Program
November 17 • New York, NY
Program
All program times are shown in Eastern time (ET) and are subject to change.
Wednesday, November 16 | Thursday, November 17
Wednesday, November 16 – Spotlight on Closed-End Funds Pre-Conference Event
NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development (Palladium Building)
2:00–2:05 p.m.
Welcome
2:05–2:50 p.m.
Spotlight Panel 1: A Reintroduction to the Listed Closed-End Fund
Join us for a reintroduction to the traditional, exchange-traded closed-end fund. This panel will unwrap the mysteries of one of the country’s oldest types of pooled investment vehicles, explain benefits, dispel myths, discuss recent structural changes, and address frequently asked questions about the product. Bring any and all inquiries!
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NATHAN BRIGGS, Moderator Simpson Thacher |
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MATT NEALON Nuveen |
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MARK CHARLES Wells Fargo |
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STEPHEN MINAR BlackRock |
2:50–3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00–3:45 p.m.
Spotlight Panel 2: An Introduction to the Unlisted Closed-End Fund
Interval and tender offer closed-end funds, which provide access to alternative strategies in a regulated wrapper, have grown significantly over the past few years. Hear more about these products and why they have garnered so much attention.
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CHRIS LARSEN, Moderator Franklin Templeton |
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JOSH DERINGER Faegre Drinker |
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KIM FLYNN XA Investments |
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ROSEY VALENCIA Destra |
3:45–4:15 p.m.
Fireside Chat
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JONATHAN ISAAC, Moderator Morgan Stanley/Eaton Vance |
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ROBERT JACKSON Former SEC Commissioner |
4:15–4:25p.m.
Break
4:25–5:10 p.m.
Spotlight Panel 3: Closed-End Fund Market Commentary
This panel will discuss current trends in both listed and unlisted closed-end funds. It will explain how closed-end funds fit in today’s markets, review new product features, and predict what developments are on the horizon.
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KEN FINCHER, Moderator First Trust |
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ERIN CARNEY Thornburg |
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JON DIORIO BlackRock |
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PATRICK GALLEY RiverNorth |
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ALEXANDER REISS Stifel |
5:10–6:10 p.m.
Networking Event
Thursday, November 17 – Full Conference
Convene Center at One Liberty Plaza
8:55–9:00 a.m.
Introduction
9:00–9:55 a.m.
Keynote Speaker
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ADMIRAL JAMES STAVRIDIS |
9:55–10:40 a.m.
Panel 1: Key Developments in the Closed-End Fund Market
This panel will explore recent product development and closed-end fund market trends in depth. It will provide information and analyses on closed-end fund launches, use of leverage, and trading that will be useful to all types of industry participants.
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RAJIB CHANDA, Moderator Simpson Thacher |
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BOB BUSH Calamos |
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KIM FLYNN XA Investments |
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STEVEN JOHNSON Fitch Ratings |
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STEPHEN MINAR BlackRock |
10:40–11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00–11:45 a.m.
Panel 2: Legal and Regulatory Challenges for Closed-End Funds
The closed-end fund legal landscape is quickly shifting with the Securities and Exchange Commission continuing to pursue a voluminous rulemaking agenda and both federal and state governments crafting legislation that would impact the industry. This panel will examine those recent rulemakings and legislative developments and discuss how they might benefit and, in some cases, disrupt closed-end funds.
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BEN McCULLOCH, Moderator XA Investments |
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CHELSEA CHILDS Ropes & Gray |
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COREY ISSING Neuberger Berman |
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ERIC PURPLE Stradley Ronon |
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TRACE RAKESTRAW SEC |
11:45–11:50 a.m.
Break
11:50 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
Panel 3: An In-Depth Review of Unlisted Closed-End Funds
Delve deeply into the world of interval and tender offer closed-end funds. What are the current challenges for such products and what are the most recent developments in the space? Hear first-hand details and gain industry perspectives from experts in those products.
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CHINTAN MUCHHALA, Moderator EY |
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JOHN “JACK” BARLOW BlackRock |
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JEREMY HELD Bow River |
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NICOLE RUNYAN Kirkland & Ellis |
12:35–1:45 p.m.
Lunch
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NASTIA LIUKIN Olympic gold medalist |
1:45–2:30 p.m.
Panel 4: Closed-End Fund Activism and Defenses [PANEL IS CLOSED TO PRESS]
Activist shareholders continue to target listed closed-end funds, seeking to extract quick profits. More recently, they have employed a new tactic—seeking to take advantage of loopholes and set policies to seize control of closed-end fund boards. This panel will analyze the latest activist attacks and litigation developments and shed light on how closed-end fund advisers and boards should evaluate and respond to activist demands.
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JENNIFER GONZALEZ, Moderator K&L Gates |
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DEBORAH EADES Vedder Price |
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KEVIN HARDY Skadden |
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CHRIS HAYDEN Georgeson |
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BRIAN SCHAFFER Prosek |
2:30–2:50 p.m.
Break
2:50–3:35 p.m.
Panel 5: Closed-End Fund Client Perspectives
Closed-end funds, which often seek to provide income and have the ability to access less-liquid assets and use enhanced leverage as compared to other regulated vehicles, may make sense for several types of investors. Hear from a panel of investors, each with their unique perspective, on what they look for in closed-end funds and what aspects of the industry are working or need improvement.
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BILL BIELEFELD, Moderator Dechert |
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FRANK ABELLA Investment Partners |
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KEN FINCHER First Trust |
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BRIAN MORAN FLX Networks |
CAROLYN MURPHY-LEPORE
City of London
3:35–5:00 p.m.