About Global Affairs

Global Affairs carries out the international work of the Investment Company Institute, the leading association representing regulated investment funds. ICI’s membership includes mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts (UITs) in the United States, and UCITS and similar funds offered to investors in Europe, Asia and other jurisdictions. ICI’s mission is to strengthen the foundation of the asset management industry for the ultimate benefit of the long-term individual investor. ICI has offices in Brussels, London, and Washington, DC.

What is Global Affairs unique role?

International regulatory organisations influence funds and capital markets policy worldwide, and fund activities are increasingly global in terms of investments, business strategies, and regulatory concerns. Global investment funds need a strong and informed resource on issues that cross borders. ICI's Global Affairs department offers full, strong support to globally active funds through unbiased research, policy analysis, operations, issues development, and public communications.

What priorities and policy issues does Global Affairs address?

The following list encompasses many, but not all, issues on which Global Affairs is active.

Cross-border regulation

• AIFMD
• Asia-Pacific cross-border fund distribution
• Capital gains tax issues
• Cybersecurity
• EMIR
• FATCA and efforts to create a global FATCA-like regime
• Financial benchmarks
• Financial transaction tax (FTT)
• MiFID II
• Mutual recognition
• RQFII
• UCITS
• US Volcker Rule

Trading and market structure

• Capital market development
• Consolidated tape
• Dark versus lit markets
• Derivatives
• High-frequency and algorithmic trading
• Order routing and transparency

Asset management and financial stability

• Fund and investor behavior
• G-SIFI and SIFI designation
• Liquidity and asset management
• Money market funds
• Securities lending and repo

Retirement savings and pension systems

• Default investment options
• Investor education
• System design
• Target date funds

More information on Global Affair’s policy priorities may be found in our comment letters and ICI Viewpoints blog.

How does Global Affairs advocate policy positions?

Global Affairs senior-level team leverages and builds on ICI’s broad policy and research expertise. As an engaged and respected participant in the global dialogue, Global Affairs works on an array of issues with regulators including:

• Financial Stability Board
• International Organization of Securities Commissions
• European Securities and Markets Authority
• US Treasury and other leading national ministries and regulators worldwide
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
• International Monetary Fund
• Bank of International Settlements
• Basel Committee

What is the leadership structure of Global Affairs?

Eric J. Pan, in his role as President and CEO of ICI, oversees Global Affairs. Tracey Wingate is ICI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer.