[ by Howard Haykin ] The SEC on Thursday issued a Dodd-Frank mandated study on the Financial Literacy of Investors - what investors want to know about financial professionals, investment products and services;  when and how investors want to receive such information. Investor protection remain the SEC's #1 mission, according to Chairman Mary Schapiro, who added that insightful take-aways and important data from the study will help the Commission's ongoing efforts. Mandated by 2010 Dodd-Frank Reform Act. SEC staffers conducted the study using numerous sources - e.g., online surveys, focus group research, public comments to the SEC, and a Library of Congress review of studies of financial literacy among U.S. retail investors. The study identifies or shows investor perceptions and preferences re: a variety of investment disclosures:

• investors prefer to receive investment disclosures before investing, rather than after, as occurs with many investment products purchased today.

• information that investors find useful and relevant in helping them make informed investment decisions

  • fees, investment objectives, performance, strategy, and risks of an investment product.

  • professional background, disciplinary history, and conflicts of interest of a financial professional.

• investment disclosures presented in a visual format, using bullets, charts, and graphs.

"From methods to improve disclosures to best practices for investor education programs, the study addresses a wide range of areas related to investor literacy," said Lori J. Schock, Director of the SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy. "It is a 'must read' for any individual or organization dedicated to educating investors." For further details, go to:  [SEC PR 12-172, 8/30/12]. Additional Material and Resources: SEC Staff Study Regarding Financial Literacy Among Investors. Library of Congress Report on Financial Literacy Appendix to Investor Research Report Investor Research Report