A sample of Key Investor Information Documents (KIIDs) completed to date reveals that while the contents are fairly good, improvements can be made in the form and presentation of the document, according to new research in a joint study by KNEIP, a service provider to the global asset management industry, and Ebsylon, financial communication and plain language specialists. KIID replaced the UCITS simplified prospectus in July 2011 and is currently undergoing a grandfathering period until July 2012.
The research explored the form and presentation of the KIID, section contents, and plain language, in a context of full compliance to the KIID Regulations. The study was based on a random sample of 100 KIIDs, which did not specifically include any of KNEIPs clients, from 29 asset managers in four languages (English, French, German, Italian). While the content was found to be generally correct, with good attention given to the Risk and Reward Profile section, the vast majority of samples fell short of respecting the prescribed texts and presentation of information.
A few examples of issues revealed the following shortcomings:
‐ There were inconsistencies (e.g. The fund invests mainly in shares (…) written in the Objectives and Investment Policy, whereas in the Risk and Reward Profile narrative is found: The Fund may invest a substantial part of its assets in sovereign and corporate bonds).- If a benchmark is mentioned in the Objectives and Investment Policy, it must be shown on the Past Performance chart. If a benchmark is shown on the Past Performance chart, it must be mentioned in the Objectives and Investment Policy. There were inconsistencies in both directions.‐ 56% misrepresented the Past Performance bar chart (e.g. past performance figures were not rounded to one decimal place or performance figures were displayed for incomplete years).‐ Some KIIDs omitted the narrative explanation of the synthetic indicator or its main limitations (the category 1 does not mean a risk-free investment).‐ 54% misrepresented elements of the charges table, such as showing switch charges or not mentioning the narrative explanation of entry/exit charges.‐ 54% misrepresented the KIID disclaimer of authorization details.
Mario Mantrisi, head of Product Management and Innovation and member of the Executive Board at KNEIP, commented: While these findings may at first view seem somewhat pedantic, regulations are quite clear in their specifications and leave little room for interpretation of prescribed statements or formatting of various elements. The result is that fund managers distributing KIIDs cannot be assured that the KIIDs would pass the scrutiny of regulators, if checked. This risk is increased by exposure to potential complaints from investors, and the possibility of liability.
Emmanuel Bgat, managing partner of Ebsylon commented: Ultimately what this research highlights is that the devil is in the detail when it comes to developing 100% compliant KIIDs. With all the resources and efforts being put into creating KIIDs, we feel that its worth going the extra mile to get them right.
Bob KNEIP, CEO of KNEIP added: We are using the findings of this research to further improve our offering and deliver the best solution possible for asset managers in what we see as an important step-change for the industry.
(JDC)