The Ontario Securities Commission today announced that Monica Kowal has joined the OSC as general counsel.

“Monica has a rare combination of skills that will serve her well in her new functions at the OSC,” said Charlie Macfarlane, OSC executive director, in a news release.

“Her technical expertise in securities and corporate law, her industry perspective coloured by her experience in public policy development, specifically as it applies to capital markets regulation, and her international experience make Monica a terrifically suited candidate for the position. We are happy to welcome Monica to the OSC.”

Kowal was previously a partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, where as a member of the Blake securities group, she was involved in securities and corporate law, acting as general counsel to a number of clients. She was also a member of the Blakes team retained to provide advice to the OSC on the national harmonization effort.

Kowal was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1991. She holds a B.A. (Economics) from the University of Toronto (1991), an LL.M. from the University of Tübingen, Germany (1988) and an LL.B. from the University of Toronto (1987).

The OSC’s general counsel office is an in-house legal and policy resource, providing senior legal advice and assistance on operational, transactional and regulatory issues to the chairman, commission and staff. The office also leads policy projects, including legislative reform, and supports OSC branches in the policy development process.