John Brogden

At the 28th Annual Conference of The International Investment Funds Association (IIFA), held here this week, delegates from more than 27 countries met to discuss the challenges of an aging population and the current economic and geo-political environment.

These representatives of the U.S. $32 trillion global investment funds industry considered the role that investment funds can continue to serve in helping investors meet their savings and retirement objectives in light of increasing regulatory challenges and expanding regulatory requirements.

The delegates heard from experts on the Australian Superannuation system about the successes and continuing challenges in that system, a panel of Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Australia discussing current geo-political topics and the potential impacts on the financial services industry worldwide, and they discussed current regulatory and business trends in each region of the world.

During the business sessions, Paul Schott Stevens, President and CEO of the Investment Company Institute (ICI) was appointed as the new Chairman of IIFA, and Thomas Richter, CEO of the German Investment Funds Association (BVI) was appointed Deputy Chairman. In addition a new Board of Directors was elected to serve for the next two years.

“Our annual gathering demonstrates the growing importance of funds and fund investing to nations around the world, to economic growth, and to the financial security of many millions of savers and investors,” said Mr. Stevens. “Our dialogue as associations emphasized the fundamental need to fulfill the high obligations we and our funds have to investors as we continue to innovate for their benefit.

“As funds under management continue to grow across the globe it is critical to have a robust dialogue on mutual issues and successes so we can better serve our investors,” said John Brogden, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Council, which hosted the event.

IIFA’s 29th Annual Conference will be held October 18–21, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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