In a consistent effort to improve its value proposition to investment managers and service providers, the Bahamas has continued to fine-tune its legislative framework, pandemic notwithstanding. The changes expected will support the growing trends witnessed within the financial services industry, both in the Bahamas and on a more global scale.

By Matthew Chapman (pictured), Director, ACA Compliance Group – Geopolitical change and uncertainty, regulatory sabre-rattling and industry shake-ups have combined to create a perfect storm for many financial services firms when it comes to their trade and transaction reporting obligations under MiFIR, EMIR and SFTR.

High set up costs could stymie the fortunes of emerging and start up managers before they even make their first step. Malta offers such organisations the opportunity to set up their business in a low-cost jurisdiction while taking advantage of the high touch service they would benefit from due to the size of the industry.

This is the second in a series of four articles from the DMS Client Solutions Team, bringing you a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by the shifting European regulatory landscape. In last week’s article Daniel Forbes explored Why Cross-Border Fund Domiciles are Transforming into Fund Management Hubs. This week Pádraic Durkan continues this theme by looking at the evolving landscape in Ireland for fund management…

With certain aspects of the EU’s ongoing MiFID II review affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Hedgeweek explores how a fresh overhaul of the framework may further impact hedge fund operations, and why the Covid-19 crisis may provide an easing of the regulatory burden.

After initiating a Brexit solution that would have been MiFID based and anchored in Luxembourg, Laven Group has announced it is not pursuing this as a viable solution.

By Stéphane Badey, Arendt – These are uncertain times, but three solid trends driving the Luxembourg investment funds market can be highlighted.

The private equity industry is currently navigating a number of challenges in addition to the Covid-19 pandemic, which the whole world is facing. As regulation and political will around environment, social and governance (ESG) factors grows, PE firms are coming under increased pressure to incorporate this approach into their investment strategies. These firms are also keeping a close eye on the progress of the Brexit negotiations to make sure to maintain their access to Europe.

Q&A with Marcus Peter & Irina Stoliarova, GSK Stockman

What are the key trends currently driving growth and development within Luxembourg’s funds industry?

There are several macroeconomic factors which support further growth in the private equity, venture capital and real estate space in Luxembourg. Although events like Covid-19, the Brexit transition, US elections and the US-China trade war may damage this potential, managers can also find opportunity in the turmoil.