Businesses are increasingly challenged to promptly and effectively identify, assess and manage rapidly changing risks, including exposure to litigation, regulation and enforcement. The ability to respond strategically and in a timely way to existing and emerging situations that threaten the business and reputation of an organization, as well as that of its executives, directors and advisors, is a paramount concern for corporations and their boards today.
Risk is multi-faceted. It is not confined within self-contained silos in any organization: an issue that arises in relation to one business unit, discipline, product line or department can have far-reaching effects on other parts of the organization. Neglected and mismanaged risk can have a costly financial, operational and reputational impact upon the whole organization, its leaders and its stakeholders.

Risk Management and Crisis Response Blog
Insights on avoiding and addressing corporate crisis.
Strategic prevention and response
Our fully integrated team is uniquely positioned to provide customized, comprehensive service offerings in both proactive risk management and strategic crisis response. We work with boards, in-house counsel and senior executives at leading companies on developing risk management strategies; reviewing, drafting and advising on policies, codes of conduct and internal procedures; and conducting regulatory compliance reviews and risk assessments on governance, accountability structures and protocols.
When that risk becomes a tangible threat, we can develop and implement a considered plan to find a timely, effective and practical resolution. We advise on business-critical situations like government or internal investigations, whistleblower allegations, shareholder activism, data and security breaches, environmental disputes, unexpected leadership issues, hostile takeover bids and litigation arising from other extraordinary circumstances.
A cross-disciplinary approach to managing risk
Members of Osler’s cross-disciplinary Risk Management and Crisis Response practice understand the multi-dimensional and potentially destructive character of unattended risk.
We draw on our national specialists across a broad range of expertise, including capital markets regulation, investment funds, competition, corporate governance, securities and consumer class actions and other litigation, privacy and data security, environmental and government investigations and white-collar defence.
Led by Larry Ritchie, former vice-chair of the Ontario Securities Commission, our team leverages expert knowledge, practical experience and strong working relationships with regulators and officials in Canada and internationally to anticipate, manage and navigate the evolving risk factors that threaten your business.
Key Contacts
Chair
Partner, Disputes, Toronto
Partner, Disputes, Montréal
Partner, Disputes
Head: White-Collar Defence, Montréal, Toronto
Partner, Disputes, Vancouver
Partner, Corporate, Toronto
Latest Insights
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Blog March 19, 2025
Mixed feedback on the OSC’s proposal to improve retail investor access to long-term assets
We recap the OSC’s proposed fund structure and the positive and negative reactions from various stakeholders.
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Blog March 18, 2025
Further updates regarding the U.S. pro-crypto policy shift
A clear shift in U.S. crypto priorities suggests substantial change, potentially leading to regulatory clarity and crypto-specific legislation.
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Blog February 28, 2025
Hydro-Québec held liable under principle of honour of the Crown
The Québec Superior Court has reinforced the need for greater respect in negotiations between agents of the Crown and Indigenous communities.
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Blog February 26, 2025
Recent developments in the U.S. SEC’s proceedings against major crypto players signals pro-industry policy shift
The U.S. SEC has moved quickly to shift its stance towards the crypto industry under President Trump’s administration.
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Media Mentions February 14, 2025
Trump trade threat sparks call to finally harmonize capital markets regulation — the Financial Post
Serious trade threats coming from the U.S. make a strong case for revisiting a pan-Canadian model for improving this country’s capital markets...
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Media Mentions February 9, 2025
What impact will Trump’s tariffs have on Canadian economy if imposed? – CTV Question Period
While the application of some tariffs has been placed on hold, many Canadians are concerned with the impact of impending tariffs on the Canadian...
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Osler News March 26, 2024
Stéphane Eljarrat returns to Osler’s Litigation group as a partner
Osler welcomes Stéphane Eljarrat back to the firm’s Litigation group as a partner based in Montréal and Toronto to lead our Government...
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Media Mentions January 5, 2024
Lawrence Ritchie retires from FSRA Board
Lawrence Ritchie has retired from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) Board of Directors. He joined the newly-formed Board...
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