A Seat at the Table

MFDF's McPhillips: 'It was time' to jump into the present

By Hillary Jackson

It's been 22 years since Mutual Fund Directors Forum was formed to answer a call from Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Arthur Levitt for improved mutual fund governance and better education of fund directors. In that time, assets under management in funds have grown from about $6.4 trillion to $25.5 ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

John Hancock Funds hires two, but the beat goes on

By Hillary Jackson

Independent Chairman Hassell McClellan and the John Hancock Funds board made progress this summer on a years-long board refreshment effort, but they're not done yet. McClellan views the board as a "portfolio of assets" and approaches recruitment from both top-down and bottom-up perspectives. "It's a real part of our philosophy," ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

As Aquila exits fund biz, adviser, boards wrap up months of work

By Hillary Jackson

It's been a busy year in the boardrooms of the Aquila Group of Funds, all of which will culminate in the coming weeks with the dissolution of two boards and adviser Aquila Investment Management's exit from the fund business. The exit strategy has involved two buyers for eight of Aquila's ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

Janus Henderson Funds chair talks new hire, good governance

By Hillary Jackson

There have been a series of personnel changes and new governance policies instituted in the Janus Henderson Funds boardroom in recent years, and a retirement and new hire earlier this month look to be the finishing touches on the board's transition—at least for a while. "We have a philosophy of ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

Networking, connections key to FAM Funds board's recruiting

By Hillary Jackson

The FAM Funds boards has replaced two-thirds of its members in the past five years, using a recruiting method that relies on existing directors' networks and connections. This approach enables the board to have some connection with the potential candidates—even if it's not a direct connection—and ensures the board is ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

Blockchain and tackle: WisdomTree enters digital fund game

By Hillary Jackson

Former BNY Mellon executive Joseph Keenan spent time during the pandemic learning "all things blockchain," knowledge that has come in handy since he was tapped in July 2022 to be independent chairman of the new WisdomTree Digital Trust. Leading a board that oversees 13 blockchain-enabled mutual funds means being involved ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<