IFM's expertise a boost for KID clients

Our experience of producing key investor documentation to clients under existing UCITS regulation has enabled us to create a one-stop solution for in-house and third party clients affected by the new Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products (PRIIPs) regulation. Here Shaun Robert Director of IFM discusses the requirements.

Summary

The PRIIPs regulation which came into force on 1st January 2018 applies across all EU Member states and affects banking insurance based investment products and funds.

The purpose is to standardise a new Key Information Document (KID) specifically for retail investors. The KID should be short concise and presented in a manner which is easy to read and understand across a maximum of three pages. This will assist retail investors to review and compare key indicators of products in the market place.

In addition to the KID there are a further two templates which utilise results of the KID these are a European PRIIPS Template (EPT) and a European MIFID Template (EMT) and are a prerequisite of onshore distribution and marketing platforms.

Non-compliance with the PRIIPs regulation not only risks a regulatory fine but also the potential to be removed from marketing platforms inhibiting promotion to investors.

Key comparability content of the KID

The KID will provide information on key comparable areas:

• A Summary Risk indicator on a scale of one to seven
• Performance scenarios
• Cost implication calculations as defined within the PRIIPs regulation

While the methodologies albeit complex are clear PRIIP providers specifically in the fund space are concerned that results are far from an accurate reflection of what an investor may experience. The one size fits all calculation for example in a favourable scenario does not take into consideration static or known investment returns yet still looks to significantly inflate performance providing highly unlikely if not impossible astronomical returns.

Equally on the costs and reduction in yield results the calculation does not allow you to consider where returns provided are already net of costs and therefore costs should not be further deducted.

In consideration of the above and as a result of concerns by industry on potentially misleading returns the FCA issued a statement stating We are comfortable with them (PRIIP manufacturer) providing explanatory materials to put the calculation in context and to set out their concerns for investors to consider.

Where firms selling or advising on PRIIPs have concerns that the performance scenarios in a particular KID may mislead their clients they should consider how to address this for example by providing additional explanation as part of their communications with clients.

Do you need to prepare a KID?

In summary while your offering or marketing document may not be directly marketed suggesting the PRIIP is more suited towards sophisticated non-retail investors if the PRIIP is available to trade via an exchange it is therefore available to retail investors and considered to be indirectly marketed. Our view is that if a PRIIP is available for retail investors to subscribe for example by way of a traded exchange a KID should be produced.

Where do I distribute the KID?

When the initial KID is finalised or future KIDs are updated they along with relevant EPTs or EMTs should be communicated to the market via central channels as required;

• Company website
• Distribution platforms
• RNS announcements highlighting that a KID or updated KID is now available (optional)

IFM's experience with KIDs

We already provide a similar styled Key Investor Information Document service to our clients under the existing UCITS regulation. This experience has enabled us to leverage our wider knowledge on the KID requirements and swiftly position ourselves to assist in-house and third party clients with the production of KIDs under the new regulation. IFM's full front to back service is more efficient for clients offering both time and cost savings as opposed to using multiple providers to complete the same.

Our KID service offering;

• Creation of the initial KID including provision of the template document and calculation of the Key Risk indicator Reduction in Yields calculation and performance scenario analysis;
• Ongoing monitoring of the key information contained within the KID as a requirement under the PRIIPs regulation ensuring it remains accurate;
• Completion of interim KID updates as required;
• Annual compulsory KID updates;
• Communication of the KID and its revisions to all relevant parties including the AIFM and Fund board to ensure all parties can provide input and approve content.

INTERNATIONAL FUND MANAGEMENT (IFM)

IFM is a Guernsey licensed fund manager and has a strong track record in providing Alternative Investment Fund Management (AIFM) services principal management risk advisory and risk reporting services to funds and investment managers since 2006. Part of the PraxisIFM Group IFM provides offshore AIFM services and has experience in the Private Placement notifications and obligations to a number of EEA jurisdictions. IFM has registered and maintains fund regulatory pipelines for its investors around the world currently including UK Ireland Germany Sweden South Africa Luxembourg and Denmark.

IFM has a board with significant fund industry and investment experience meaning we can not only provide a strong risk management advisory and reporting services but also give valuable input into current regulations and what is happening in the market in relation to these roles and responsibilities.

This article was first published on 22 January 2018 and edited on 27 February 2018.

Please note that this article is intended to provide a general overview of the matters to which it relates. It is not intended as professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Any engagement in respect of our professional services is subject to our standard terms and conditions of business and the provision of all necessary due diligence. © Praxis 2023