Depositary: Voluntary Withdrawal, Removal, Non-Compliance, Insolvency - RAIF XXIII - #389

What if the depositary of the reserved alternative investment fund (RAIF): 

• has voluntarily withdrawn;

• is removed by the RAIF or by its management company;

• is no longer compliant with the law; or 

• is insolvent?

The directors or managers of the RAIF or its management company must take all necessary measures in order to replace the depositary by another depositary complying with the law.

What if the depositary has not been replaced within 2 months as from its withdrawal?

The directors or managers of the RAIF or of its management company shall, within 3 months following the withdrawal of the depositary, request the District Court dealing with commercial matters (Tribunal d’arrondissement siégeant en matière commerciale) to pronounce the dissolution and liquidation of the reserved alternative investment fund pursuant to the law.

References: Article 5(5) of the Law of 23 July 2016 on reserved alternative investment funds as amended (the RAIF Law); Safekeeping - RAIF XXI, July 18, 2021, #387-376*, Bertrand Mariaux.

* Podcast #389

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

AIFM: Voluntary Withdrawal, Removal, Missing Authorisation, Insolvency - RAIF XXII - #388

What if the alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) of the reserved alternative investment fund (RAIF): 

• has voluntarily withdrawn;

• is removed by the RAIF;

• is no longer authorised; or 

• is insolvent.

The directors or managers of the RAIF or its management company must take all necessary measures in order to replace the AIFM by another compliant AIFM.

What if the AIFM has not been replaced within 2 months as from the withdrawal of the AIFM? 

The directors or managers of the RAIF or of its management company shall, within 3 months following the withdrawal of the AIFM, request the District Court dealing with commercial matters (Tribunal d’arrondissement siégeant en matière commerciale) to pronounce the dissolution and liquidation.

References: Article 4(3) of the Law of 23 July 2016 on reserved alternative investment funds as amended; AIFM, RAIF & European Passport - RAIF XX, July 13, 2021, #386-375*, Bertrand Mariaux.

* Podcast #388

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.): Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

Contributor : Cédric Buisine, avocat. 

Safekeeping - RAIF XXI - #387-376*

The assets of a reserved alternative investment fund (RAIF) must be entrusted to a depositary for safekeeping of assets. The depositary must either have its registered office in Luxembourg or have a branch there if its registered office is in another Member State of the European Union. The depositary must be a credit institution or an investment firm. The depositary may also be an entity governed by Luxembourg law which has the status of a professional depositary of assets other than financial instruments.

References: Articles 5(1), (2), (3) §1 & §2 of the Law of 23 July 2016 on reserved alternative investment funds as amended and Article 26-1 of the amended Law of 5 April 1993 on the financial sector as amended; The Reserved Alternative Investment Fund - RAIF xviii, July 9, 2021, #384-373*, Bertrand Mariaux.

* Podcast #387

*YouTube Video 376|

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.): Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

Contributor : Cédric Buisine, avocat 

The Reserved Alternative Investment Fund - RAIF XVIII - #384-373*

Under Luxembourg law, a reserved alternative investment fund (RAIF) is an undertaking for collective investment. The RAIF must be domiciled in Luxembourg. The RAIF always qualifies as an alternative investment fund (AIF) under the Law of 12 July 2013 on alternative investment fund managers (the AIFM Law). The sole object of the RAIF shall be the collective investment of its funds in assets with the aim of spreading the investment risks and providing to investors the benefits of the results of the management of their assets. Management shall be understood as comprising at least the service of portfolio management. 

Also the securities of partnership interests of the RAIF shall be reserved to one or more well-informed investors. 

The well informed investor must have stated in writing that it/she/he adheres to the definition of well informed investors (as defined by the law of 23 July 2016 on reserved alternative investment funds as amended, the RAIF Law). The status of well informed investors includes: 

(i) institutional investor(s) or professional investor(s) investing a minimum of 125,000 euros in the RAIF; or

(ii) any other investor(s) who have been assessed by a: 

• credit institution,

• investment firm, or 

• management company;

certifying the investor’s: 

• expertise, 

• experience, and 

• knowledge; 

in adequately appraising an investment in the RAIF.

Finally the constitutive documents of the RAIF shall expressly mention that it is subject to the law of 23 July 2016 on reserved alternative investment funds as amended.

References: Articles 1(1)a), 2(1)a), 2(1)b)i) & ii) of the law of 23 July 2016 on reserved alternative investment funds as amended; What is a RAIF? - #180-169*, June 17, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux; What Are the Legal Forms of a RAIF? #253-242*, August 29, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux

* Podcast #384

*YouTube Video 373|

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

Contributors : Cédric Buisine, avocat ; Susanna Shepherd, juriste

Redemption or Reduction of Partnership Interests - CLP/SCS XX - #363-352*

The law provides that the partnership agreement of the common limited partnership (CLP - société en commandite simple) may authorise the redemption or reduction of the partnership interests of one or more partners under the following conditions.

1- Who Can Redeem or Reduce the Partnership Interests of One or More Partners?

• the management; or 

• the partners.

2- To What Extent Is this Redemption or Reduction of the Partnership Interests of One or More Partners Possible?

• in whole; or

• in part.

3- In What Manner the Redemption or Reduction of the Partnership Interests of One or More Partners Occur?

The redemption or reduction of partner's partnership interests may be carried out at the request of one or more partners.

4- In Addition to the Above Conditions, How Are the Terms of a Redemption or Reduction of the Partnership Interests Determined? 

The terms of a redemption or reduction are contractually determined.

References : Article 310-6, § 4 of the law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies as amended; #362-351* Enforceability of Transfers and Dismemberments (démembrements) of Partnership Interests - CLP/SCS, June 1, 2021, Bertrand Mariaux..

* Podcast #363

*YouTube Video 352* 

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

Contributor: Cédric Buisine, Avocat

Two Specific Features of the Limited Partner - SLP XI - #331-320*

It should be noted that the provisions applicable to the special limited partnership (SLP - société en commandite spéciale) are identical to those applicable to the common limited partnership (société en commandite simple) in this respect. 

The question of the impact of the ranking as (possible) creditor (in the event that the limited partner (LP - associé commanditaire) enters into a transaction with the SLP) - vis-à-vis the SLP of which - he is a partner is interesting.

I - The Possibility of Entering Into Transactions With the SLP and the Impact of the LP's Creditor Rank

An LP may enter into any transaction with the SLP. Its ranking as a preferred creditor status or not (unsecured creditor) - depending on the terms of the transaction - will not be affected by its LP position. The fact that an LP is an LP of the SLP has no impact in this regard. There is no conflict of interest by that fact alone. There is, however, an important limitation to the position of LP when it comes to the management of the SLP.

II - Can a Limited Partner Perform Management Acts With Regard to Third Parties?

The law is clear: an LP may not perform any act of management with respect to third parties.

References: article 320-4, §1 & 2 of the law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies as amended; with regard to the société en commandite simple: Deux particularités de l’associé commanditaire (limited partner) (SCS) #189-178*, 27 juillet 2020, Bertrand Mariaux.

*Podcast #331

331-320*-Two Specific Features of the Limited Partner-SLP XI *Article #331-320* *YouTube Video 320* . . . . . . . . #ImpactInvesting , #corporate , #avocat , #ServeAndThrive , #ThriveAndAccomplishYourMission , #MariauxAvocats , #MissionDriven , #MissionDrivenVenture , #alternativeinvestment , #limitedpartnership , #LP , #SpecialLimitedPartnership , #SLP , #SCSp , #sociétéencommanditespéciale, #DFI https://mariauxavocats.com/vademecum/prgb5h9e8s7d6zcgjh3f4hgalxr9ew https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/two-special-features-limited-partner-slp-xi-bertrand-mariaux To see this publication, go to our blog The VADE-MECUM - https://mariauxavocats.com/vademecum.

*YouTube Video 320*

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

Contributor: Cédric Buisine, Avocat

Editor: Hannah Seulgee Jung

Powers of the Managers & Delegation - SLP IX - #329-318

The principle laid down by the law is that: each manager may carry out on behalf of the company all acts necessary or useful for the achievement of the company's purpose.

The partnership agreement of the Luxembourg special limited partnership (SLP, société en commandite spéciale) may restrict the powers of the managers. However, such restrictions are not binding on third parties, even if they are published. 

The articles of association may also mention that one or more managers are entitled to represent the company alone or jointly. And in this case, this clause is binding on third parties under the conditions provided for in Title I, Chapter Vbis of the amended law of 19th December, 2002 on the register of commerce and companies and the accounting and annual accounts of undertakings.

Finally, and still on a contractual basis (in the partnership agreement), the managers of an SLP may delegate their powers to one or more agents who are only responsible for the execution of their mandate.

References: Article 320-3, paragraphs 3 and 4 of the law of 10 August 1915 on commercial companies; #208-197* Les pouvoirs des gérants et la délégation (SCSp), 15 juillet 2020, Bertrand Mariaux.

*Podcast #329

Powers of the Managers & Delegation - SLP-IX #329-318* *Article #329-318* *YouTube Video 318* . . . . . . . . #ImpactInvesting , #corporate , #avocat , #ServeAndThrive , #ThriveAndAccomplishYourMission , #MariauxAvocats , #MissionDriven , #MissionDrivenVenture , #alternativeinvestment , #limitedpartnership , #LP , #SpecialLimitedPartnership , #SLP , #SCSp , #sociétéencommanditespéciale, #DFI https://mariauxavocats.com/vademecum/hywycpm7r69m5nmsmns77zc6jrnmpr https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/powers-managers-delegation-slpscsp-slp-ix-329-318-bertrand-mariaux To see this publication, go to our blog The VADE-MECUM - https://mariauxavocats.com/vademecum.

*YouTube Video 318*

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

Contributor: Cédric Buisine, Avocat

Editor: Nikolai Shillinglaw

Safekeeping (UCITS) - #312-301*

The custody of the assets of an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS”) shall be entrusted to a depositary for safekeeping as stated in Articles 18(4) & 34(3) of the UCI Law (as defined below). 

The depositary shall be a financial institution within the meaning of the Law of 5 April 1993 on the financial sector, as amended (Articles 17(3) & 33(3) of the UCI Law). 

References: the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment (the “UCI Law”), Chapter 2 – Common funds in transferable securities: Article 17(3), (5) & 18(4), Chapter 3 – SICAVs in transferable securities: Articles 33(3), (4) & 34(3); What is the Minimum Capital for a UCITS Fund?, October 29, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux.

*Podcast #312:

To see this article, go to our blog The VADE-MECUM - https://mariauxavocats.com/vademecum. Subscribe to: Bertrand Mariaux Avocats' YouTube channel; & Podcast THE LAW & IMPACT PODCAST | Le PODCAST DU DROIT & DE L'IMPACT - https://mariauxavocats.com/podcast Connect with Bertrand on: LinkedIn @BertrandMariaux; Facebook @BertrandMariaux; & Instagram / IGTV @ThriveAndAccomplishYourMission Follow us on: LinkedIn @BertrandMariauxAvocats; Facebook @MariauxAvocats; & Twitter: @BertrandMariaux Safekeeping (UCITS) #312-301* *Article #312-301* *YouTube Video 301* .

*YouTube Video 301|: 

Contributor: Cédric Buisine, Avocat

Editor: Hannah Seulgee Jung

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

What is the Minimum Capital for a UCITS Fund? - #311-300*

The minimum capital for a common contractual fund (fonds commun de placement - “FCP”) must be EUR 1,250.000. This minimum must  be reached within 6 months following the authorisation of the FCP.

All investment companies with variable capital (société d’investissement à capital variable - “SICAV”) or fixed capital (société d’investissement à capital fixe - “SICAF”) as well as a SICAV / SICAF with a designated  management company must reach EUR 1,250,000 within 6 months following the authorisation of the SICAV / SICAF.

The minimum capital for a SICAV /SICAF which has not appointed a management company must be EUR 300.000 when authorised by the CSSF.

References: article 23, §1 & 2, 27(1) of the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment; Which Legal Forms May Take a UCITS fund? October 28, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux; How to Set up a UCITS Fund, Luxembourg for Finance, January 2019.

*Podcast #311:

To see this article, go to our blog The VADE-MECUM - https://mariauxavocats.com/vademecum. Subscribe to: Bertrand Mariaux Avocats' YouTube channel; & Podcast THE LAW & IMPACT PODCAST | Le PODCAST DU DROIT & DE L'IMPACT - https://mariauxavocats.com/podcast Connect with Bertrand on: LinkedIn @BertrandMariaux; Facebook @BertrandMariaux; & Instagram / IGTV @ThriveAndAccomplishYourMission Follow us on: LinkedIn @BertrandMariauxAvocats; Facebook @MariauxAvocats; & Twitter: @BertrandMariaux What is the Minimum Capital for a UCITS Fund?

*YouTube Video 300|: 

Contributor: Cédric Buisine, Avocat

Editor: Hannah Seulgee Jung

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)

Which Legal Forms May Take a UCITS fund? - #310-299*

An undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS”) can take the form of either: 

• a common contractual fund (fonds commun de placement - “FCP”); or

• an investment company with variable capital (société d’investissement à capital variable - “SICAV”) or fixed capital (société d’investissement à capital fixe - “SICAF”).

A SICAV / SICAF would typically be set up as a public limited liability company (société anonyme) or as a corporate partnership limited by shares (société en commandite par actions).

An FCP or a SICAV / SICAF could be set up as an umbrella fund with multiple compartments or as a single fund. The single fund or the umbrella fund may have an unlimited number of shares / unit classes (issued against the fund or a dedicated compartment of an umbrella fund) - depending on the needs of the investor to whom it is distributed.

References: the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment; What Is the Legal Framework for a UCITS fund? October 22, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux; How to Set up a UCITS Fund, Luxembourg for Finance, January 2019.

*Podcast #310:

To see this article, go to our blog The VADE-MECUM - https://mariauxavocats.com/vademecum. Subscribe to: Bertrand Mariaux Avocats' YouTube channel; & Podcast THE LAW & IMPACT PODCAST | Le PODCAST DU DROIT & DE L'IMPACT - https://mariauxavocats.com/podcast Connect with Bertrand on: LinkedIn @BertrandMariaux; Facebook @BertrandMariaux; & Instagram / IGTV @ThriveAndAccomplishYourMission Follow us on: LinkedIn @BertrandMariauxAvocats; Facebook @MariauxAvocats; & Twitter: @BertrandMariaux Which Legal Forms May Take a UCITS fund?

*YouTube Video 299|: 

Contributor: Cédric Buisine, Avocat

Editor: Hannah Seulgee Jung

Bertrand Mariaux, Avocat à la Cour, LL.M. (hons.)

Prestation de serment (Swearing-in oath): Luxembourg (2011), Certificat d’Aptitude à la Profession d’Avocat, École de Formation professionnelle des Barreaux de la Cour d’appel de Paris (2009), Bond University (LL.M. (distinct.), International Legal Practice, 2010), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord & University of Limerick (Master in European & International Law - major in economics, 2008), certified Expert in Microfinance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, 2015), social entrepreneurship (University of Oxford, 2015 & The Wharton School of Social Policy & Practice, 2014) and social & solidarity economy (International Labour Organization Academy - Social & Solidarity Economy, Organisation Internationale du Travail - Économie Sociale et Solidaire, 2017)