A derivative is generally an instrument that derives its value, directly or indirectly, from an underlying interest, such as a security.
For SEDI, derivatives that are subject to insider reporting requirements may be classified as either “issuer derivatives” or “third party derivatives”. Issuer derivatives are derivatives such as options, warrants and rights issued by a company or other entity directly to its insiders. Share-based compensation instruments, including phantom stock units, deferred share units (DSUs), restricted share awards (RSAs), performance share units (PSUs), stock appreciation rights (SARs) and similar instruments are also generally issuer derivatives.
You can select ‘Issuer derivative’ as a category of security if you, as the issuer, have issued the derivatives. You would then select the appropriate name of the security: ‘options’, ‘rights’, ‘warrants’ or ‘other’. If necessary, you could also add a brief description to the name of the security.
A SEDI issuer cannot designate a third party derivative. Third party derivatives are designated by the insider when the insider files an insider report for those derivatives. Futures, forwards and exchange-traded call or put options are examples of third party derivatives.
For further guidance on how derivatives are reported, please refer to CSA Staff Notice 55-312 Insider Reporting Guidelines for Certain Derivative Transactions (Equity Monetization) (REVISED).