NYLI Funds Trust Seeks Shareholder Vote to Elect Four Trustees

New York Life Investments Funds Trust DEF 14A Filing Summary
FieldDetail
CompanyNew York Life Investments Funds Trust
Form TypeDEF 14A
Filed DateOct 17, 2025
Risk Levellow
Pages16
Reading Time19 min
Sentimentneutral

Sentiment: neutral

Topics: Corporate Governance, Proxy Statement, Board of Trustees, Shareholder Meeting, Investment Company Act of 1940, Fund Management, Regulatory Compliance

TL;DR

**Vote FOR the Trustee election to ensure NYLI Funds Trust can efficiently adapt its board and maintain strong governance.**

AI Summary

New York Life Investments Funds Trust is holding a Special Meeting of Shareholders on December 8, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, at its offices at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, New York. The primary purpose of this meeting is to elect four Trustees to the Board of Trustees. Two of the nominees, Naïm Abou-Jaoudé and Karen Hammond, currently serve as Trustees but were appointed by the Board, not elected by shareholders. The other two nominees, Stephanie Lynch and Adeel Jivraj, are new independent trustee candidates. This election is crucial because the Investment Company Act of 1940 requires at least two-thirds of Trustees to be shareholder-elected before the Board can fill vacancies without shareholder approval. By electing these four, including two new independent trustees, the Trust aims to enhance its ability to add future Board members efficiently and strengthen governance, particularly given the oversight of 39 separate series of Funds. The Board of Trustees unanimously recommends a vote FOR the Proposal.

Why It Matters

This DEF 14A filing is significant for investors as it addresses the governance structure of New York Life Investments Funds Trust, which oversees 39 distinct funds. The election of four Trustees, including two new independent members, aims to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940's two-thirds shareholder-elected trustee requirement, enabling more flexible future Board appointments. This move could enhance oversight and strategic decision-making for the Funds, potentially impacting long-term performance and investor confidence. In a competitive asset management landscape, strong, compliant governance is a key differentiator for attracting and retaining capital.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: low — The risk level is low as the filing primarily concerns a routine governance matter: the election of four Trustees to ensure compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940's two-thirds shareholder-elected trustee requirement. The Board unanimously recommends voting FOR the proposal, indicating internal consensus and a proactive approach to regulatory compliance, which reduces potential governance risks.

Analyst Insight

Investors should carefully review the qualifications of the nominated Trustees and vote FOR the proposal to support the Trust's efforts to maintain robust governance and operational flexibility. Promptly casting your vote by mail, telephone, or internet will help the Trust avoid additional solicitation expenses.

Financial Highlights

debt To Equity
0.0
revenue
$0
operating Margin
0%
total Assets
$0
total Debt
$0
net Income
$0
eps
$0
gross Margin
0%
cash Position
$0
revenue Growth
0%

Key Numbers

  • 39 — Number of separate series of Funds (Overseen by New York Life Investments Funds Trust)
  • 4 — Number of Trustees to be elected (Two current Trustees and two new Independent Trustees)
  • 2025-12-08 — Date of Special Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting to be held at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time)
  • 2025-09-26 — Record Date for shareholder voting (Shareholders owning shares on this date are entitled to vote)
  • 86 — Number of portfolios overseen by Naïm Abou-Jaoudé and Karen Hammond (Reflects their extensive oversight responsibilities within the Fund Complex)
  • 888-431-9147 — Toll-free number for shareholder questions (Provided for assistance with voting and meeting agenda)
  • 2/3 — Minimum proportion of Trustees required to be shareholder-elected (Mandated by the Investment Company Act of 1940 for filling vacancies without shareholder approval)
  • 51 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010 — Location of Special Meeting (Offices of New York Life Investment Management LLC)

Key Players & Entities

  • New York Life Investments Funds Trust (company) — Registrant and issuer of 39 separate series of Funds
  • Naïm Abou-Jaoudé (person) — Interested Trustee Nominee, CEO of New York Life Investment Management LLC
  • Karen Hammond (person) — Independent Trustee Nominee, current Trustee since 2021
  • Stephanie Lynch (person) — Independent Trustee Nominee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Global Endowment Management (GEM)
  • Adeel Jivraj (person) — Independent Trustee Nominee, Retired Partner at Ernst & Young LLP
  • Kirk C. Lehneis (person) — President of New York Life Investments Funds Trust
  • J. Kevin Gao (person) — Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of New York Life Investments Funds Trust
  • Sodali & Co. (company) — Proxy solicitor for New York Life Investments Funds Trust
  • Investment Company Act of 1940 (regulator) — Governing act requiring two-thirds of Trustees to be shareholder-elected
  • New York Life Investment Management LLC (company) — Manager of the Funds and location of the Special Meeting

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the New York Life Investments Funds Trust Special Meeting on December 8, 2025?

The primary purpose of the Special Meeting on December 8, 2025, is to elect four Trustees to the Board of Trustees of New York Life Investments Funds Trust. This election includes two current Trustees and two new independent candidates.

Why is New York Life Investments Funds Trust electing Trustees now, especially those already serving?

New York Life Investments Funds Trust is electing Trustees now to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, which requires at least two-thirds of Trustees to be shareholder-elected before the Board can fill vacancies by appointment without shareholder approval. This election will make it more likely the Board can add new members efficiently in the future.

Who are the four nominees for the Board of Trustees of New York Life Investments Funds Trust?

The four nominees for the Board of Trustees are Naïm Abou-Jaoudé (Interested Trustee), Karen Hammond (Independent Trustee), Stephanie Lynch (Independent Trustee), and Adeel Jivraj (Independent Trustee). Naïm Abou-Jaoudé and Karen Hammond are current Trustees.

What is the Board of Trustees' recommendation regarding the election of Trustees for New York Life Investments Funds Trust?

The Board of Trustees of New York Life Investments Funds Trust, after careful consideration, unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the Proposal to elect the four nominated Trustees.

When and where will the New York Life Investments Funds Trust Special Meeting of Shareholders be held?

The Special Meeting of Shareholders for New York Life Investments Funds Trust will be held on December 8, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, at the offices of New York Life Investment Management LLC, located at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010.

What is the Record Date for voting at the New York Life Investments Funds Trust Special Meeting?

The Record Date for voting at the New York Life Investments Funds Trust Special Meeting is September 26, 2025. Only shareholders who owned shares of any class of the Funds as of the close of business on this date are entitled to vote.

How can shareholders of New York Life Investments Funds Trust cast their vote?

Shareholders can cast their vote by mail, telephone, through the Internet, or in person at the Special Meeting. Instructions for each method are provided on the proxy card, including a toll-free number 888-431-9147 for assistance.

What is the role of the Investment Company Act of 1940 in this Trustee election for New York Life Investments Funds Trust?

The Investment Company Act of 1940 mandates that at least two-thirds of the Trustees must have been elected by shareholders before the Board can fill any vacancy through appointment without requiring further shareholder approval. This election helps New York Life Investments Funds Trust meet this regulatory requirement.

How many funds does New York Life Investments Funds Trust oversee?

New York Life Investments Funds Trust currently offers and oversees thirty-nine separate series of Funds, as listed in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement.

What are the professional backgrounds of the new Independent Trustee nominees, Stephanie Lynch and Adeel Jivraj?

Stephanie Lynch is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Global Endowment Management (GEM) since 2007. Adeel Jivraj is a retired Partner from Ernst & Young LLP, where he served from 2005 to 2025.

Industry Context

The mutual fund industry is highly competitive, with numerous trusts and asset managers offering a wide array of investment products. Key trends include increasing demand for passive investing (ETFs and index funds), a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, and ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Asset managers are continually adapting to evolving investor preferences and technological advancements to maintain market share.

Regulatory Implications

The election of Trustees is subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, which requires a certain proportion of shareholder-elected trustees for specific governance flexibilities. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to penalties and impact the Trust's ability to operate efficiently. The ongoing oversight of 39 series also implies a significant compliance burden.

What Investors Should Do

  1. Vote FOR the election of the four Trustees to the Board of Trustees. This is recommended by the Board and is crucial for enhancing governance and future operational efficiency.
  2. Review the Proxy Statement carefully to understand the details of the proposals and the nominees.
  3. Submit your vote by mail, telephone, or internet by the deadline to ensure your voice is heard and to avoid additional solicitation costs.
  4. Contact the provided toll-free number (888-431-9147) if you have any questions regarding the meeting or how to vote.

Key Dates

  • 2025-12-08: Special Meeting of Shareholders — Shareholders will vote on electing four Trustees to the Board of Trustees.
  • 2025-09-26: Record Date for shareholder voting — Shareholders who owned shares on this date are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
  • 2025-10-17: Date of Proxy Statement and Notice of Special Meeting — Informs shareholders about the upcoming meeting and the proposals to be voted on.

Glossary

DEF 14A
A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that provides detailed information about a company's annual meeting, including executive compensation, board of directors, and other corporate governance matters. (This document is the proxy statement for the New York Life Investments Funds Trust's special meeting.)
Trustee
A member of the Board of Trustees responsible for overseeing the operations and management of the Trust and its Funds. (The primary purpose of the meeting is to elect four Trustees to the Board.)
Investment Company Act of 1940
A U.S. federal law that regulates the organization and operation of investment companies, including mutual funds. (This Act mandates that at least two-thirds of Trustees must be shareholder-elected for the Board to fill vacancies without shareholder approval.)
Proxy Statement
A document that is sent to shareholders before a shareholder meeting, providing information about the matters to be voted on and soliciting their proxy (authorization to vote their shares). (This document details the proposals, including the election of Trustees, and provides instructions on how to vote.)
Series
In the context of a fund trust, a series refers to a distinct portfolio of assets and liabilities within the trust, often representing a specific mutual fund with its own investment objectives. (The Trust oversees thirty-nine separate series of Funds, highlighting the scale of governance required.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

This filing is for a special meeting and does not appear to be a direct comparison to a prior annual filing. The focus is on a specific governance matter: the election of Trustees. Key metrics such as revenue, net income, and debt are not the primary subject of this DEF 14A, which centers on shareholder voting for board composition.

Filing Stats: 4,715 words · 19 min read · ~16 pages · Grade level 12.3 · Accepted 2025-10-17 14:56:48

Filing Documents

From the Filing

DEF 14A 1 d81813ddef14a.htm NEW YORK LIFE INVESTMENTS FUNDS TRUST NEW YORK LIFE INVESTMENTS FUNDS TRUST SCHEDULE 14A (Rule 14a-101) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Filed by the Registrant Filed by a Party other than the Registrant Check the appropriate box: Preliminary Proxy Statement Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) Definitive Proxy Statement Definitive Additional Materials Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12 NEW YORK LIFE INVESTMENTS FUNDS TRUST (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): No fee required. Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. NEW YORK LIFE INVESTMENTS FUNDS TRUST 51 MADISON AVENUE NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10010 SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To Be Held December 8, 2025 October 17, 2025 To Our Shareholders: I am writing to ask for your vote on an important matter concerning New York Life Investments Funds Trust (the "Trust"). The Trust currently offers thirty-nine separate series (collectively, the "Funds"). The Funds are listed in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement. Please take note that a Special Meeting of Shareholders (with any postponements or adjournments, "Special Meeting") of the Funds will be held on December 8, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m., Eastern time, at the offices of New York Life Investment Management LLC, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010. At the Special Meeting, as explained in the accompanying Proxy Statement, you will be asked to vote on the following proposals: 1. To elect four Trustees to the Board of Trustees of the Trust; and 2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting. Proposal 1 (the "Proposal") is described in more detail in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement. After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees of the Trust recommends that you read the enclosed materials carefully and then submit a vote FOR the Proposal. Your vote is very important regardless of the number of shares of the Funds you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting in person, please read the Proxy Statement and cast your vote promptly. It is important that your vote be received by no later than the time of the Special Meeting on December 8, 2025. You will receive a proxy card that outlines several ways to vote your shares, including by mail, telephone, and through the Internet. Please refer to the proxy card for more information on how to vote. If we do not receive a response from you by one of these methods, you may receive a telephone call from our proxy solicitor, Sodali & Co., reminding you to vote. If you have any questions regarding your vote, please call 888-431-9147. We will get you the answers that you need promptly. We appreciate your participation and prompt response in this matter, and thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, /s/ Kirk C. Lehneis Kirk C. Lehneis, President Encl. NEW YORK LIFE INVESTMENTS FUNDS TRUST 51 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10010 NYLI Balanced Fund NYLI Candriam Emerging Markets Equity Fund NYLI CBRE Global Infrastructure Fund NYLI CBRE Real Estate Fund NYLI Conservative Allocation Fund NYLI Conservative ETF Allocation Fund NYLI Cushing ® MLP Premier Fund NYLI Epoch Capital Growth Fund NYLI Epoch Global Equity Yield Fund NYLI Epoch International Choice Fund NYLI Epoch U.S. Equity Yield Fund NYLI Equity Allocation Fund NYLI Equity ETF Allocation Fund NYLI Fiera SMID Growth Fund NYLI Floating Rate Fund NYLI Growth Allocation Fund NYLI Growth ETF Allocation Fund NYLI MacKay Arizona Muni Fund NYLI MacKay California Muni Fund NYLI MacKay Colorado Muni Fund NYLI MacKay High Yield Muni Bond Fund NYLI MacKay New York Muni Fund NYLI MacKay Oregon Muni Fund NYLI MacKay Short Duration High Income Fund NYLI MacKay Short Term Muni Fund NYLI MacKay Strategic Muni Allocation Fund NYLI MacKay Total Return Bond Fund NYLI MacKay Utah Muni Fund NYLI Moderate Allocation Fund NYLI Moderate ETF Allocation Fund NYLI PineStone Global Equity Fund NYLI PineStone International Equity Fund NYLI PineStone U.S. Equity Fund NYLI S&P 500 Index Fund NYLI Short Term Bond Fund NYLI U.S. Government Liquidity Fund NYLI WMC Growth Fund NYLI WMC International Research Equity Fund NYLI WMC Small Companies Fund The thirty-nine series of New York Life Investments Funds Trust listed above are referred to collectively as the "Funds". NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS To Be Held December 8, 202

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