Guidelines

In this section we deal with variations in the application of the corporate governance guidelines to open end and closed end vehicles. In practice there is not a clear division between these two categories as vehicles may have characteristics of both. Nonetheless we set out how the governance for a pure open end vehicle may be expected to vary from a pure closed end vehicle.

Liquidity mechanism for investors

Closed end vehicles would typically have a fixed life, and investors would normally expect to invest at the start of the life of the vehicle, and redeem their investment towards the end of the life, as the vehicle sells its assets and winds down. Investors may have the ability to sell their investment on the secondary market, but would not normally expect to do so.

Open end vehicles, in contrast, typically last for an indefinite period, and provide clear mechanisms for new investors to subscribe for equity (or debt), and for existing investors to exit from their equity (or debt) position. Consequently, the constitutional terms governing subscription, valuation and redemption of equity (or debt investments) in the vehicle must be clearly set out for all investors and prospective investors, along with the anticipated liquidity for investors. Such terms are likely to be more developed in open end vehicles than in closed end vehicles.

Valuation guidelines

Given the importance of the mechanism for subscribing for and redeeming equity (or debt investments) in an open end vehicle, particular attention should be paid to the valuation and accounting principles applied. These valuation and accounting principles should be clearly set out in the constitutional terms and disclosed to any potential investors, including the frequency of such valuations. The vehicle should also follow INREV’s methodology for calculating and disclosing the INREV NAV. The constitutional terms should describe how the price for equity (or debt) subscription (bid price) and equity (or debt) redemption (offer price) are related to the INREV NAV.

Control or influence in decision-making

The constitutional terms will set out the extent of control or influence delegated to non-executive officers and investors in the running of a vehicle. In closed end vehicles, where investors are likely to be committed to the vehicle for its entire life, investors may seek some control or influence over certain decisions, as set out in CG10 of the guidelines. The degree of control or influence offered to investors can be less in open end vehicles, however, based on the assumption that investors should have the opportunity to exit the vehicle if the investment strategy of the vehicle no longer meets their investment objectives. Since the liquidity of open-ended vehicles cannot be guaranteed, it constitutes good governance to also provide for key investor rights in open end vehicles.

No-fault termination clauses

One indication of accountability of the manager is the existence in the constitutional terms of a clause providing for no-fault termination of the manager. A no-fault termination clause is less common in open end vehicles than in closed end vehicles, since investors who no longer wish the manager to run the vehicle, and who would vote for a termination of the manager if such a mechanism were available, may exit the vehicle through redemption. As the liquidity in open end vehicles may not be fully available it constitutes good governance to also provide for no-fault removal provisions in open end vehicles.

Co-investment by the manager

One indication of alignment of interests with investors is the manager having a meaningful co-investment in the vehicle as an incentive for the manager to perform. Co-investment by the manager is likely to be less important to investors in an open end vehicle than in a closed end vehicle, if a proven exit mechanism is available to investors who may be concerned about the commitment of the manager to run the vehicle.

Performance feeterms

Another indication of alignment of interests with investors is a performance fee structure that incentivises the manager to act in a way that is in the interest of the investors. Performance fee structures should be designed to suit the risk profile of the vehicle. Open end vehicles are typically core, not opportunistic, and so it would be expected that the balance of fees to the manager will be more weighted to base fees than for a closed end vehicle. In addition, the bid/offer price mechanism should take account of any accrued but unpaid performance fee.

Conflicts of interest

AIFMD specific requirements: The AIFM that manages an open-ended AIF shall identify, manage and monitor conflicts of interest arising between investors wanting to redeem their investments and investors wishing to maintain their investment in the AIF, and any conflicts between the AIFM’s incentive to invest in illiquid assets and the AIF’s redemption policy.