The much discussed UCITS V Directive was published in the
European Union's Official Journal today, 28 August 2014.
UCITS V amends Directive 2009/65/EC on undertakings for collective
investment in transferable securities ("UCITS"). It
will affect the existing regulatory framework for UCITS in three
main areas, namely: (i) the role of the depositary; (ii)
remuneration; and (iii) sanctions. In particular, UCITS V
clarifies and strengthens the depositary function, in addition to
aligning the UCITS legislation with certain aspects of the
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive
("AIFMD").
Member states now have until 18 March 2016 to transpose UCITS V
into national law. UCITS V also requires the European
Securities and Markets Authority to draft guidelines clarifying the
exact scope of the UCITS V remuneration requirements and their
practical application. These guidelines will be preceded by a
public consultation, which should take place over the coming
months.
UCITS V will have a far-reaching impact. According to
statistics published by the European Fund and Asset Management
Association, as at the end of 2013, there were over 35,000 UCITS
funds with approximately EUR 6.9 trillion in assets and sold in 86
countries. Moreover, these numbers are set to increase.
In a recent survey commissioned by Matheson and conducted by the
Economist Intelligence Unit (the "EIU Survey"), 56% of
the 200 managers surveyed predicted that their firms would, by
2016, have over $1bn in UCITS (by assets under
management). Ireland is a location of choice for UCITS funds,
with 80% of Irish domiciled funds structured as UCITS.
Matheson has produced a briefing note on key matters arising from
UCITS V, which can be accessed
here. We have also published a series of fact sheets
setting out the UCITS V provisions affecting depositaries,
remuneration and sanctions on our dedicated UCITS V webpage which
can be accessed
here. The EIU Survey can be accessed here.
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