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.

October 15, 2025 Simpson Thacher Podcast Highlights Regulatory Updates

The panelists discuss how the SEC has extended implementation timelines, abandonment of litigation, and the withdrawal of certain rulemaking proposals- and how this demonstrates where the Commission will focus its time. The podcast also discusses recent staff changes including the new head of the Division of Enforcement and the Division of Investment Management.

October 14, 2025 MFDF Webinar: From Awareness to Assets: Why Marketing Matters for Registered Funds

The program will highlight the importance of product marketing, understanding the “Client Investing Journey,” identifying metrics to measure success, working within compliance and regulatory requirements, and how board oversight of distribution intersects with overall marketing strategy.

October 13, 2025 SEC Investor Advisory Committee Releases Report on Private Assets in Retirement Plans

The report, which includes a series of recommendations to the Commission, highlights investor protection challenges in expanding retail access to private markets but notes “the optimal way for retail investors to access private market assets is through registered funds, which allow retail investors to invest in broadly diversified funds that contain private market assets, often alongside public market assets.”

October 8, 2025 Broadridge Releases ETF Share Class White Paper

According to Broadridge, “it is likely that investors will experience a one‑time capital gains impact in the year the ETF share class launches.” It will be crucial for boards and management to determine whether this event would still meet the threshold for being in the best interest of each class for shareholders.

October 7, 2025 MFDF Webinar: Essential Strategies in Board Oversight of Operational Risk Management

This webinar will discuss directors' crucial oversight role on understanding the operational risks of the adviser versus stepping in to management roles.

Upcoming Events

Full calendar

October 21, 2025
From Awareness to Assets: Why Marketing Matters for Registered Funds
This webinar will highlight the importance of product marketing, understanding the “Client Investing Journey,” identifying metrics to measure success, working within compliance and regulatory requirements, and how board oversight of distribution intersects with overall marketing strategy. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).
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October 23, 2025
Latest in Closed-End Funds Litigations
Vanessa Richardson and Jay Spinola, partners at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP will highlight latest in CEF litigations. The webinar will broadcast live from 2 pm - 3 pm (ET).
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November 5, 2025
In Focus: Audit Committee Chair
John Braun, partner at Cohen & Co. and David Roeber, partner at Stradley Ronon will facilitate a discussion on the top issues for audit committee chairs. This virutal discussion will be from 1:30 pm to 2:30 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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