Fee disclosure taken to the extreme?

If the CFA gets its way, advisors will have to prove to clients they’re on the same fee schedule as other clients of a similar size.

If the CFA gets its way, advisors will have to prove to clients they’re on the same fee schedule as other clients of a similar size.

“The Statement of Investor Rights emphasizes the concept that the investor must always come first, and is a solid foundation for articulating and calling attention to the needs and rights of investors,” said CFA Institute CEO Paul Smith. “We are asking investors and investment professionals to share and endorse the Statement of Investor Rights to reinforce that commitment to fundamental ethical principles and strengthen a culture of ethical behavior.”

The CFA Institute’s call to action comes with 10 rights that every investor should enjoy. Fees, while listed eighth in its Statement of Investor Rights, are a big part of the current discussion taking place in Canada.

The organization, which oversees the CFA program, believes that every investor has the right to an explanation of all fees and costs charged by financial professionals including being shown that these expenses are fair and reasonable. 

Included in its discussion is the idea that similar clients (eg, two clients with $100,000 in equity investments) pay the same fees based on a readily available fee schedule, that those clients definitely don’t pay more, and where available, that they are provided with the fees and costs charged by competitors offering similar products.

“We aspire to build and lead the investment management profession; to do this we must continue to stand together for what is right, and in investors’ best interests,” said Smith. “All investors have the right to be served by professionals who act as stewards of their savings.”

In the opinion of the CFA Institute an explanation of fees is a big part of this stewardship.   
 

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