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(July 28, 2008) The Investment Industry Association of Canada will be calling a definitive pronouncement when the Expert Panel on Securities Regulation makes its final report.

In its submission to the panel earlier in July, the IIAC said a clear transitional path is needed to remove any uncertainties surrounding regulatory reform. The primary objective of any reform should be to increase the efficiency of Canada’s capital markets. That goal would be best served by a single regulator, according to the IIAC.

“The legacy of the Expert Panel will be its success in identifying needed structural and content reform for securities regulation, and defining a process that achieves these results,” says Ian Russell, president and CEO of the IIAC.

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IG offers two new funds

(July 28, 2008) Investors Group has announced that it has received regulatory approval to offer two new funds to Canadian investors.

IG Putnam U.S. High-Yield Income Fund aims to provide a high level of current income and the potential for moderate capital appreciation by investing primarily in U.S. high-yielding investments.

IG Mackenzie Global Precious Metals Class aims to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities of companies from around the world involved in the precious metals industry. It may also invest directly or indirectly in certain precious metals.

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Mackenzie announces Keystone fund mergers

(July 28, 2008) Mackenzie Investments has announced mergers within its Keystone family of funds, among portfolios with similar investment mandates, after receiving the approval of the firm’s independent review committee.

The Keystone Global Equity Fund has been merged into Mackenzie Universal Global Growth Class, and Keystone Diversified Income Portfolio Fund has been merged into Keystone Conservative Portfolio Fund.

The Keystone Global Equity Fund was formerly Keystone AIM Trimark Global Equity Fund.

(07/28/08)