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.

Learn more about MFDF

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.

December 23, 2025 MFDF Board Bookshelf: 2025 Staff Picks

To create a uniquely MFDF end-of-year booklist, we asked staff members to each pick a book they read in 2025 that they’d recommend to the fund director community. Some of these have direct applications to the role of the independent director, while others are reads that may offer a little bit of something else. We are very much looking forward to discussing them with you in the New Year! Wishing you and your loved ones a cozy and joyful holiday season, happy reading!

December 22, 2025 Buddy Donohue Retires from MFDF's Board of Directors

MFDF announced Andrew J. "Buddy" Donohue would be retiring as Chair of MFDF's Board. In a press release, MFDF President Carolyn McPhillips stated, "I thank him for all he has done on behalf of MFDF and the broader shareholder community, both over the course of the last two years as our chair and over the entirety of his 40-year career.”

December 18, 2025 MFDF Board Bookshelf: ABA Fund Director’s Guidebook

This guidebook has long been part of the onboarding toolkit for some fund complexes, and an update to the fifth edition is highly recommended. The fifth edition covers the last decade, a very active regulatory period and one which saw significant changes in the industry.

December 17, 2025 PwC Corporate Director Survey Takes Temperature of Boardrooms

The PwC corporate director survey found that around 45% surveyed said expanding their expertise through additional education or training was a priority, while others emphasized building better relationships with fellow directors (33%).

December 16, 2025 SEC IM Director Brian Daly Delivers Remarks at ABA Event

In his speech, IM Division Director Brian Daly noted staff efforts are centered around four key themes: a general deregulatory effort; initiatives that modernize markets; increasing access to alternative investments; and promoting the use of artificial intelligence.

Upcoming Events

Full calendar

January 21, 2026
Ask Anything - ETF Edition
Speakers from MFDF's ETF webinar series returns to host an in-depth Ask Anything on ETF session for current independent directors and CCOs. This virtual discussion will take place on Zoom at 2 pm (ET).
Learn more
Naples January 26, 2026
2026 Directors' Institute
The 2026 Directors' Institute is scheduled for January 26-28, 2026 in Naples, FL. The program will begin at 2 pm on January 26 and conclude by 12 pm on January 28.
Learn more
Miami February 10, 2026
Director Discussion Series - Open Forum (Miami, FL)
MFDF will host an in-person Director Discussion Series meeting in Miami, FL to facilitate discussions for independent directors and CCOs to discuss timely issues brought up by participants. The event will be in-person from 9 am to 11 am at EY's Miami office.
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

Board Diversity Resources

Explore news and resources relating to fund board diversity.

Learn More