Below are a list of upcoming events, which are of particular relevance to asset managers. These events focus on both the policy and market practices work of the Asset Management Group and the operations-oriented activities of The Asset Managers Forum.

June 7, 2007 Lunch & Learn on Fixed-Income Best Execution for the Buy Side

Panelists Barry Barbash of Willkie Farr, Paul Disdier of The Dreyfus Corporation, Maria Dwyer of MFS and Dick Weil of PIMCO will address the status of the AMG’s Best Execution initiative. Concerning the current background of this event, the Asset Management Group has been evaluating proposed principles-based guidelines for meeting fixed-income best execution responsibilities. These guidelines, which are being formulated with the assistance of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, would specifically apply to the buy side. They lay out several recommended principles for asset managers to consider when structuring procedures to meet best execution standards over a period of time. These principles-based guidelines are particularly relevant in light of increased transparency in the bond markets. This event is being sponsored by SimCorp.

Click here for more information and to register.

June 8, 2007 Training Class on the Global Lifecycle of a Trade

A knowledgeable staff is your best asset!

In an ever more competitive trading environment with more complex products being introduced to the market, it is imperative that staffs are knowledgeable about the overall flow of securities transactions and the inter-dependence of dealers, asset managers, custodians and utilities in settling trades globally. This training class offers an opportunity for the operations and technology personnel to learn about the lifecycle of a trade for both equity and fixed income products from the inception of the customer’s order through the clearing and settlement process. The class will point out types of operational risk during the trade lifecycle, as well as discuss costs per trade and the relationship to trading profitability. This class is also important in light of the asset management initiatives of SIFMA that rely on an understanding of trade flow.

Sign up now to ensure a seat - Click here to view the course syllabus.

June 21, 2007 Leadership Roundtable for Operations Managers

The Asset Managers Forum is currently structuring an innovative program whereby heads of operations at asset management firms will be able to discuss the challenging nature of their job responsibilities as well as the challenges associated with being leaders at their respective firms. The purpose of the Roundtable is to provide invited heads of operations of member firms an opportunity to discuss current challenges facing senior investment operations leaders. The focus of the Roundtable is on leadership topics that go beyond the day-to-day production problems.

June 28, 2007 Lunch & Learn: Introduction of Leverage to a Long Only Portfolio

Many operational challenges come with the increasing use of leverage in the traditional, long-only portfolio. Save the date for this educational event which will provide an overview of the subject for asset managers. Additional details to follow.

July 16, 2007 Lunch & Learn on Proposed Standardized Fail Report

The AMF is in the process of developing a standardized fail report which would help asset managers to readily identify and track performance and better understand the root causes of fails. On July 16, 2007, members of the Fails Working Group will host a Lunch & Learn on how a recommended industry standard can benefit its users. Additional details to follow.

July 31, 2007 Golf Outing

We cordially invite you and any of your guests to join the AMF/AMG members, individually or as a foursome, at our Golf Outing to be held at the Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortlandt Manor, NY. Meet old and new friends/colleagues, and energize yourself for the days ahead. This event brings together asset managers, broker-dealers, custodians and vendor business leaders, as well as friends and supporters for a wonderful day of golf to ensure continued camaraderie and support of the asset management work of SIFMA. After the golf outing, we invite you to join us for a buffet dinner for players and guests.

For additional details or to register, please contact Debbie Devine at 646-637-9289. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, please contact Jenifer Walter via email at jwalter@sifma.org for more information.

Important Publications:
SIFMA Update
Washington Weekly
Legal, Regulatory and Market Practices Action Line
Weekly Report of the American Securitization Forum
SIFMA SmartBrief (past five issues)