
AIFMD could result in fewer fund managers, says survey
A new survey by German software company Data Room Services and real estate firm Knight Frank reveals uneasiness about the upcoming Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) across markets in Europe.
Of the respondents – which included property fund managers, private wealth managers, depositary banks and private equity firms – 63% expect a decrease in the number of fund managers across Europe as a result of the new regulations coming into force from July 22.
Overall, 49% named the required documentation, transparency and reporting to authorities as the directive's most worrying requirement. Almost 40% think that AIFMD will encourage the development of the offshore fund management industry. The poll also highlighted that only 17% of the respondents were not prepared for the upcoming AIFMD changes.
Nick Powlesland, head of European valuations at Knight Frank, said: "This directive should lead to more investor confidence and better pan-European marketing and cross-border sales opportunities, but funds haven't got long. The scope of the directive is very wide-ranging, applying not just to fund managers but many types of collective investment vehicles. There is a major focus on valuation policies and procedures and professional guarantees required from the valuer, which clients need to address. They need to take heed and speak to well-informed advisers as quickly as possible."
The AIFMD is set to regulate the marketing and managing of funds (other than UCITS) within the European Union. This includes all European-based AIFs and fund managers.
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