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About ASC
Overview
Understanding risk tolerance
Self-directed investing
Return on investment
Overview
First home savings account (FHSA)
Tax-free savings account (TFSA)
Registered disability savings plan (RDSP)
Registered education savings plan (RESP)
Registered retirement income fund (RRIF)
Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)
Types of investments
Financial terms
Overview
Cannabis
Crowdfunding
Cryptocurrencies
Exempt market investing
Foreign exchange trading
What is a robo-adviser?
Meme stocks
Mini-tenders
FAQs
Overview
Overview
Investing as you age
Understanding yourself
Researching investments and your adviser
Overview
Crypto scams
Binary options
Friend fraud
Ponzi schemes
COVID-19 related scams
Overview
Investing basics blog
31 Common Investment Scams and Red Flags
Overview
Spot the spoof
Spot the odd – an investment fraud awareness campaign
Investment caution list
Fraudster’s Playbook
Investing factsheets
Overview
Compound interest calculator
Retirement savings calculator
TFSA savings calculator
Net worth calculator
Know your budget
Investment courses and events
Relevant investor links
Videos
Overview
Investing basics
Check your risk tolerance
Are you an informed investor?
Can you spot the investment fraud?
How safe is your nest egg?
Don’t be fooled by fraud

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© 2026 Alberta Securities Commission

About ASC
OverviewHow to investUnderstanding risk toleranceSelf-directed investingReturn on investmentTypes of investment accounts and plansTypes of investmentsFinancial termsInvestment trendsFAQs
OverviewPlanning investmentsLife stagesUnderstanding yourselfResearching investments and your adviser
OverviewInvestment risksRed flags
Types of investment scamsCrypto scamsBinary optionsFriend fraudPonzi schemesCOVID-19 related scams
Overview Red flags
OverviewCrypto scamsBinary optionsFriend fraudPonzi schemesCOVID-19 related scams
OverviewResources
Investing basics blog
Investor education campaigns
31 Common Investment Scams and Red FlagsSpot the spoofSpot the odd – an investment fraud awareness campaignFraudster’s Playbook
Investment caution list
Investing factsheets
Investing calculators
Compound interest calculatorRetirement savings calculatorTFSA savings calculatorNet worth calculatorKnow your budget
Investment courses and events
Relevant investor links
Videos
Quizzes
Investing basicsCheck your risk toleranceAre you an informed investor?Can you spot the investment fraud?How safe is your nest egg?Don’t be fooled by fraud
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Investment trend arrow

Investment trends

Understand emerging investment trends and the risks associated with them. With the fast-paced and ever-growing nature of the financial industry, there are constantly new or exciting opportunities for investors. While you may be eager to get in on a trend to capitalize on its apparent success and avoid missing out, you should always take the time to do your research, consider the risks and check registration. Below some of the trends we are seeing and what to consider before investing.

Cannabis

What is the cannabis industry?

As the legislation around cannabis has changed, a new and quickly growing industry has taken shape, attracting potential investors to marijuana companies and their ancillary products and services.

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Crowdfunding

What is crowdfunding?

The Internet has brought people together and unlocked the ability for individuals and companies to leverage online investors to raise money for everything from new products and business ventures to philanthropic efforts.

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Cryptocurrencies

Investing in crypto assets

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have been in the headlines, but there are a large number of new digital cryptocurrencies becoming increasingly accessible and exciting investors worldwide.

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Exempt market investing

Exempt market investing: Understanding the basics

Exempt market investments may offer fewer disclosure documents than publicly traded investments. Learn what information may be available and the risks to consider before investing.

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Foreign exchange trading

What is foreign exchange trading?

Forex, FX, or foreign exchange is the trading of foreign currencies. Forex trading is incredibly complicated, even with professional training and very advanced software. Read more about Forex scams during COVID-19.

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Robo-advisers

What is a robo-adviser?

Investors are increasingly turning to automated advisers that use the power of artificial intelligence and big data to provide tailored, digital investment experiences.

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Meme stocks

Informed investing: Meme stocks

Meme stocks can surge based on online hype rather than a company’s underlying fundamentals. Learn what to consider before investing in these volatile securities.

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Mini-tenders

Mini-tender offers

Investors should exercise caution if they’re considering selling their securities in connection with a “mini-tender” offer. Investors should be aware of the differences between a take-over bid and a mini-tender offer so that they can make fully informed decisions.

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What investors can learn from the BG Wealth Sharing scamRead the Blog
What investors can learn from the BG Wealth Sharing scam
ASC announcementsRead latest news
ASC announcements
Meet us in the communityUpcoming events
Meet us in the community

The ASC is committed to fostering meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples to support and facilitate participation in Alberta’s capital markets, enhance investor knowledge, and protect investors from improper, misleading or fraudulent practices. The Alberta Securities Commission is headquartered in the traditional territory of the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy; the Tsuut’ina Nation, the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley Nations of the Stoney Nakota Nation; and the home of Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3.

Alberta Securities CommissionSuite 600, 250 – 5th Street SW Calgary Alberta, T2P 0R4
Telephone: 1-403-355-4151Toll free: 1-877-355-4488
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