The aim of the proposed amendments is to upgrade the current Luxembourg legal framework and develop new structuring solutions to facilitate retail investors' access to alternative asset classes, in light of market trends in recent years. The Bill provides for four main changes that are worthy of note.
1. Introduction of structuring flexibilities for Part II
The Bill proposes broadening the corporate structuring options of Part II (which is available to retail investments), to align its regime with that of other Luxembourg AIFs. Hence, under the Bill, Part II may be set up in the form of a partnership limited by shares, a limited partnership, a special limited partnership, a limited liability company or a cooperative society organised as a public limited company. This change aims to complete the Part II fund toolbox with some of the preferred legal forms for private funds, enhancing the structuring attractiveness of Part II funds for the private fund industry. As a concrete foreseeable impact, we may expect this structuring flexibility to benefit ELTIFs, since they are generally organised under Part II funds.
The Bill also proposes introducing structuring flexibilities for asset valuation (introduction of the fair-value principle) and, for closed-ended funds, a determination of share/unit prices based on the funds' constitutive document (rather than on a principle of NAV calculation).
2. Lowering the minimum investment applicable to 'other' Well-Informed Investors (SIFs, SIC-ARs and RAIFs)
The Bill proposes amending the RAIF, SICAR and SIF Laws by lowering the requirement for a minimum investment (or commitment) amount applicable to non-professional investors from EUR 125,000 to 100,000. This change aims to align Luxembourg with the European standard (such as EuSEF and EuVECA applying a EUR 100,000 threshold) and hence re-affirm the RAIF, SICAR and SIF as privileged private wealth solutions.
3. Extension of the ramp-up period to 24 months (Part II, SIFs, SICARs and RAIFs)
The Bill proposes extending the ramp-up period (6 months for Part II and 12 months for SICARs, SIFs and RAIFs, respectively) to reach the minimum subscribed capital up to 12 months and 24 months respectively. This change aims to address some of the market demand of the private fund sector and hence strengthen the attractiveness of Luxembourg fund products.
4. Possibility for Luxembourg authorised AIFMs to appoint tied-agent
The Bill also introduces the possibility for authorised Luxembourg-based AIFMs to appoint tied agents within the meaning of and under the conditions set forth by the Luxembourg Mi-FID implementing law, namely, the Law of 5 April 1993 on the financial sector, as amended. This change aims to align the AIFM regime with the regime applicable to UCITS management companies and hence to broaden the Luxembourg marketing and pre-marketing solutions, notably for third-country asset managers using Luxembourg-based AIFMs.
The bill has been voted and has entered into force on 28 July 2023. These amendments will increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of Luxembourg as a financial centre and will likely bring the Luxembourg private funds toolbox one step further towards the private wealth industry.
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Our Investment Funds team is happy to discuss any issues related to the ongoing update of the European and national regulatory framework for private equity.