Trusted Insight for Independent Oversight

MFDF is an independent association for independent directors of mutual funds, ETFs, closed-end funds, and other registered investment companies.

MFDF helps independent directors navigate an evolving regulatory environment and steward shareholders’ investments. MFDF provides tailored educational resources and facilitates peer-to-peer networking, with offerings that include webinars, white papers, and interactive conferences. As an independent association, MFDF’s membership includes a wide range of fund boards and represents a diverse community of directors.

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Educational Offerings

MFDF provides comprehensive and high-quality educational resources tailored to independent directors. Explore upcoming programs, including webinars, single-day in-person seminars, multi-day conferences, and informal networking discussions.

Insights for the Field

The nature of the work of independent directors is ever-evolving. Read the latest news, practical guidance, comment letters to regulators, and other viewpoints.

Become a Member

Your goal is to steward your investors’ resources. We promise to steward yours. We take our role as your trusted partner seriously. And we pride ourselves on accessible membership dues and meaningful opportunities to learn and connect.

October 19, 2026 SEC Proposes Changes to Interval Funds, Extension of Multi-Class Relief for CEFs and BDCs

This proposal, released in tandem with proposals covering performance fees and proposed changes to the accredited investor definition demonstrate the Commission’s goals for increasing retail access to private market investments. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated, “Investor demand for private market investment opportunities is growing, and one of my priorities for the Commission is to explore ways to facilitate the ability of individual investors to participate in private markets, while at the same time protecting those investors from bad actors and fraud.”
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October 15, 2026 Commissioner Hester Peirce Departs SEC

While at the Commission, Commissioner Peirce led efforts to create a regulatory framework around digital assets including serving as the head of the SEC’s crypto task force. SEC Chair Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda noted in a joint statement, “Her courage and conviction set the course that we are on today toward a rational, workable framework for digital assets—and the work that we carry forward will bear the mark of her leadership for years to come.”
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October 14, 2026 MFDF Webinar: Modernizing Fund Board Communications: Policies, Security, and Recordkeeping

As technology becomes integral to nearly every form of communication, fund boards may review their communication and documentation policies regularly to keep pace with evolving tools and risks. Partners at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP will outline core frameworks and practical considerations to help independent fund directors evaluate and update their board communication practices and policies.
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October 13, 2026 MFDF Webinar: MFDF No-Action Relief for Directed Voting Programs Decoded – What Relief Means for Funds and Fund Directors

Ropes & Gray attorneys Paulita Pike and Jessica Lees will take a deep dive into the recent no-action relief granted to MFDF by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Directed Voting Program relief is modeled after the no-action relief granted to ExxonMobil. The program allows shareholders to give standing, revocable voting instructions for votes to be cast in favor of proposals approved by all of the fund’s independent directors.
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October 8, 2026 MFDF Webinar: AI in Fund Audits - What Directors Need to Know

This webinar designed specifically for audit committees of RIC boards, KPMG will discuss what audit committees should consider when carrying out their oversight responsibilities as it relates to AI, with specific focus on the services provided by the independent auditor and the impact AI is having on the audit process.
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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.

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Board Diversity Resources

Explore news and resources relating to fund board diversity.

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