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.

November 13, 2025 Event of Interest: EY, Circle to Host Stablecoin Webinar

The program will highlight the evolving landscape of stablecoin regulation, shaped by the GENIUS Act and emerging global policy trends. Panelists Dante Disparte (Circle), Mark Nichols (EY), and Prashant Kher (EY) will discuss how these developments can guide a firm’s strategic approach to digital asset innovation and effective risk management.

November 12, 2025 MFDF Releases Part 4 in 15(c) White Paper Series

The MFDF 15(c) White Paper is intended to serve as a reference regarding the advisory agreement renewal process and relevant enforcement actions, as well as a resource of possible approaches to 15(c) board processes and avenues directors may consider when analyzing complex or challenging facts and circumstances in their review.

November 10, 2025 MFDF Webinar: ETF Dual-Class Relief Impacts on Board Oversight

Stradley Ronon partners Mike Mundt and Brian Murphy will provide a deep dive of the SEC's recent approval of exemptive relief for dual-share-class ETF structures and the new frontier of governance responsibilities for independent directors.

November 6, 2025 MFDF Webinar: Mutual Fund CCO Compensation- The MPI Annual Survey

Management Practice has conducted an annual survey of mutual fund Chief Compliance Officer compensation for the past 20 years. The webinar will provide survey results from the latest report focusing on aggregate compensation data MPI receives through confidential questionnaires from fund CCOs and other industry executives.

November 5, 2025 MFDF Board Bookshelf: Sharing the Wealth, Investing Wisdom with Next Generation (Part 2)

Mellody Hobson, president and CEO Ariel Investments, recently released an illustrated children’s book on money. The book traces the earliest origins of money to what we have today using accessible language that should resonate with grade schoolers and up. Hobson uses humor with the interactions of her two characters Mellody and John to deliver facts and wisdom to help young readers understand the value of money.

Upcoming Events

Full calendar

November 19, 2025
ETF Dual-Class Relief Impacts on Board Oversight
As part of MFDF's ETF webinar series, Stradley Ronon partners will provide details on how the recent SEC's recent exemptive relief approval changes the oversight responsibilities of fund boards. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).
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December 1, 2025
Essential Strategies in Board Oversight of AI, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technology Risks
As part of MFDF and Deloitte's Oversight of Risk Management webinar series, this webinar will focus on board oversight of AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technological issues. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).
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December 2, 2025
In Focus: Gartenberg Factors
MFDF's next In Focus will discuss the challenges presented during the 15(c) review process. This virutal discussion will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (ET).
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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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