Regulatory Alerts2017-05-31
Directive on Guidelines for Unit Trust Advertisements and Promotional Material
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka issued a directive requiring Managing Companies of Unit Trusts to comply with specific guidelines when preparing advertisements and promotional materials for the public. Trustees of Unit Trusts are directed to ensure that these guidelines are strictly followed when granting approval for such materials under Rule 18(6) of the Unit Trust Code. This measure aims to enhance transparency, accuracy, and investor protection in unit trust marketing activities effective immediately.
SEC SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA Office of the Director General ශ්රී ලංකා සුරැකුම්පත් හා විනිමය කොමිෂන් සභාව இலங்கை பிணையங்கள் பரிவர்த்தனை ஆணைக்குழு
BY HAND AND REGISTERED POST
Ref: SEC/LEG/17/05/35
31st May 2017
TO: ALL MANAGING COMPANIES AND TRUSTEES OF UNIT TRUSTS
DIRECTIVE ISSUED UNDER SECTION 13(c) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA ACT NO. 36 OF 1987 (AS AMENDED)
RE: GUIDELINES ON UNIT TRUST ADVERTISEMENTS AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) at its 389th Meeting held on 09th May 2017 decided to issue Guidelines on the contents of advertisements and promotional material to be followed by Managing Companies of Unit Trusts when marketing unit trusts to the public.
The Commission approved the Guidelines attached hereto (marked Annexure 1) for compliance by Managing Companies of Unit Trusts to improve transparency and accuracy in the disclosures that will be made to the public with regard to unit trusts; in keeping with the requirements of the Unit Trust Code and as part of the Commission's objective of enhancing investor protection and market integrity.
Therefore all Managing Companies of Unit Trusts are hereby directed to henceforth:
- comply with the Guidelines as appearing in Annexure 1 when preparing advertisements and promotional material to the public in respect of unit trusts that are under their management.
All Trustees of Unit Trusts are hereby directed to ensure:
- that the attached Guidelines have been complied with by Managing Companies of Unit Trusts when granting approval in terms of Rule 18(6) of the Unit Trust Code, to advertisements and promotional material prepared by the said Managing Companies for unit trusts under their management.
This Directive shall be effective from the date hereof.
(Signature)
Vajira Wijegunawardane DIRECTOR GENERAL
Enclosed: Guidelines on Unit Trust Advertisements and Promotional Material
Level 28 & 29, East Tower World Trade Center Echelon Square, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Telephone: +94 11 2439144-8 / +94 11 2331013-5 Fax: +94 11 2439149 Website: www.sec.gov.lk / www.cmel.sec.gov.lk / www.omsc.sec.gov.lk
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