Brussels, 15/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 15 April, the European Parliament cast in stone the directive boosting investor protection in unit trusts and other forms of collective investment (UCITS) in response to the Madoff scandal.
In 2016, there will be better definition of the work of depositories (the companies that manage the shares bought by unit trust managers) along with their duties (see EUROPE 11043).
In order to restrict excessive risk-taking, the directive lays down requirements for the variable pay of unit trust managers. Bonuses will not be capped, but half must be paid in the form of shares in the fund itself. In addition, 40% of the bonus will not be paid until three years later.
If fund managers fail in their duties, they will face fines of €5 million for individuals and 10% of turnover for companies.
For the first time, whistle-blowers will be granted protection. (MB)