Final Valuation Rule Resources

On December 3, 2020, the SEC adopted new Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act and issued significant guidance on the valuation of fund investments, clarifying how fund boards may carry out their responsibilities in the fair valuation of fund investments. In this section, the Forum will provide directors with important viewpoints on the rule and its implications from leading law firms, accounting firms, and consultants. This section also will include MFDF programs, such as webinars and white papers. To view this resources page, please click here.

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.

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MFDF Enhances the Governance of Mutual Funds | MFDF

January 27, 2021 MFDF Webinar: Post-Election Insights on Regulations & Issues that Affect Mutual Funds

Jamila Abston and Marc Saidenberg from EY will discuss the key drivers of impact for the mutual fund industry in the new administration. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).

January 26, 2021 Morningstar Funds Board Weighs in on SEC Disclosure Proposal

The comment letter proposes that “all fund shareholder reports include a statement about the role that the board plays in protecting their interests.”

January 25, 2021 Findings from PwC Survey on Corporate Board Effectiveness

The survey rated corporate boards on their interactions with management, expertise and performance, and a range of other topics that could be helpful to fund boards as they seek to improve their boardroom dynamics in the coming year.

January 22, 2021 Quick Take on Valuation Rule, Auditor Independence

In this 13-minute video, Seward & Kissel and BBD experts discuss auditor independence and the new valuation rules.

January 21, 2021 Deloitte Webinar on Jan. 27 to Discuss Industry Priorities for 2021

On January 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. experts from Deloitte will discuss how the investment management industry dealt with and responded to the challenges of 2020.

Upcoming Events

Full calendar

January 28, 2021
Post-Election Insights on Regulations & Issues that Affects Mutual Funds
Jamila Abston and Marc Saidenberg from EY will discuss the key drivers of impact for the mutual fund industry in the new administration. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).
Learn more
February 3, 2021
A New Fair Valuation Framework for Fund Directors
Join Thoreau Bartmann, Senior Special Counsel, Rulemaking in SEC’s Division of Investment Management; Paul Kraft, a partner at Deloitte; and Paulita Pike, a partner at Ropes and Gray for an overview of the SEC’s recently adopted rule on Good Faith Determinations of Fair Value. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).
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February 10, 2021
Director Discussion Series - Open Forum via Zoom
DDS Meetings provide a venue for independent directors and CCOs to discuss timely issues with peers and experts. This Zoom meeting will be held from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm (ET).
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COVID-19 Resources for Fund Directors

MFDF aims to keep fund directors up to date on relevant regulatory and business topics during the global health crisis. This list of resources provides information on regulatory relief and guidance, commentary on legal, strategic and governance matters, as well as asset management industry news. As we update this list, we will post the updates via our Forum News Feed daily blog.

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What Fund Directors Need to Know about AI and Quantitative Investing

In March 2020, Brian Bruce, CEO & CIO of Hillcrest Asset Management, and Korok Ray, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the Mays Innovation Research Center at Texas A&M University, published their paper titled "Fund Board Oversight of Artificial Intelligence and Quantitative Investments" to address mutual fund directors as they are increasingly asked to oversee funds that use artificial intelligence and quantitative methods to manage investments. With the growth of artificial intelligence and quantitative strategies such as smart beta, fund directors must understand the basis of these technologies to properly govern the funds they oversee.

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