Fund Management Companies - Capital Markets

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Fund Management Companies

A Labuan fund manager is defined as a person who, for valuable consideration, provides management services which may include investment advice or administrative services in respect of securities for the purposes of investment, including dealing in securities. For a Labuan fund manager undertaking Islamic fund management activities, its operations shall also comply with Shariah principles.

Eligibility

An applicant intending to carry on business as a Labuan fund manager in Labuan IBFC shall meet the following eligibility criteria:

An individual who holds a relevant degree or professional qualification to carry on fund management activities. Labuan FSA may also consider an applicant who is at least a diploma holder with three years’ relevant experience in the capital market or direct experience in fund management activities;
An approved fund manager or any provider of such services from a country or jurisdiction who is a member of the International Organisation of Securities Commission (IOSCO); or
A person who does not fulfil items 1 and 2 may also be considered, provided that the fund management activities are run and managed by suitably qualified and experienced individuals.

Licensing Requirements

Submit a duly completed application form (Form LSCM) and all the relevant supporting documents as stipulated in Form LSCM
Provide a business plan covering the business intentions, types of services to be provided, target market, three-year revenue projections and manpower, including the equity structure of the company with regard to the percentage of shareholding
Demonstrate the existence of both adequate financial resources and insurance coverage as specified in paragraphs 8.1 and 8.2 of the Guidelines on the Establishment of Labuan Fund Manager
The applicant, proposed directors and principal officer including any other relevant person are fit and proper persons as per the Guidelines on Fit and Proper Person Requirements issued by Labuan FSA; and
Subject to the merit of each application, additional information may be requested by Labuan FSA to facilitate the processing of the application.

Operational Requirements

The Labuan fund manager shall do the following:

Maintain a paid-up capital unimpaired by losses of at least RM300,000 or its equivalent in any foreign currency throughout its operations. Where the Labuan fund manager has assets under management (AUM) of more than RM150 million, it must maintain additional capital equivalent to 0.2% of the AUM in excess of RM150 million.
Maintain a professional indemnity insurance policy with coverage of not less than RM1 million or its equivalent in any foreign currency throughout its operations.
Maintain a registered office in Labuan and ensure that the business must be carried on in, from or through Labuan. For a Labuan fund manager that plans to establish a marketing office at Kuala Lumpur and/or Iskandar Malaysia, the Guidelines on the Establishment of Marketing Office in Kuala Lumpur and Iskandar Malaysia issued by Labuan FSA should be observed.
Ensure that the shareholder(s), director(s), principal officer and representative, including any other relevant person, meet the requirements of the Guidelines on Fit and Proper Person Requirements issued by Labuan FSA.
Ensure the compliance of the duties of a Labuan fund manager including segregation of client’s assets as stipulated under Part III, Division 4 of the LFSSA and Part IV, Chapter 4 of the LIFSSA.
Establish adequate internal policies and procedures for its operations, compliances, internal controls, corporate governance and risk management, including its business continuity plan. These have to be regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain appropriate, relevant and prudent.
Appoint an approved auditor to carry out an annual audit of its accounts in respect of its business operations pursuant to Section 174 of the LFSSA and Section 135 of the LIFSSA.
Conduct its business in any foreign currency other than Malaysian Ringgit unless permitted under Section 7(4) of the Labuan Companies Act 1990.
Conduct its business with due diligence and sound principles, maintain adequate and proper records and books of accounts in Labuan in line with the Directive on Accounts and Record-keeping Requirement for Labuan Entities issued by Labuan FSA and indicate clearly its name and license or registration number on its letterhead, stationery and other documents.
Appointment of qualified person to its internal Shariah Advisory Board for a Labuan fund manager undertaking Islamic fund management activities is required to ensure that its management and operations are in compliance with Shariah principles. In this regard, the Directive on Islamic Financial Business in Labuan IBFC shall also be observed.
Obtain prior approval from Labuan FSA on the following:

Changes to its identity, place of business or office in Labuan or outside Labuan, ownership and shareholding information of the fund manager.
Appointment of director(s) and shareholder(s). The Labuan fund manager must have at least two directors.

Notify Labuan FSA in writing of the following:

Any amendment or alteration to any of its constituent documents within thirty (30) days of the changes being effected, including the business plan.
For a Labuan fund manager undertaking Islamic fund management activities, notification is required within thirty (30) days from the appointment of its internal Shariah Advisory Board.

Comply with relevant laws and regulations of the jurisdiction where it intends to operate in.
Comply with the relevant directives, guidelines and reporting requirements issued by Labuan FSA from time to time.