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.

January 16, 2025 MFDF Event: AI and Fund Compliance Webinar

The program will cover key compliance issues as funds and advisers incorporate AI technology into their business model and investment strategy. Kevin Gleason, Adam Aderton, and Carlo di Florio will discuss compliance considerations as well as the regulatory outlook for AI.

January 15, 2025 State Attorneys General File Lawsuit Alleging SEC Overreach in Digital Asset Regulation

In a complaint recently filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, 18 state attorneys and the DeFi Education Fund allege the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) exceeded its regulatory authority over digital assets.

January 14, 2025 Federal Circuit Court Overturns Nasdaq Board Diversity Rule

In its decision, the Fifth Circuit held that the SEC failed to prove that Nasdaq’s Board Diversity Rule was consistent with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. According to a client alert from Davis Polk, the “court’s decision means that Nasdaq-listed companies, including foreign private issuers, need not comply with Nasdaq’s board diversity rules.”

January 13, 2025 MFDF Event: Onboarding AI: Do’s and Don’ts in the Boardroom

The program, part of the MFDF series on Artificial Intelligence, will cover how fund directors might themselves use AI and the related risks and caveats. Sidley Austin's Nathan J. Greene & Carla G. Teodoro will highlight how board members might begin to appropriately leverage AI while remaining mindful of its limitations.

January 9, 2025 Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence Insights on Attorney-Client Privilege in the Age of AI

According to a recent Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence article, many attorneys are concerned about the potential for AI to expose privileged information. The article notes that “[t]he integration of AI into legal practices offers opportunities but also introduces risks that could undermine the confidentiality of sensitive communications.”

Upcoming Events

Full calendar

January 21, 2025
AI in Investment Compliance (NEW DATE)
As part of MFDF's Board Oversight of AI webinar series, Kevin Gleason, Adam Aderton, and Carlo di Florio will discuss compliance considerations as well as the regulatory outlook for AI. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).
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January 22, 2025
In Focus: Small Boards' Use of Skills Matrices
Diane Armstrong, Chair of the Boston Trust Walden Funds board, and Michael Wible, Partner at Thompson Hine, will offer insights from board rooms with less than six directors on factors that may influence how and when to use the skills matrices to improve the effectiveness with a small group of directors. This virtual event will take place on Zoom at 1 pm (ET).
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Carlsbad January 27, 2025
2025 Directors' Institute
The 2025 Directors' Institute is scheduled for January 27-29, 2025 in Carlsbad, CA.
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Newest Resources

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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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