Eleven Years of AIFMD: Lessons Learned

• Year: 01 January 2023

Speaker

Andre Zerafa is an accomplished legal professional who currently holds the position of co-head of Ganado Advocates' investment services and funds team and he specialises in the structuring and establishment of alternative investment funds, UCITS funds and other retail funds.

Outside of his legal practice, Andre contributes to the academic realm as an external examiner and tutor at the University of Malta's Faculty of Laws. Furthermore, Andre serves as a council member of the esteemed Maltese Institute of Financial Services Practitioners.

Topic

The presentation delves into a comprehensive analysis of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), a pivotal piece of financial regulation in the European Union (EU) that has had a profound impact on the alternative investment fund industry. Through a meticulous examination of the AIFMD, this presentation aims to shed light on its key provisions, historical context, and its significance within the broader landscape of financial regulations.

The AIFMD, implemented in 2011, sought to regulate and harmonize the activities of alternative investment fund managers operating within the EU. This directive was a response to the global financial crisis of 2008 and aimed to enhance transparency, investor protection, and systemic stability within the alternative investment sector. Over the years, the AIFMD has played a crucial role in shaping the behavior of fund managers and the investment landscape in Europe.

As we dissect the AIFMD, we will explore the valuable lessons learned from its implementation. This includes a careful examination of its successes, challenges, and unintended consequences. Understanding these lessons is crucial not only for policymakers but also for industry participants who must navigate the complex regulatory environment in which they operate.

Furthermore, this presentation will delve into the proposed reforms to the AIFMD in 2021. These reforms represent a significant development in the ongoing evolution of European financial regulation. By offering an outline of these proposals, we aim to provide a forward-looking perspective on how the AIFMD is set to adapt to...