Inteview with journalist (4)

Dear Mr. Tan,

1. Three financial insitutions are taking step to compensate some vulnerable investors. What are your views on this latest development?

Reply: It appears that the vulnerable investors will be compensated for the full amount of their investments, less any coupons that they have received. The only lose the interest on the money that they have invested for the past one or two years. This is a generous settlement. I believe that those who receive the offer will be relieved and happy to receive their money back.

I believe that compensation should also be given to the other investors who do not fall within the "vulnerable group", as they have also been misled into making the investments and were not properly advised about the risks. The prospectus was written in a complicated manner and were not easy to read and understand, even for the educated and knowledgeable investors. In some cases, the prospectus were distributed only after the sale was concluded. The sales representative did not highlight and explain the key information in the prospectus concerining the risks.

I suggest that these investors should be compensated for 50% to 80% of their loss.

2. Did you received any calls from investors, expressing their thoughts upon hearing this news? What's their general impression about chances of getting money back?

Reply: I have received many e-mails from investors who expressed their happiness in getting back their money.

Even those who are outside of the "vulnerable group" are hopeful of getting some compensation, although they are still anxious to know how they will be treated. We will have to wait and see. Many of the investors thanked me for organising the Petition and for speaking at Speaker's Corner to voice out their difficulties.

3. What's your advise to investors now?

Reply: I advice the investors who have not lodge their complaint of mis-selling to do so immediately. They should lodge their complaint with the financial institution that sold the structured product to them.The complaint should highlight the areas where they were misled. They have to lodge their complaint truthfully. Some of the points to be covered are set out in this FAQ:

http://tankinlian.blogspot.com/2008/10/general-advice-to-investors-of.html

4. Will you continue to speak at hong lim park this Sat?

I will continue to hold the meeting at Speaker's Corner on Saturdays from 5 to 7 pm. for the next few weeks, as long as there is a need for the investors to receive an update and to meet with other investors to exchange views and information.