27 May 2014

Hedgeweek: Clearstream issues report to help depositary banks comply with AIFMD

AIFMD enters into force on 22 July 2014, imposing tight restrictions on the regulation and supervision of AIFMs to ensure greater market transparency and increased investor protection. Following consultations with clients, Clearstream’s new monitoring report aims to ease the burden on depositaries to monitor the structure and performance of their underlying custody chain for assets held directly via Clearstream in their domestic markets. This information will support the due diligence and regulatory obligations that a customer may be required to perform, particularly when acting as a depositary bank under AIFMD and UCITS V.

Clearstream’s new reporting service initially covers 30 domestic markets; an enhanced service including the full set of market links that Clearstream offers will be available for customers before AIFMD enters into force. The report provides full transparency on the structure of the domestic market (i.e. account structures, audits) and information on Clearstream’s extensive network of 53 domestic markets and 90 links to local central securities depositories (CSDs) as well as information related to its sub-custodian selection and review process. Depositary banks can use this information report when reporting to alternative investment fund managers (AIFMs).  

Berthold Kracke, member of the executive board of Clearstream and head of business management, says: "Market participants must now mobilise for AIFMD which will enter into force on 22 July 2014. Our Domestic Markets Monitoring Report is a first step to increase transparency in the custody chain and thereby supports our depositary bank customers in complying with AIFMD. As a highly secure market infrastructure and securities settlement system, we are a natural partner for customers seeking to take on their responsibilities and manage their risk profile for the safekeeping of assets under AIFMD."

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