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
home-feature

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.

April 1, 2025 Ropes & Gray Releases White Paper on ETF Share Class Issues

Ropes & Gray published a white paper and recorded a webinar outlining how fund groups can prepare for anticipated SEC exemptive relief. The paper notes several considerations fund complexes should consider prior to launching an ETF share class, which include, the fund board’s “best interest determination,” operational hurdles, and service provider requirements.
Continue Reading

March 31, 2025 Senate Banking Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing for SEC Nominee Paul Atkins

In his written testimony, Atkins noted that regulation should be “smart, effective, and appropriately tailored within the confines of the regulator’s statutory authority… clear rules of the road benefit all market participants.” His testimony emphasized that the role of the SEC should be to facilitate well-designed regulation, analyze effectiveness of regulation, and utilize the SEC’s enforcement arm to challenge illegal behavior.
Continue Reading

March 27, 2025 SEC Provides Guidance on Accredited Investor Definition

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Corporate Finance issued a no-action letter clarifying what “reasonable steps” means to verify an individual’s accredited investor status as required under amended Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933.
Continue Reading

March 26, 2025 Stradley Podcast Details Changes at the SEC

Panelists discussed the SEC leadership transition and what these changes mean for rulemaking, enforcement, and the Commission’s priorities. The panelists also share perspectives from their time at the SEC.
Continue Reading

March 25, 2025 SEC Delays Names Rule Implementation

On March 14, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a release that delays the compliance date for the amended Names Rule under Rule 35d-1 for six months.
Continue Reading

Upcoming Events

Full calendar

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