Franklin to Do Away With B Shares

Franklin Templeton will eliminate B share classes on its funds as of Jan. 14. This could signal the end to the controversial share class, which has come under regulators’ scrutiny in recent months.

Many brokers already have abandoned the class in favor of A shares, which are believed to be more advantageous for those investors who intend to hold onto assets for a shorter period of time but who may be making a larger investment. Although fees on B shares taper off after a period of years and A shares charge upfront fees, A shares offer discounts for large purchases.

The SEC and NASD began scrutinizing sales of B shares in 2003, which prompted Franklin Templeton to begin considering doing away with the share class earlier this year.

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Money Management Executive
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