Top of the Agenda - Governance

Impact Shares fills out board with three independents

By Hillary Jackson

Three independent directors have joined the board of Impact Shares Trust, which will offer a suite of exchange-traded funds aligned with various non-profit organizations. Impact Shares CEO and fund board Chairman Ethan Powell said the board, which held its first meeting this week, includes a "diversity in perspective" and "well balanced ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

FAF board brings back familiar face

By Hillary Jackson

The board overseeing U.S. Bancorp Asset Management's First American Funds-branded money market fund complex has nominated a former independent director to rejoin its ranks. Shareholders will vote next month on nominee Victoria Herget, as well as the board's other five independent directors. Herget, a former managing director at Zurich Scudder Investments, ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

Broadridge plots database, tools around Lipper, Morningstar content

By Hillary Jackson

Broadridge Financial Solutions is planning to offer a single-source database with Lipper and Morningstar content and launch products around that database designed to help mutual fund boards better fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities, according to Devin McCune, vice president of fiduciary and compliance services at Broadridge. "Those two pieces together really ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

Proxy campaigns should start with early research, analysis

By Hillary Jackson

Conducting a successful proxy campaign has never been an easy task, but the rise of omnibus accounts and advances in technology have made doing so in the current environment even more challenging for mutual fund companies. For fund boards concerned about the process, the best way to ensure success is ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

Fund boards: Why now is time for blockchain education

By Hillary Jackson

As mutual fund boards plan out their educational themes for the year, they may want to consider adding blockchain technology to the list of topics for discussion, industry lawyers and consultants are advising. While tech experts and business leaders continue to explore potential uses for blockchain, there is growing consensus ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

AIG Funds board adds independent

By Hillary Jackson

The board of AIG Funds has added a new independent director to its ranks, boosting the number of members around the table to five independents and one interested. Eileen Kamerick, a corporate governance professional with prior board experience, joined AIG Funds last week and will oversee 28 of the insurer's mutual ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<