Advancing the interests of investment companies, their shareholders, directors, and investment advisers is a core element of ICI's mission. ICI has worked on behalf of this community to secure a variety of public policy objectives by supporting effective legislation and regulation.

A considerable portion of the Institute's work is devoted to representing the fund industry and its shareholders before Congress, the Securities and Exchange Commission, other regulatory agencies, as well as state and foreign regulators.

The principle underlying the Institute's representation is unwavering: ensuring that mutual fund regulation and legislation continues to provide effective investor protection and responds to evolving investor needs and developments in financial markets. The Institute also seeks to enhance public understanding of the investment company business and serve the public interest by encouraging adherence to the highest ethical standards by all segments of the fund industry.