The IIFA is a global organization whose members are national and regional associations representing the investment funds (mutual funds) industry. In addition, certain IIFA members represent the broader fund ecosystem, such as distributors and asset managers. The current membership comprises 38 national associations and 2 regional associations which, collectively, have funds under management of US$63.39 trillion as of September 2023. The secretariat of the IIFA is located within the Canadian association, The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), which is based in Toronto.

The IIFA serves as a forum to bring market participants together, where appropriate, to discuss issues of common concern. A Board of Directors, led by a Chair and Deputy Chair, directs the activities of the IIFA.

One of the primary purposes of the IIFA is to enhance collaboration among members and to serve as a forum for exchanging information and sharing best practices, as appropriate, related to the investment fund industry. IIFA also serves as a communication platform for the global investment funds industry. To achieve these objectives, the IIFA works through various established committees.

General Role of Investment Funds:
Investor Solutions Committee
International Regulatory Affairs Working Committee

• To promote the important role that investment funds can play in helping retail and institutional investors save to meet their retirement and other financial needs and goals;
• To promote the understanding of the role investment funds and fund managers can play in funding the real economy; and
• To facilitate capital markets liquidity and efficiency.
  

Data Collection:
Secretariat

• To collect and disseminate data on worldwide investment fund holdings; and
• To be the source for data on worldwide investment fund holdings.

Regulatory Environment for Investment Funds Worldwide:
International Regulatory Affairs Working Committee

• To share information on regulation and regulatory trends, as appropriate, in an effort to promote balanced regulation, and to promote and enhance the investment funds industry and the fund management industry.

Necessary Measures and Standards in the Area of Cyber Crime:
Technology and Innovation Working Committee

• To protect the industry by sharing ideas and information around cyber crime.

Tax Environment for Investment Funds Worldwide:
Taxation Working Committee

• To share information, where appropriate, around tax environments and tax impacts on the industry.

Accounting Environment for Investment Funds Worldwide:
Investment Funds Accounting Working Committee

• To share information, where appropriate, on accounting issues and trends.

To promote the industry (including its service providers), protect interests of investors, collaborate and share ideas, (i.e. in the areas of ESG Factors, Financial Education):
Conference Committee
Sustainability Committee
to a certain extent, all IIFA Working Committees

• To exchange experiences, and to facilitate information and knowledge transfer, where appropriate;
• To promote the value of investment advice;
• To support best practices; and
• To serve as a communication platform for the investment funds industry worldwide.