IDC Webinar: Use of Proxy Advisory Firms in the Fund Industry: Evaluating and Implementing SEC Staff Guidance

In June 2014, the SEC staff issued a legal bulletin that provides guidance about investment advisers’ proxy voting responsibilities, particularly as they relate to use of proxy advisory firms. The bulletin recognized that advisers may want to evaluate and change their current systems and processes in light of the guidance in advance of the 2015 proxy season. In January, ICI and IDC released “Report on Funds’ Use of Proxy Advisory Firms,” which is meant to assist fund advisers and boards as they evaluate their funds’ programs and implement any changes.

The webinar, held on February 9, reviewed this guidance and discussed practices related to fund adviser and board oversight of proxy advisory firms.

Materials

• Archive recording
• Presentation slides (pdf)

Featured Speakers

Matthew Thornton, Moderator
Counsel—Securities Regulation
Investment Company Institute

Paul Beste
Chief Operating Officer
Heartland Advisors, Inc.

Michelle Edkins
Managing Director, Global Head of Corporate Governance and Responsible Investment
BlackRock

Michael Mabry
Partner
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

CLE approval is pending. Attendees may earn up to one hour of CLE credit.

This webinar was closed to the media.