December 15, 2004
Secretary Jonathan Katz
Dear Secretary Katz,
As an investor advocate, I commend the Commission for its bold step to require brokers to provide pre-sale disclosure of costs and conflicts of interest when they sell mutual funds. However, I am concerned that certain aspects of the proposal, including the proposed timing, content, and format of the disclosures, need improvement.
With a few strengthening provisions, I believe this rule proposal could help investors to make more cost conscious mutual fund purchase decisions, potentially saving us tens of thousands of dollars over the life of our investments.
Specifically, the rule should provide for written disclosures at point of recommendation, rather than point of sale. The disclosure rule should also include mutual fund operation costs, including sales-related costs. Finally, disclosures need to be provided in a clear and simple manner so investors can understand them. failure to do so will result in the same abuses that occurred earlier. you people are responsible for this. I'm for a law that would put regulators in prison for not doing their job. people suffer bi time when you don't do your job. this will be an example.
Thanks for considering my concerns.
Sincerely,
Mr. Tom Felt