Conference of Fund Leaders

The Conference of Fund Leaders (CFL) is a partnership of the Mutual Fund Directors Forum, the Ira M. Millstein Center for Global Markets and Corporate Ownership at Columbia Law School, and independent leaders of mutual fund boards of trustees.

The CFL is a permanent entity for independent board chairs and lead independent directors of mutual funds in the United States. Through its roundtables, and steering and other committees, the CFL provides a unique opportunity for the independent leaders of fund boards to come together with their peers to discuss governance issues that board leaders and their funds face; proactively present their views on policy matters important to fund investors and independent directors, regulators and lawmakers; and promote research into the value and impact of effective, independent leadership at mutual funds.

 

CFL Steering Committee

Activities of the Conference of Fund Leaders are guided by a Steering Committee composed of the following individuals:

Peter Clapman - Former Chair, AARP Funds; Advisory Board, Millstein Center

Dwight Crane - Professor, Harvard School of Business and Director; Independent Trustee Legg ClearBridge Equity Fund

William Foulk - Chair, AllianceBernstein Funds

John Hill - Putnam Funds; Advisory Board, Millstein Center

Roger Vincent - Chair, ING Funds

Previous CFL Events

April 24, 2012 - New York, NY
This meeting featured a conversation about current trends in mutual fund regulation, including money market funds.  In addition, Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT) spoke to the group about the current role of politics in financial services regulation. 

November 14, 2011 - New York, NY
This meeting featured a discussion of how boards oversee performance in times of market volatility.  The group also discussed models of proxy voting. 

June 3, 2011 - New York, NY
This meeting featured a "plain English" overview of academic research on mutual funds of interest to fund directors. 

October 5, 2010 - New York, NY
The fall 2010 meeting addressed changing theories of fund liability and recent SEC rule changes. 

March 1, 2010 - Washington DC
Attendees discussed the unique role of independent chairs and leads in the oversight of risk, particularly enterprise risk.

June 24, 2009 - New York, NY
This special CFL roundtable was a rare opportunity for fund board leaders to participate in an off-the-record discussion of financial regulatory reform led by four former chairmen of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

October 27, 2008 - New York NY
Attendees discussed the potential scope of regulatory reform in the financial services industry, and recent fee litigation, in particular, the Harris case.  In addition, John Coates of Harvard Law School presented his new research findings analyzing the international competitiveness of U.S. mutual funds.  Following the discussion the group enjoyed a reception and then a working dinner.

 

 

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