1290 Funds has announced that its shareholders have approved a new investment advisory agreement with Equitable Investment Management, LLC. This decision was made during a special meeting held on October 27, 2026. The new agreement is set to take effect upon the closing of the merger between Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Corebridge Financial, Inc., which is anticipated to occur on or about January 1, 2027.

The approval of this agreement is significant as it marks a strategic shift in the management of 1290 Funds. Shareholders also voted to re-elect all ten current Trustees and elect two new Trustees to the Board. The current Trustees will continue their roles without interruption, while the new Trustees, Christopher P. Conkey and Lisa M. Jones, will begin their terms in January 2027.

Background

1290 Funds, incorporated in Delaware, operates as an investment firm. The company has a range of funds under its management, including the 1290 Essex Small Cap Growth Fund. Recent filings include a 497K form on October 27, 2026, and several NPORT-P forms earlier in September 2026.

What the Filing Says

The filing states, "At the Meeting, the shareholders of each series of the Trust approved a new investment advisory agreement... The New Advisory Agreement will go into effect upon the closing of the merger between Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Corebridge Financial, Inc." This indicates a clear direction for the future management of the funds.

Impact

This change may affect the shareholders of 1290 Funds as they transition to new management. Additionally, it could influence the competitive landscape in the investment management industry, as firms like Equitable Investment Management prepare to take on a larger role.

What's Next

The next steps will involve the closing of the merger between Equitable Holdings and Corebridge Financial, which is expected to finalize by early January 2027. Further details regarding the implementation of the new advisory agreement may be revealed in subsequent filings.