"Part of the problem in this case stemmed from the decision by the MetLife firms to respond to a regulatory inquiry by relying upon a committee without clear lines of authority or specifically identified individuals responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of information that was provided. The MetLife Securities Firms' subsequent failure to correct the inaccurate information about the firms' mutual fund trading practices and procedures - a failure that lasted for more than a year - compounded an already unacceptable situation. Ultimately, this case should send a strong message that NASD expects firms to provide accurate information to regulatory inquiries in a timely manner - and that failures to provide accurate information will draw severe sanctions."