Regulatory Round-up: January 2022
January started off the new year with several important regulatory developments in the investment funds and asset management industry. The most notable developments include: The proposed amendments to Form PF…
Asset Managers Need to Step Up Their Liquidity Efforts – ESMA’s Five Key Priorities
Throughout the year regulators have focused on liquidity, and as this year draws to a close, that focus shows no signs of diminishing. “Asset managers need to step up their efforts to ensure the liquidity of their funds is adequately managed and that they are prepared for future shocks” – that was the closing remarks from Steven Maijoor’s Keynote Address at EFAMA’s Investment Management Forum which heavily focused on liquidity risk.
Further Liquidity Regulatory Scrutiny Needed
Last month it was great to see a number of key liquidity developments finally enter into force, including: ESMA’s new guidelines on liquidity stress testing in UCITS and AIFs, The FCA’s new rules for certain open-ended funds investing in inherently illiquid assets; and Article 37 MMF Reporting for both Q1 and Q2.
September Liquidity Deadlines: Reminder on Funds Investing in Inherently Illiquid Assets
The 30 September compliance deadline is fast approaching for a number of liquidity developments. Including: ESMA’s new guidelines on liquidity stress testing in UCITS and AIFs. The FCA’s new rules for certain open-ended funds investing in inherently illiquid assets. FCA and Bank of England survey to review the liquidity mismatch in open ended funds Article 37 MMF Reporting for both Q1 and Q2.
The Liquidity Countdown
Fund liquidity problems witnessed in 2019 with Woodford and H2O Asset Management brought liquidity back into the spotlight. Since then, the focus hasn’t really faded on the issue of liquidity, and if anything, has intensified with the COVID-19 pandemic causing market volatility resulting in several more fund suspensions.
Although 2020 has already seen a number of initiatives intended to address liquidity risk, there are still more to come, with September due to be a particular busy month for risk management professionals.