CSA seeks to modernize fund disclosure

Regulators are proposing revisions to investment fund disclosure rules that would allow fund companies to simply post some — but not all — of their required documents online.

The Canadian Securities Administrators’ (CSA) proposals would enable fund managers to deliver financial statements and management reports of fund performance to investors by posting them on designated websites and alerting investors through a news release.

The proposals would not apply to Fund Facts/ETF Facts, prospectuses or proxy materials, which regulators see as more essential to investors and not suitable for an access model.

However, the regulators noted that investors increasingly prefer to receive documents for other fund disclosures electronically, which can be more timely and environmentally friendly. The proposals would still allow investors to request paper copies.

Fund managers would benefit from reduced compliance costs, the CSA noted.

“The proposed changes will modernize existing delivery practices for investment fund continuous disclosure documents by increasing online availability and accessibility,” the CSA said in a release.

The proposals, which are out for comment until Dec. 26, also invite feedback on whether other changes should be made to fund disclosure rules.

Historically, the industry has favoured a shift to electronic delivery, while investor advocates have expressed concerns about ensuring investors are properly informed and protected.

James Langton

James is a senior reporter for Advisor.ca and its sister publication, Investment Executive. He has been reporting on regulation, securities law, industry news and more since 1994.