Leadership Summit Highlights Policy Momentum Shaping Asset Management

The 2026 Leadership Summit and Fund Directors Workshop featured a policy-focused lineup of influential voices from Congress, the White House, the CFTC, and across the industry. With Washington, DC, as the backdrop during the historic 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the conference underscored the enduring connection between strong capital markets and the American experiment. 

Across three days, discussions centered on policy developments promoting capital formation and strengthening US investment culture. Panels covered the Department of Labor’s proposal to allow defined contribution plans to responsibly invest in private markets, the SEC’s exemptive relief for ETF share classes, and Trump Accounts, as well as legislative proposals that would reinvigorate capital markets and promote tax efficiency such as the INVEST Act and the GROWTH Act.

Chair & CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra, in conversation with Jenny Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton

Beyond policy, the conference featured a fireside chat with Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors, and Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton, discussing leadership, culture, and the value of diverse perspectives. 

Pro-Investor Reforms a Priority for the Current Administration 

Andrew Schlossberg, President and CEO of Invesco and Chair of the ICI Board of Governors, delivers keynote remarks to kick off the first full day of ICI’s Leadership Summit.

Invesco’s Jennifer Flitton speaking about how the INVEST Act can reinvigorate the capital markets space, alongside ICI’s Tom Quaadman, Vanguard’s Ben Barasky, and BlackRock’s Bryan Wood.

To kick off the conference, Andrew Schlossberg, President and CEO of Invesco and Chair of the ICI Board of Governors, underscored that innovation depends on both competition and the right policy framework: “Each of our companies is trying different strategies and products, and the competition makes all of us stronger. But innovation also depends on smart policies. Now more than ever, we need regulatory reforms that both break down barriers, while protecting all of us as citizens.” 

This sentiment was echoed by many throughout the conference: 

• Vanguard’s Head of U.S. Advocacy and Global Public Policy, Ben Barasky, said during a panel on policy priorities: “The central theme to this Administration and its executive orders is getting more folks invested, at an earlier age, and introducing [investment] products that are available to all.” 
• During a fireside chat between National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and ICI President & CEO Eric Pan, Hassett discussed the Administration’s efforts to encourage Americans to save for the long term, including the recently announced executive order aimed at expanding workers’ access to retirement accounts. He noted that the Administration has also committed to broadening retirement options and diversifying retirement account portfolios by allowing investments in alternative assets through 401(k)s. 

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) discusses policy matters on the first full day of ICI’s Leadership Summit.

CFTC Chairman Mike Selig talks with ICI President & CEO Eric Pan during a fireside chat on the regulatory landscape.

• Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) observed in a fireside chat with ICI Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer Tom Quaadman that, thanks to Trump Accounts, every child in America will be an owner in the largest employers in America and “will experience and benefit from the miracle of compound growth.” 
• In conversation with ICI President & CEO Eric Pan, CFTC Chairman Mike Selig highlighted how the CFTC and the SEC are closely aligned in embracing innovation. He emphasized how the strong partnership between the CFTC and the SEC is benefiting investors by harmonizing regulations to give market participants confidence on the rules of the road. 

As the industry looks ahead, Schlossberg closed by tying that progress to a broader purpose rooted in the nation’s founding. Reflecting on the approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he reminded attendees that expanding access to long-term investing is central to making the “pursuit of happiness” more attainable for millions of Americans—an effort the industry will continue to drive in the years ahead. 

For more conference insights, highlights, and photos, visit ICI on LinkedIn and X—and IDC on LinkedIn. 

ICI’s Upcoming Conferences 

ICI’s 2026 conference season is just getting started, with the ETF Conference returning to Nashville in early June. There is still time to register for this popular conference, but hotel rooms are filling up fast. 

Also, be sure to mark your calendars for the 2027 Leadership Summit and Fund Directors Workshop, which will be held May 10 to 12 in Washington, DC. We hope to see you there.