Who is primarily regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)?

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) primarily regulates federally chartered financial institutions in Canada, which include banks, insurance companies, and trust companies. When considering the context of the options given, financial institutions encompass a broad category that highlights federally regulated entities.

OSFI's role is to ensure the protection of depositors, policyholders, and pension plan members, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system. This regulatory oversight is vital for maintaining public confidence in the financial system and for ensuring that institutions meet sound operating practices.

While insurance companies, credit unions, and mortgage brokers are involved in the financial landscape, their regulation falls under different authorities. For instance, province-specific bodies often regulate credit unions and mortgage brokers, while insurance companies can have both provincial and federal oversight depending on their structure. Therefore, the selection of financial institutions as the primarily regulated category aligns accurately with OSFI's responsibilities.