The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (Directive 2011/61/EU) (AIFMD) was transposed into national law in the UK on 22 July 2013, introducing requirements concerning transparency and the information that must be disclosed to potential investors before they make an investment decision. The principal document for any investor and alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) is the investment prospectus, also known as an information memorandum, which must be drafted to include all relevant information about the investment opportunity to enable an investor to make an informed choice. This Practice Note lists the prospectus transparency requirements set out in the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook—specifically, the Investment Funds sourcebook, chapter 3.2 (FUND 3.2)—and explores these concepts in relation to preparing an investment memorandum that is fit for purpose.

Additional related information can be found in the following Practice Notes:

1. •

   Practice Note: UK AIFM regime—disclosure, reporting and anti-asset stripping requirements on the disclosure and reporting obligations that are imposed on UK AIFMs

2. •

   Practice Note: EU AIFMD—Transparency Rules and the prospectus