TORONTO, ON - February 18, 2026 - CIX Trading Inc. (“CIX”), Canada's next-generation alternative trading system (“ATS”) currently pursuing regulatory approval, today announced that the comment period established by the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”) to consider CIX’s application to operate an ATS, revealed broad support from industry participants and key stakeholders for CIX’s proposal. The full text of all eighteen comment letters may be found here.
“We are appreciative of the supportive, thoughtful and constructive comments received through the comment period. CIX’s offering found broad support among a plurality of influential market participants. Several of the institutions commenting underscored our contention that CIX’s innovative approach will help improve execution and market access, and keep Canada competitive with global market alternatives,” said Jeff Foster, Founder & CEO. “We look forward to advancing our proposal with the OSC as we work towards regulatory approval.”
CIX wishes to highlight several comments from leading industry participants welcoming CIX’s planned launch:
“Questrade is writing to express support for the launch of CIX and its proposed market model. As a firm dedicated to empowering Canadian investors, we believe the introduction of CIX represents a much-needed shot of dynamism into the Canadian financial landscape.
We agree with the view in the Request for Comment that an innovation gap exists between U.S. and Canadian equity trading markets. CIX’s proposal to bridge this gap by leveraging the proven, high-performance technology of IntelligentCross—a recognized innovator in the U.S. ATS space—is a welcome development that promises to enhance execution quality and market efficiency for all participants.” – Questrade Financial Group
“We are broadly supportive of CIX's innovative approach in delivering new and relevant features to Canada. Fractional trading and extended hours represent a positive advancement for Canada's equity market structure, offering justifiable benefits for industry investment with minimal controversy if implemented thoughtfully.” – TD Securities Inc.
“We welcome the introduction of novel trading features and market structures, such as those proposed by CIX Trading Inc. (“CIX”), as they align with our mission to improve the financial future of millions of Canadians.
…We recognize that the Canadian capital markets have, in certain respects, lagged behind global innovations. We commend CIX's intention to offer new features that attempt to close this innovation gap, particularly those that can assist in broadening retail investor participation.” – Wealthsimple Investments Inc.
“We commend CIX for proposing a forward-looking marketplace model with features designed to improve execution outcomes and access, including a mixed-lot central limit order book, marketplace-supported fractional trading, extended trading hours, and a randomized matching model powered by IntelligentCross technology.
…We are supportive of innovations in the Canadian marketplace that could enhance execution quality, broaden access, and improve market resilience. CIX’s efforts to evolve Canadian equity markets is a refreshing departure from typical imitative marketplace proposals.” – Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets
“Virtu applauds the CIX on its initiative to introduce meaningful new innovation to the Canadian market. We concur with CIX’s view that the proposed new ATS will enhance market efficiency and liquidity. We believe this will be accomplished primarily through facilitating both fractional trading and extended hours of operation.” – Virtu Canada Inc.
As reflected in the statements of several commentors, CIX believes that there is widespread stakeholder recognition that meaningful modernization is essential to keeping Canadian capital markets competitive.
Innovation in market structure is rarely welcomed by incumbents. However, CIX believes that it is critical that the discussions around these topics are grounded in evidence, not in preserving legacy advantages. CIX will continue to address any stakeholder concerns directly while remaining focused on building a modern, competitive, investor-first marketplace.
CIX is appreciative of the engagement of the commenting stakeholders, particularly those who are aligned with CIX in improving Canadian markets. Their engagement and conviction underscore the demand for innovation that enhances execution, broadens access, and strengthens market resilience. This dialogue underscores the need for CIX and fuels its determination to help shape the next generation of Canadian capital markets.
About CIX Trading Inc.
CIX Trading Inc. is building Canada's most technologically advanced equity marketplace, combining high-performance execution with local access and modern infrastructure. Currently pursuing regulatory approval from the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) as an alternative trading system (ATS) and registration with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) as both a Dealer Member and Marketplace Member, CIX is designed to deliver fairness, flexibility, and superior performance.
Upon approval, CIX will operate three trading venues all with their own unique value propositions. Powered by IntelligentCross, the largest ATS in the United States, CIX's platform features advanced matching technology that delivers better post-trade markouts and reduced slippage, extended hours trading, fractional share trading, and 1-share minimums that eliminate outdated board lot constraints.
For more information, visit www.thecix.ca or contact info@thecix.ca.
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