Administration & Services (UCITS) - #313-302*

We briefly discussed safekeeping for an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS”). Let’s now continue to the other important administrative and professional services aspects to keep in mind when setting up a UCITS. 

First, the so-called: “Fit and Proper Test” (by the CSSF) takes place. Indeed, the conducting officers (dirigeants) of the depositary and of the UCITS must be of sufficiently good repute and have sufficient experience (Articles 17(5) & 33(4) of the UCI Law, as defined below). Likewise, the directors (or the directors of the management company) of the UCITS must be of sufficiently good repute and have sufficient experience for performing their functions. 

In addition, UCITS must have the accounting information provided in their annual report audited by an approved statutory auditor (réviseur d’entreprises agréé). 

Service providers include lawyers, domiciliation agents, management companies (portfolio and risk managers...), investment advisers, distributors and paying agents. 

Finally, a UCITS shall be deemed to be established in Luxembourg if the registered office of the management company of the common fund or the registered office of the investment company is established in Luxembourg. 

References: Articles 17(5), 33(4), 129(5), 145(1), 154(1), 155(1) of the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment (the “UCI Law”); How to Set up a UCITS Fund, Luxembourg for Finance, January 2019; Safekeeping (UCITS), November 19, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux.

*Podcast #313:

Administration & Services (UCITS) #313-302* *Article #313-302* *Podcast #313 *YouTube Video 302* . . . . . . . .

*YouTube Video 302|: 

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)

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)

A Few Words on Management in a UCITS Fund - #309-298*

As previously described, 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”).

An FCP must be managed by a management company. The management company shall draw up the management regulations for the common funds. 

The SICAV/SICAF may be self-managed or have a management company. If the SICAV/SICAF is self-managed, its board of directors or the general partner is entrusted with the functions usually devoted to a management company (risk management, portfolio management etc.). A self-managed SICAV/SICAF can only manage assets of its own portfolio. 

References: Article 13(1) of the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment; How to set up a UCITS Fund, Luxembourg for Finance, January 2019; Which Legal Forms May Take a UCITS fund? October 23, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux.

*Podcast #309:

To see this article, go to our blog The VADE-MECUM - https://mariauxavocats.com/vademecum. Subscribe to: Bertrand Mariaux Avocats' YouTube channel; & our 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 A Few Words on Management in a UCITS Fund #309-298* *Article #309-298* *YouTube Video 298* .

*YouTube Video 298|: 

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 Are the Main Financial Reportings & Disclosure Obligations for a UCITS Fund? - #308-297*

The law states that the investment company and the management company, for each of the common funds they manage, shall publish:

• a prospectus;

• an annual report for each financial year; and

• a half-yearly report covering the first six months of the financial year.

Schema A of Annex I of the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment (the “UCI Law”) and chapter L of the IML Circular 91/75 as amended, detail the content of the prospectus.

Key information documents (“KID”) for packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (“PRIIPs”) are also required if retail investors (as defined under the MIFID legislation) can make investments. 

References: Articles 150(1) of the UCI Law; Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2014 on KID for PRIIPs; IML Circular 91/75 as amended; Authorisation and Supervision (UCITS); October 24, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux.

*Podcast #308:

Subscribe to: Bertrand Mariaux Avocats' YouTube channel; & our 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 Are the Main Financial Reportings & Disclosure Obligations for a UCITS Fund?

*YouTube Video 297|: 

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)

Authorisation and Supervision (UCITS) - #307-296*

An undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS”) must be authorised by the financial regulator (the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier - the “CSSF”).

A UCITS fund shall be authorised only if the CSSF has approved the instruments of incorporation and the offering documentation as well as the choice of the depositary. A UCITS fund shall send their prospectuses and any amendments thereto, as well as their annual and half-yearly reports, to the CSSF.

The CSSF thus supervises a UCITS fund on an ongoing basis. A UCITS fund is subject to regular reporting requirements. 

The CSSF levies a fee for the authorisation and supervision and keeps an official list of authorised management companies. 

Lawyers or bankers are generally involved in the submission of the application to the CSSF.

References: Chapter 19 (articles 129-132) of the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment (the “UCI Law”) is dedicated to the question of authorisation; and more specifically: Articles 129(1), (2) and 155(1) of the UCI Law; Grand-ducal Regulation of 21 December 2017 relating to the fees to be levied by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier; Chapter K of IML Circular 91/75 as amended; Which Legal Forms May Take a UCITS fund?, October 11, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux; How to set up a UCITS Fund, Luxembourg for Finance, January 2019.

*Podcast #307:

*YouTube Video 296|: 

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 Legal Framework for a UCITS Fund? - #305-294*

An undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS” - in French: organismes de placement collectif en valeurs mobilières - OPCVM) fund is primarily governed by the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment (the “UCI Law”) which was amended by the law of 10 May 2016 transposing European Directive 2014/91/EU (UCITS V).

If UCITS funds invest in short-term assets and have distinct objectives offering returns in accordance with money market rates, or where UCITS funds intend to preserve the value of the investment, they must comply with the EU Regulation 2017/1131 on money market funds.

UCITS funds shall also comply with applicable national regulation(s), as well as with EU regulations (on anti-money laundering, the amended markets in financial instruments Directive (“MIFID II”), derivatives, securities and general corporate law).

References: the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment; the law of 10 May 2016 transposing European Directive 2014/91/EU; Directive 2014/91/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 amending Directive 2009/65/EC on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to UCITS as regards depositary functions, remuneration policies and sanctions; Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS), October 20, 2020, Bertrand Mariaux; How to Set up a UCITS Fund, Luxembourg for Finance, January 2019.

Editor: Hannah Seulgee Jung 

*Podcast #305:

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 Legal Framework for a UCITS?

*YouTube Video 294|: 

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 Are the Eligible Assets (UCITS)? #304-293*

We mentioned some introductory notions on the undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS” - commonly known in French as organismes de placement collectif en valeurs mobilières - OPCVM) funds. We’ll now turn to the eligible assets for this type of structure.

As previously touched on, this undertaking must invest its assets in:

• financial liquid assets; and 

• transferable securities (valeurs mobilières).

These include: 

• transferable securities admitted on a regulated market; 

• units of other certain types of UCITS;

• special money market instruments.

• cash; and

• financial derivative instruments.

It is also important to remember that the law requires a specific risk diversification policy.

Finally, UCITS cannot acquire either precious metals or certificates representing them or act as a loan originator.

References: Article 2(2); 3; 41(1)(a)(b)(d)(e)(g), (2)(b) of the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment; How to Set up a UCITS Fund, Luxembourg for Finance, January 2019.

*Podcast #304:

What Are the Eligible Assets (UCITS)? #304-293* *Article #304-293* *YouTube Video 293* . . . . . . . . #ImpactFinance , #ServeAndThrive , #lawyer , #ThriveAndAccomplishYourMission , #MariauxAvocats , #ImpactInvesting , #SocialImpact , #impact , #ImpactSocial , #SocEnt , #MissionDriven , #MissionDrivenVenture , #EU , #DFI , #SocialVentureCapital , #AssetManagement , #sustainability , #AlternativeInvestment , #SustainableFinance , #ResponsibleInvestment , #ResponsibleFinance , #domiciliation , #UCITS Any content published on MariauxAvocats.com does not constitute legal advice.

*YouTube Video 293|: 

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)

Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) - #303-292*

Part I of the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment (the “UCI Law”) governs collective investments in transferable securities (“UCITS” - in French: Organismes de placement collectif en valeurs mobilières, “OPCVM”).

A UCITS fund invests in liquid assets and transferable securities and can be distributed to the public to retail investors across the European Union. Finally another essential characteristic of UCITS is the respect of the principle of risk-spreading.

References: Articles 2(1) et seq. and in particular article 2(2) of the amended law of 17 December 2010 relating to undertakings for collective investment.

*Podcast #303:

Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) #303-292* *Article #303-292* *Podcast #303 *YouTube Video 292* . . . . . . . .

*YouTube Video 292|: 

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)