In the world of trade associations, providing timely industry insights is essential. When industries are constantly evolving, and consumer behaviors are shifting, the importance of conducting comprehensive sales research cannot be overstated. Sales research acts as a guiding light, illuminating the path forward for trade associations seeking to thrive in their respective sectors. In this article, we delve into the … Read More
How to Make Data Useful: Unleashing the Power of Information
Data has become a valuable asset for businesses across industries. However, collecting vast amounts of data is only the first step. To truly harness its potential, it is crucial to make data useful by extracting meaningful insights and utilizing them effectively. In this blog post, we will explore actionable strategies to transform raw data into actionable information, helping you unlock … Read More
How to Tell Stories with Data: Embracing the Power of Data Visualization
Data is a powerful tool that can reveal compelling stories and insights hidden within complex information. By presenting data in a visual and narrative-driven format, you can engage and communicate with our audience more effectively. In this article, we will explore the art of telling stories with data, providing actionable strategies and techniques to create impactful data visualizations that captivate … Read More
The Challenges of Declining Fund Assets: The Independent Directors’ Responsibility at Contract Renewal
Mutual funds with steadily increasing assets are generally positive indicators for fund directors and shareholders alike. However, declining assets in a fund are just as likely. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of a fund director’s responsibilities, particularly in the contract renewal process, when the asset base is shrinking. The first order of business for the fund … Read More
Board Assessment Processes for Fund Board and Mutual Fund Directors
By C. Meyrick Payne of Management Practice Inc. (MPI), based on a workshop and related survey at the Mutual Funds Directors Forum Policy Conference held in Washington, DC. The Mutual Fund Directors Forum recently sponsored a session regarding fund board and director self-assessments, which was moderated by MPI. Approximately 100 mutual fund directors, counsel and those who support fund governance … Read More
Setting Fund Director Compensation: Measuring the “Degree of Difficulty”
Our last bulletin discussed the many changes that fund directors have experienced in their duties over the past decade. The job has undoubtedly become more difficult, as has the task of setting their compensation each year. It is important that, given the responsibilities,pay be set in a way that is fair to directors, but equally important is that the fee … Read More
Mutual Fund Profitability in 2016: Gartenberg Benchmarks
Perhaps the most important function served by mutual fund directors is the annual review of investment management arrangements. One factor in this review is the assessment of the investment manager’s profitability. Each year MPI conducts a survey of profitability of publicly-owned investment management companies which provides independent directors a quantitative benchmark to assist in their discussions regarding the reasonableness of … Read More
The Fund Director Search Process
By: C. Meyrick Payne and Sara D. Yerkey, partners at Management Practice Inc. In this bulletin MPI presents the process they typically follow to complete a search for new trustees/directors of mutual funds. In the past two years Management Practice has successfully filled five fund director positions. We have found that the secret to starting a successful fund trustee search … Read More
Trust, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies for Fund Directors
The relevance of blockchain and cryptocurrencies to the mutual fund industry can be easily understood once the similarities are recognized between the “trust technology” of 1940 Act mutual funds and that of cryptocurrencies. Just like law or technology degrees aren’t needed for trust in today’s mutual funds, you don’t need a mathematics degree to trust cryptocurrencies. The technical jargon surrounding … Read More
Customizing 15(c) Practices and Materials for Today’s Fund Offerings
Few would dispute that the investment management industry has witnessed transformational changes in the past decade…both the Commission and investors should have access to more substantive… information about funds and their advisers. David W. Grim, SEC Director of the Division of Investment Management, March 2016 When Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 was written, there were no … Read More