A Seat at the Table

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 <<<

IDC, MFDF team up to move board diversity convo forward

By Hillary Jackson

In two weeks' time, independent mutual fund directors will gather in New York to discuss issues related board composition and diversity in the boardroom. The directors—and certain "board-ready" candidates—will be hosted jointly by Independent Directors Council and Mutual Fund Directors Forum, a first-ever collaboration between the two industry groups. "On diversity, ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<

First American MMFs board starts year with busy agenda

By Hillary Jackson

The board of First American Money Market Funds has a busy start to the year, with a new independent chairman in place, two trustees in the process of onboarding, and compliance dates for the latest iteration of the Securities and Exchange Commission's money market fund reforms on the horizon. Kelly ... >> CONTINUE READING <<<