The Transparency Label Initiative^tm is needed so investors can know what they own or are buying. This applies to every aspect of the global financial system. Transparency is necessary whether investing in publicly traded or privately placed securities like stocks, bonds, fund shares or derivatives. Transparency is necessary whether investing with and through mutual fund or alternative investment asset managers. Transparency is necessary in the setting of global financial benchmarks and commodity prices.

Where the label is present, investors can trust they have access to the information they need so they or their third party experts can independently assess the risk and value of an investment. With this assessment, investors know what they own or are thinking of buying. Where the label is present, the return on an investment is not rigged and the investors have a fair chance. Where the label is present, global financial benchmarks and commodity prices are not rigged. They are set transparently and are free of manipulation.