Fund Finance Association Board Update
As the Fund Finance Association (“FFA”) continues to grow and evolve, we are pleased to share important updates to our Board of Directors. The strength of the FFA lies in the leadership and dedication of those who have helped shape our mission, and we are honored to expand our leadership with the addition of two new board members.
Effective April 1, Mary Touchstone has stepped down from the FFA Board. A true pioneer in the fund finance industry, Mary recently retired as a partner and former Head of the Fund Finance Practice at Simpson Thacher. Throughout her career, she advised sponsors across private equity, real estate, energy, and other sectors on some of the most significant and complex fund financings in the market.
Mary’s expertise spans subscription credit facilities, NAV-based financings, and bespoke fund-level transactions. She is widely respected for her collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and her ability to represent clients with precision and care. Beyond her legal work, Mary has been a tireless advocate for inclusivity and mentorship serving as Vice Chairman of the FFA and as Global Co-Chair of Women in Fund Finance, helping lead initiatives to support and advance women in the field.
We are incredibly grateful for Mary’s outstanding contributions and leadership over the years, and for the lasting impact she has made on the FFA and the broader fund finance community.
Welcoming New Board Members
We are thrilled to welcome two new members to the FFA Board, Ann Richardson Knox and Sally Little. Both bring exceptional experience, global perspective, and a commitment to advancing the fund finance industry. Their leadership will help shape the future of the FFA as we continue to evolve in an increasingly dynamic market.
Ann Richardson Knox
Ann is an experienced professional with over 25 years of experience advising global financial institutions, alternative lenders, private funds, sponsors, and portfolio companies on complex financings. She is currently the Global Head of Mayer Brown’s Fund Finance team. Her expertise covers every level of the capital stack and every phase of a fund’s lifecycle. She is passionate about innovation and has led several landmark transactions, including the first ESG subscription facility in the U.S. and significant portfolio leverage financings for secondary funds.
A committed industry advocate, Ann previously served on the FFA’s U.S. Advisory Board and currently services as Global Co-Chair of Women in Fund Finance. In 2021 she received the FFA’s "Woman in Fund Finance" award and has been recognized by Crain’s New York Business and Profiles in Diversity Magazine for her leadership.
Sally Little
Sally brings nearly two decades of global experience, supporting financial institutions and fund clients across APAC, London, and New York. Based in Singapore, she leads ING Bank N.V.’s Financial Institutions coverage for APAC, overseeing a team across lending, transaction services, and payments, while working with both bank and non-bank financial institutions.
Sally has played a pivotal role in shaping the FFA’s regional presence, serving as Co-Deputy Chair of the APAC Executive Committee. Her leadership, cross-border perspective, and deep understanding of the investment management landscape will add significant value as the FFA continues to expand globally.
We are confident that Ann and Sally’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the next chapter of the FFA’s journey, and we look forward to the continued growth and success of our community.