MFDF Enhances the Governance of Mutual Funds

The Mutual Fund Directors Forum is an independent, non-profit organization that serves independent directors of mutual funds and other U.S. registered investment companies. The Forum seeks to enhance fund governance by building a strong community among independent directors through educational and networking opportunities and by providing directors with a strong voice in the key policy debates impacting directors’ effectiveness and the future of the fund industry.

Learn more about MFDF

MFDF Enhances the Governance of Mutual Funds | MFDF

April 25, 2024 House Financial Services Committee Holds Hearing on SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule, Agency Overreach

During the hearing, which heard testimony from several witnesses including former acting SEC Chair Elad Roisman, Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) stated the Commission’s final climate rule exceeds the statutory authority because Congress “never authorized the Commission to be a climate regulator.” Some Members noted that the materiality standard should already cover key climate disclosures by publicly listed companies.

April 24, 2024 Commission Charges First Stand-Alone Investment Advisor in Off Channel Communications Enforcement Action

The SEC’s sweep of off-channel communications enforcement actions over the past several years has now extended to a stand-alone private fund investment adviser for the first time. In the latest enforcement action, the SEC order found that employees throughout the advisory firm communicated about firm-related business internally and externally using personal texting platforms and other electronic communication services that were not retained.

April 23, 2024 PWC Releases 2023 Mutual Fund Directors Governance Survey

PWC recently released their “2023 Mutual Fund Governance Survey” which highlights how investor expectations, regulatory deluge, and technology are impacting the oversight for fund directors. Interestingly, the survey found that over 70% of fund directors believe the outsized regulatory agenda is “expected to have the most significant impact on the mutual fund industry over the next three years—with fee pressure, movement to passive products, and technology transformation closely following.”

April 22, 2024 SEC Announces Settlements for Marketing Rule Violations, Releases Marketing Rule Risk Alert

The SEC announced that it had settled charges against five registered investment advisers for violations of the Marketing Rule, including hypothetical performance presentations that were inapt and reflected deficient policies and procedures, among other violations. Additionally, on April 18, the SEC Division of Examinations issued a Risk Alert regarding the staff’s observations from its Marketing Rule examinations to date.

April 18, 2024 Highlights of SEC Speaks 2024

Among the highlights of the sessions, Chair Gensler offered a historical overview of securities laws and discussed the importance of clearinghouses and best execution duties. Commissioner Peirce offered several suggestions to increase public engagement with the SEC, and Commissioner Uyeda reviewed weaknesses in the SEC’s recent climate rule.

Upcoming Events

Full calendar

April 30, 2024
Conversation with Former SEC IM Director William Birdthistle
Former SEC IM Director William Birdthistle looks back on his tenure at the SEC. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).
Learn more
May 14, 2024
The Improvisational Leader Callback Session
This Improvisational Leader session will build on the skills from the recent in-person workshop and apply them to real-world situations. It explores techniques to build resilience and improvisational mindset with skills such as active listening and the power of open-ended questions. This virtual event will take place on Zoom at 2 pm (ET).
Learn more
May 16, 2024
In Focus - Making Sense of ESG: A Morningstar Guide
Morningstar ESG experts will provide directors with background on how ESG factors typically are incorporated in funds’ investment processes, how that process is presented in disclosure, and how regulators, financial advisors, and individual investors view the funds’ approaches to ESG. This virtual event will take place on Zoom at 1 pm (ET).
Learn more

Newest Resources

See all

MFDF Member Series - Leveraging MFDF Membership to Locate Future Directors

Leslie Beckbridge, MFDF's Operations and Member Services Manager, highlighted MFDF's Director Candidate Database, a service that provides curated candidate lists in response to member boards' requirements. The webinar provided an overview of the Database, discussed how members can use it as part of succession planning efforts, and shared insights to get the best results from your inquiry.

Watch Replay

DEI Resources for Fund Boards

Explore news and resources relating to diversity, equity and inclusion on fund boards.

Learn More