From the Editor...

The SEC finalized another rule recently when it announced amendments to what's commonly referred to as the Names Rule. While there wasn't a focus on boards or board duties in the updated regulation, the changes are likely to spark discussions in fund boardrooms and between independent directors and management. To assist our readers in starting those conversations, we've put together a 10 Things... list on the subject. We hope it's a helpful resource. 

In other regulatory news, both the SEC and the defendants in a case involving Pinnacle Advisors and the liquidity risk management rule have asked the courts to pursue and dismiss, respectively, charges that were announced in the spring. We're following this interesting case and will continue to keep readers updated. 

Fund boardrooms are more diverse—with respect to both gender and racial/ethnic background—than ever, according recent data from IDC. A focus in recent years on hiring more women and people of color to serve on fund boards is beginning to show impressive results, particularly when compared to data from 10 years ago. Read our story to see how the industry has changed—and continues to do so as the group of new directors is even more diverse than the industry as a whole.

We've also reported recently on changes in the Wasatch Funds boardroom and trends in director compensation. Susan J. Templeton authored our most recent Viewpoints, tackling the subject of mutual fund-to-ETF conversions and what the board should know about the process. 

As always, we're looking for new voices to contribute Viewpoints articles. If you'd like to write a piece for us, please reach out to me at hillary.jackson@fundboardviews.com. I love to hear from readers, and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase industry professionals and new subjects (or new views on evergreen subjects). Hope to hear from you soon!

For now,

Hillary Jackson, founding editor