National Bank Financial (NBF) stands out from many traditional brokers due to its focus on wealth management and financial planning services, rather than active trading in markets such as forex or crypto. While it is regulated by CIRO, many retail brokers in the trading space are regulated by bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). These regulators typically oversee brokers that deal in more active, high-risk instruments such as forex and CFDs. In contrast, NBF’s services, though highly regulated, cater to clients seeking long-term investment solutions, with less emphasis on day-to-day trading. While NBF’s regulatory status is solid, it’s not focused on high-frequency trading or offering speculative instruments. Therefore, those seeking active trading options might find NBF's offering too limited compared to other regulated brokers. However, for clients seeking a reputable wealth management firm, NBF’s CIRO regulation offers peace of mind with regard to financial security and legal compliance.