Managed Funds Association (MFA)

Managed Funds Association (MFA) | What you need to know about MFA, It is  serves as a unifying voice for hedge funds, private credit funds, and other alternative investment firms, advocating for policies that promote efficient, transparent, and fair capital markets. 

Managed Funds Association (MFA)

Established in 1991, The Managed Funds Association (MFA) is a prominent global trade association representing the alternative asset management industry .The membership comprising over 180 firms managing more than $3.2 trillion in assets, MFA plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of alternative investments worldwide

The Managed Funds Association plays a pivotal role in representing and advancing the interests of the global alternative investment industry.

Through advocacy, education, and research, MFA ensures that its members can navigate complex regulatory environments, adopt best practices, and continue to provide valuable investment opportunities to institutional investors worldwide

History

MFA originated from the merger of the National Association of Futures Trading Advisors and the Managed Futures Trading Association, initially focusing on managed futures.

Recognizing the expanding scope of alternative investments, the organization rebranded as the Managed Funds Association in 1997. In 2024, reflecting its diversified membership and global reach, the association adopted the acronym “MFA” as its official name

The association achieves this through:

• Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers to foster a regulatory environment conducive to alternative investments.
• Education: Providing resources and training to members, policymakers, and the public about the industry’s role and practices.
• Research: Conducting studies to inform stakeholders about trends and impacts within the alternative investment sector.
• Networking: Facilitating connections among industry professionals to share best practices and insights.

Composition of Membership

MFA’s membership includes a diverse array of alternative investment firms employing various strategies:

Investment Strategy	Description
Long/Short Equity	Investing in equities expected to increase in value while shorting those expected to decline.
Event-Driven Investing	Capitalizing on corporate events such as mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings.
Arbitrage Strategies	Exploiting price differentials between related securities.
Distressed Securities	Investing in companies undergoing financial or operational distress.
Global Macro	Taking positions based on macroeconomic trends and forecasts.
Managed Futures	Trading futures contracts across various asset classes.
Multi-Strategy	Combining multiple investment strategies to diversify risk and return sources.
Quantitative and Volatility Trading	Utilizing mathematical models and algorithms to identify trading opportunities.

These strategies enable members to offer diversified investment options to institutional investors, including pension plans, endowments, and foundations

Global Impact

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., MFA has expanded its footprint to key financial centers, including New York City, London, and Brussels.

This global presence allows MFA to engage with international policymakers and regulators, ensuring that the interests of alternative asset managers are represented worldwide

Leadership Role

Bryan Corbett serves as MFA’s President and CEO, bringing extensive experience from both the public and private sectors.

Before joining MFA in 2020, Corbett held senior positions at The Carlyle Group and served in the George W. Bush administration, including roles at the U.S. Department of Treasury and the National Economic Council

The association’s Board of Directors, comprising representatives from member firms, provides strategic guidance and oversight.

Advocacy and Regulatory Engagement

MFA actively participates in policy discussions to shape regulations affecting the alternative investment industry. Recent advocacy efforts include:

• SEC Engagement: In 2025, MFA submitted recommendations to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to reconsider certain regulations introduced in the previous four years, aiming to reduce costs and enhance market efficiency
• Tax Policy: MFA monitors and responds to proposed tax changes that could impact carried interest and other aspects of fund taxation
• Cybersecurity and Outsourcing: The association provides input on proposed rules related to cybersecurity measures and the outsourcing of investment services, ensuring that regulations are practical and effective

Educational Initiatives

MFA offers a range of educational resources to its members and the broader financial community:

• Conferences and Events: Hosting events such as the Global Alts New York conference, which gathers industry leaders to discuss trends and challenges in alternative investments

• Research Publications: Publishing white papers and reports on topics like private credit data availability and the role of alternative investments in capital markets
• Educational Materials: Providing resources like “Hedge Funds 101” to demystify alternative investment strategies for investors and policymakers

Industry Impact

MFA’s efforts contribute to the growth and stability of the alternative investment industry by:

• Promoting Best Practices: Encouraging the adoption of sound operational and investment practices among member firms
• Enhancing Transparency: Advocating for disclosures that provide investors with meaningful information without imposing undue burdens on fund managers.
• Fostering Innovation: Supporting the development of new investment strategies and products that meet evolving investor needs.

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