(September 27 – 16:10 ET) – The Investment Funds Institute of Canada aims to lead the way in strategy, technology, education and communication said Tom Hockin, IFIC president and CEO in his opening remarks today at IFIC’s 14th annual conference in Toronto.
A reflection of this year’s conference theme, Hockin highlighted some key initiatives that IFIC is undertaking to lead the way into the new millennium. These include:
- helping to build and govern the new MFDA;
- striking a Blue Ribbon Committee to study and make recommendations on improving fund governance;
- facilitating the education of independent directors for mutual funds; and
- building a manager contingency fund.
Despite the rapid growth of the investment funds industry, Hockin noted that IFIC members should not lose sight of the ultimate goal. “We are a huge and hugely successful industry. Our products are purchased, by and large, by average Canadian families. For the mutual fund industry, success means more than just identifying the latest trends in products and services. It means more than just pursuing short-term business goals. For us, it has always, and must always mean, supporting regulatory and professional standards that put our fund investors first. This is not only the right ethical choice; it’s the wisest thing that we can do to ensure our long-term success.”
Hockin added, “Maintaining integrity, meeting competitors challenges, and encouraging saving and investing. That is what this conference is all about. That is what we aim to achieve with our new services and initiatives.”
-IE Staff