Credential Group today announced that Ethical Funds Inc. is introducing an optional load structure for Ethical Funds and Credential Funds effective October 1.

“Investment dealers frequently have asked Ethical Funds Inc. to provide them with a greater ability to tailor their compensation structure,” said Credential Group vice president marketing Margaret Yee, in a news release.”

“Optional loads are one of the fairest ways to compensate dealers without impacting the investment returns of long-term mutual fund investors. The introduction of an optional load structure provides investment dealers with a high degree of flexibility in tailoring commission-based compensation,” she added.

By providing incentives to dealers, the optional load structure is also calculated to expand the distribution network, and make it easier for investors to purchase socially responsible Ethical Funds and strategic asset allocation Credential Funds.

Investors who purchased units of Ethical Funds or Credential Funds before October 1, 2002 will not be affected. Their existing mutual fund units will continue to be treated as “no load” units.