ALFI released figures confirming that 2013 was overall a good year for the Luxembourg fund industry. With €193 billion in 2013, net sales of Luxembourg investment funds accounted for nearly half of all sales for the European fund industry.
Net assets managed by investment funds under Luxembourg law reached €2,615.4 billion at the end of December 2013, compared to €2,383 billion at the end of 2012. Commenting on the past year, Marc Saluzzi, Chairman of ALFI, said: “2013 was positive, but there are challenges ahead for the sector. For example, whilst the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) has finally been implemented, and despite positive developments in the negotiations on FATCA, the regulatory agenda remains a heavy burden. The proposed Financial Transaction Tax (FTT), the draft regulation on money market funds and the final agreement on MiFID II could have a severe negative impact on the European asset management industry.”
On FATCA, ALFI confirmed that the Model 1 Intergovernmental Agreement between Luxembourg and the US is to be signed soon. On AIFMD, ALFI reports that, six months after the implementation of the Directive, the effect of the new regulation is beginning to take shape. In Luxembourg some 90 alternative investment fund managers have applied to the CSSF for approval under the new regulations. At this point, 12 companies are listed on the official CSSF list of AIFM, whilst six others have received approval and are finalizing the paperwork.
“Total Assets under management in alternative funds in Luxembourg is currently around €500 billion and ALFI’s objective is to double these assets within five years", says Saluzzi. “Our comprehensive range of investment vehicles will help achieve this.”
In this context, two developments are of particular interest:
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The new Limited Partnership regime introduced with the law transposing the AIFM Directive into Luxembourg law has met with the success, with 83 units established so far under the plan;
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Similarly, specialised investment funds (SIFs ) continue their momentum of growth. More than 1,500 SIFs have been created since its introduction in 2007, and they now manage more than €300 billion of assets. This is the most popular investment product in its class in Europe.
Mr Saluzzi concludes: “Whilst initial results on AIFMD are very encouraging, we need to wait until at least the end of July 2014 to see Luxembourg’s role in this sector".
Full press release
© ALFI - Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry
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