This section provides answers to our most frequently asked questions about FundSERV Standards.

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What are FundSERV Standards (formerly ESG Helpfile)?

FundSERV Standards (formerly ESG Helpfile) are a set of rules and guidelines that provide a common framework for communication.

Standards allow different companies to transact business electronically. They describe in detail the business processing guidelines, field definitions and file layouts for consistent, efficient electronic processing within the investment fund industry.

Data can be sent between the computer systems in a standard electronic form jointly developed by brokers, financial planners, manufacturers, intermediaries, and the various service providers of the industry.

Who develops the Standards?

FundSERV, under the direction of the Standards Steering Committee (SSC), identifies and develops processing standards that are used to meet the needs of customers and to facilitate interoperability among customers in the investment fund industry.

Who owns the Standards?

While the standards are the collective effort of many people in the industry, they are developed under the auspices of FundSERV and are therefore considered the intellectual property of FundSERV.

Who can use the Standards?

Any FundSERV customer and or service provider who has signed a FundSERV Customer Contract is entitled to use the Standards as defined in the Contract under FundSERV Information: Confidential and Proprietary Information.

Why is it important for FundSERV to protect the Standards?

FundSERV's value is derived from universal network participation. FundSERV is restricting use of the standards to prevent fragmentation of the network. Without this protection, the standards could be used externally to build other networks, which would erode universal usage and eventually increase costs for our customers.

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Last Updated: 2009/11/03