Briefly

Franklin Resources Inc. said Tuesday that the NASD had recommended disciplinary action against one of its units, claiming that it violated rules on brokerage commissions.

The NASD made a recommendation last week against Franklin/Templeton Distributors Inc., Franklin said in a regulatory filing. The San Mateo, Calif., firm said the charges were unwarranted.

Regulators have been investigating hidden fee agreements in which mutual fund companies use fund assets to pay brokers for preferential marketing. On Monday, Franklin agreed to pay $20 million to settle SEC allegations that its distribution and advisory divisions failed to disclose such fees.