Best Plain English Financial Document — Investment Statement 2011
Special note for the Financial Sector category
This category was introduced for the first time in 2011. The judges were impressed with the entrants’ obvious commitment to clear communication but also noted several areas in the entries for further improvement. These suggestions will be sent to the entrants privately.
Judges' comments
Winner: UDC Finance Limited — UDC Secured Investments Prospectus 22 December 2010
This prospectus met more of the relevant criteria than any other entry in this category. The document uses a conversational tone, personal pronouns, and overall direct sentence structure to communicate to the consumer. Explanation of risks is good. The design uses colour to distinguish when sections change to reinforce the organisation.
Judges for this award included guest judges who provided expert advice from within the New Zealand financial sector. Their comment was 'the UDC document did the best job of the three finalists, relative to the investment statement category criteria, of using plain language to inform a decision to invest in its product'.
Finalist: Goldman Henry Capital Management Limited — Goldman Henry US50 Fund Limited: Investment Statement & Prospectus
Excellent attention to structural elements — the headings are strong, reader-focused questions that reinforce the explicit statement of purpose.
Finalist: Pathfinder Asset Management Limited — Pathfinder Global Water Fund Investment Statement 21 April 2010
This document demonstrated a beautiful layout with excellent use of stock photos and quotes along with colour and graphics. The Quick Guide was useful and informative and served as more than a Table of Contents.
2011 Awards winners and finalists