The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) has highlighted point of sale disclosure, a review of managing general agencies, and pension reform as key concerns in its submission to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario regarding FSCO’s proposed 2010 Statement of Priorities, IFIC said Monday.

Point of Sale

IFIC recommended that regulators proceed with the Fund Facts disclosure for mutual funds and segregated funds, and that FSCO support the industry’s position that the requirements for pre-sale document delivery be put on hold pending the resolution of the implications for product arbitrage with competing products.

Review of MGAs

FSCO indicated that it will be participating in a review of managing general agencies with the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators to identify risks to consumers, regulatory gaps, and legislative and regulatory barriers. IFIC and its members are looking forward to being active participants in these consultations.

Pension Reform

FSCO identified pension regulatory services as a key focus area and noted its support for the development of harmonized regulatory solutions. IFIC encouraged FSCO to work with the Ontario government to continue to implement improvements that ease the regulatory burden for retirement savings vehicles and encourage their use. IFIC also looks forward to receiving information related to FSCO’s proposed pension reforms and welcomes the opportunity to participate in any related consultations.

Financial literacy

While FSCO did not make specific reference to financial literacy in its proposed statement, IFIC believes that raising the level of financial literacy of the population would be a big step towards meeting FSCO’s mandate, which is to provide regulatory services that protect the public interest and enhance public confidence in the regulated sectors.

IE