CSSF Publishes FAQs On Bearer Share Immobilisation Law

The CSSF has published on December 30 last year a set of frequently-asked questions and responses regarding the impact on Luxembourg-domiciled investment funds of the legislation of July 28, 2014 regarding immobilisation of bearer shares and units.

In addition to definitions of terms used in the legislation, the Q&As clarify points such as the date of entry into force of the law (August 18, 2014), and the types of funds it affects (UCITS, UCIs, SIFs and SICARs incorporated in the form of an S.A., S.C.A. or FCP and that have issued bearer shares or units which are still outstanding).

The legislation obliges the board of directors or management board of the fund or its management company to appoint a depositary (not necessarily the depositary used by the fund for the safekeeping of its assets) and obliges the holder of bearer shares or units to deposit them with the depositary. Criminal sanctions are applicable to the management board of investment funds and depositaries in the event of non-compliance. A service provider to the fund (registrar, transfer agent or depositary bank) may be appointed as depositary for the purposes of immobilising bearer shares.

Bearer shares or units issued after August 18, 2014 must be deposited with the depositary immediately on their issue. Entities with pre-existing bearer shares had six months - up to February 18 to comply, after which the voting rights linked to the shares or units...