SEC Announces $37Million Distribution To Investors in Columbia Funds Harmed by Timing Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission recently made a $37 million disbursement to more than 300,000 investors in the Columbia Funds who were injured in the widespread fraudulent mutual fund market timing scandal. The SEC said this was the first of four anticipated distributions of approximately $140 million total to be paid to 600,000 affected Columbia account holders.

These funds were obtained in a settlement in 2004 with Columbia Management Advisors Inc. and Columbia Funds Distributor Inc. The SEC had charged that between 1998 and 2003, the two entered into or allowed arrangements to market-time Columbia funds.

The SEC has returned more than $1.8 billion through such distributions, said Linda Thomsen, director of the agency’s Division of Enforcement. Additional information can be learned by contacting David P. Bergers, John T. Dugan, or Celia D. Moore in the SEC’s Boston Regional Office at 617-573-8900.

Shepherd Smith and Edwards represents individuals and institutions with claims against investment firms. If you or your firm are the victim of misconduct by members of the securities industry, contact us to arrange a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

Related Web Resource:

Full Text of the Discribution Plan