior management and commissioners.
• Effectively communicate key research findings, or highly technical subject matter to a diverse audience.
• Have a keen interest to further develop your analytical skills and expand your knowledge of Ontario’s financial markets.

What do you need to succeed?

• Undergraduate degree in economics, finance, data science or equivalent quantitative discipline. A Masters level degree in a quantitative discipline would be an asset.
• A minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in the financial services sector or applying economic analysis or research in a professional or academic environment.
• Experience querying relational databases and working with modern data science platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure Synapse , Databricks).
• Strong programming experience in Python and/or R for data preparation, analysis and visualization. Proficient with Microsoft Excel and experience building reports and dashboards using Tableau, Power BI or other business intelligence tools.
• Experience applying machine learning frameworks and designing workflows to utilize large language models (LLMs) for data extraction and analysis would be an asset.
• Experience communicating technical or detailed subject matter effectively and succinctly to a diverse audience, both verbally and in written reports.
• Experience with key financial market data platforms such as Bloomberg, LSEG Workspace, S&P Capital IQ, Morningstar Direct, etc.
• A broad understanding of financial markets, as well as a general understanding of the Canadian securities regulatory framework. Completion of the Canadian Securities Course would be an asset.
• Resourcefulness and the ability to demonstrate deep analytical insights and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and willingness to adapt, learn and collaborate with others in a dynamic work environment.

What do we offer:

• Competitive compensation package which includes performance-based incentives and a premier pension plan
• Generous vacation and personal time entitlements
• Best in class comprehensive health and wellness benefit package which includes gym membership discounts with Goodlife Fitness
• Training and development programs

Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.

The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.

The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: Ascend Canada, BlackNorth Initiative, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pride at Work Canada

If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox [e-mail].

Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.