Issues in Mutual Fund Distribution

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth discussion of important issues related to mutual fund distribution. The first two topics are fund distribution channel characteristics and Rule 12b-1 fees and distribution. Distribution channel characteristics discuss direct channel, advice channel, retirement channel, institutional channel, supermarket channel, and multiple-share classes. Rule 12b-1 fees and distribution discuss the adoption of Rule 12b-1, Rule 12b-1 after adoption, current 12b-1 fees, issues with 12b-1 fees, and a summary of 12b-1 fees attributes. The remaining topics include directsold and broker-sold services, Rule 12b-1 fees and revenue sharing, revenue sharing issues, “soft-dollar” trading, distribution and flows, opacity and agency conflicts, expenseshifting agency conflicts, and intermediated distribution and portfolio managers.