A team of professionals from Abacus Fund Administration Limited (‘AFAL’) have just returned from Malta’s Annual Spring Fund Conference which was held at prestigious Westin Dragonara in Malta and was co-sponsored by AFAL. The event, now in its 3rd year, is organised by ESAFON (The European & Swiss Network of Asset and Fund Managers) and was well attended by both local and international fund managers, lawyers, wealth and investment managers and private equity houses.
This year’s conference focused on the introduction of three new directives due to be implemented in Europe within the coming months, with particular focus on the implications and opportunities for managers of funds in Malta. The directives are; Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (‘UCITS IV’), Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (‘AIFMD’) and Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II).
Paul Kneen, Managing Director of Abacus’ Funds Group commented, ‘Increasing pressure from governing bodies in Europe and the US have led to the introduction on three new directives within Europe. Each of these directives will have an impact on how funds operate, not only within Europe, but with other jurisdictions across the globe. The full impact of the directives on both our onshore and offshore fund clients is still somewhat unclear at this stage, however both the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission and the Malta Financial Services Authority are working alongside key bodies within the respective fund industries to ensure that the islands are prepared for the implications of the directives once they come into force.
Although the conference was to discuss the implications of all three new directives, particular focus was upon the imminent introduction of the AIFMD and the impact of the legislation on Alternative Investment Fund Managers and the measures that different players in the funds industry will need to take to ensure they are prepared’.
Mr Kneen further commented, ‘The ESAFON conference grows in stature each year, sponsoring the event was an excellent opportunity for Abacus to showcase our offering and the full range of fund services that we provide’.
For a full range of Abacus Fund services that will assist with the establishment and ongoing development of investment funds, visit www.Abacusiom.com.
- Ends -
