June 8, 2017
08:30 - 09:15amRegistration and Refreshments
09:15 amWelcome
09:15 - 10:05amPanel 1 | Evolving Governance Roles and Expectations
Richard Kerr, partner, K&L Gates
Carol McMullen, fund director, Alliance Bernstein
Talking points:
  • Effective governance structures at the board and adviser level, and how to initiate change
  • Where to adapt and where to challenge emerging regulatory expectations
  • Oversight versus management and micro-management
  • Phasing in new director responsibilities

 

10:05 - 11:00amPanel 2 | The New Regulatory Environment
Paul Ellenbogen, head of global regulatory solutions, Morningstar
Tracey Flaherty, senior vice president | government relations and retirement strategy, Natixis Global Asset Management
Linda Hoard, former senior managing counsel and managing director, BNY Mellon
Clair Pagnano, partner, K&L Gates
Talking points:
  • Regulatory update and progression of current initiatives
  • What will be at the top of the next SEC chair’s regulatory agenda?
  • Managing uncertainty in the political environment
  • Assuaging examinations and enforcement fears

 

11:00 - 11:30amRefreshment break
11:30 - 12:25pmPanel 3 | Future of Mutual Funds
Ndenisarya Bregasi, partner, K&L Gates
Christina West, investment consultant | board consulting services, Morningstar
Talking points:
  • Understanding where investor flows are going and why
  • Active versus passive, ETFs, ESG, alternatives, and other trends
  • Distribution, DOL Rule and share class proliferation
  • Working with management to re-tool strategies

 

12:25 - 1:25pmLunch
1:25 - 2:15pmROUNDTABLES
For each of the next two sessions we will break out into smaller groups to discuss areas of interest in a more intimate discussion setting. Each session will have a discussion leader or two
1:25 - 2:15pmSession 1 | Oversight of Service Providers and Intermediaries
Mark Goshko, partner, K&L Gates
Susan Malloy, vice president and assistant treasurer, Putnam Investments
Philip Wellman, vice president and chief compliance officer, MassMutual Funds and MMl Investment Advisers
Talking points:

  • My service provider isn’t calling me back, and other third-party problems
  • Contract renewal and fee negotiation
  • Reporting and transparency

Session 2 | Cybersecurity
Talking points:

  • How to keep up with developments without losing track of oversight function
  • Meeting materials, board evaluations, communication between board members and adviser
  • Shareholder privacy oversight
  • Updating cyber breach procedures, documentation, shareholder and staff communication

2:15 - 3:05pmROUNDTABLES
For each of the next two sessions we will break out into smaller groups to discuss areas of interest in a more intimate discussion setting. Each session will have a discussion leader or two
2:15 - 3:05pmSession 1 | Board Succession, Diversity, Director Education
Bruce Crockett, independent trustee & chair, Invesco
Ellen Needham, senior managing director, State Street Global Advisors
Talking points:

  • Implementing board diversity priorities
  • Do I need a derivatives expert, and other subject level experts?
  • Getting first-time independent directors up to speed
  • Evaluating director compensation as the fund board’s work load increases


 

Session 2 | Pricing and Valuation Oversight
Daniel Kern, chief investment officer, TFC Financial
Talking points:

  • Board involvement in the due diligence process
  • Are subject-level experts necessary for the board level?
  • Does my adviser need a chief valuation officer?
  • Evaluating vendors’ cyber practices, conflicts, quality control and business continuity plans

3:05 - 3:35pmRefreshment Break
3:35 - 4:25pmPanel 4: Mutual Fund Litigation Update
Bill MacGregor, executive director and deputy general counsel, UBS Asset Management
Talking points:
  • Latest developments, case studies, and what’s next on the docket
  • Implications for mutual fund independent directors
  • Shoring up board fee approval processes and documentation
  • New expectations for attorney-client privilege

 

4:30pmClosing remarks

Please note: The organizers reserve the right to amend the program, timings and speakers as necessary.