Disclosure and Compliance Matters for Investment Company Registrants

Disclosure and Compliance Matters for Investment Companies that Invest in Commodity Interests

The Staff of the Division of Investment Management of the SEC has published a Guidance Update with respect to Disclosure and Compliance Matters for Investment Company Registrants that Invest in Commodity Interests.  Although this Guidance is directed primarily to investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, it sets forth principles of general applicability to all investment fund and investment advisers.  Among other things, the Guidance discusses the need: (i) to disclose the risks associated with investing in commodities; (ii) to ensure that performance presentations that are included in marketing materials are not materially misleading; and (iii) for an effective compliance and risk management function.  It concludes by emphasizing that a Risk and Examinations Office has recently been created within the Division of Investment Management, and this office, in coordination with the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, will focus on risk management activities related to commodity interests and other derivatives.  Guidance.