Converting from RFMC to LFMC – enhanced compliance obligations

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) has published a consultation paper on its proposal to repeal the registered fund management company (“RFMC”) regime. Transitioned RFMCs would be subject to all of the same regulatory requirements as currently applicable to LFMCs.

Key LFMC compliance requirements

We have detailed below the key LFMC compliance requirements that may be relevant for RFMCs that are transitioning to LFMCs.

Capital requirements

Similar to the RFMC, the base capital requirement for LFMCs is S$250,000. However, in addition, LFMCs are required to maintain a risk-based capital. LFMCs are required to maintain financial resources not less than 120% of total risk requirement. When financial resources fall below 120%, LFMCs must notify MAS and remediate the breach.

The financial resources of LFMC are the sum of the following items in the latest available accounts:

1. base capital
2. paid-up irredeemable and cumulative preference share capital
3. paid-up redeemable preference share capital with a redemption period of not less than two years
4. revaluation reserves
5. other reserves
6. interim unappropriated profit
7. collective impairment allowances.

Less the following items in the latest accounts of the LFMC:

1. intangible assets
2. future income tax benefits
3. pre-paid expenses
4. charged assets
5. unsecured amounts due from directors of the CMSL and their connected persons
6. unsecured amounts owed by a related corporation, other than receivables which are due for settlement within 3 months
7. unsecured loans and advances made by the CMSL, unless a deduction has already been made pursuant to sub-paragraphs (e) or (f) above
8. capital investments in every subsidiary or associate of the CMSL.

Total risk requirement is typically equal to the operational risk requirement, if the average adjusted assets, at the end of each quarter, do not exceed the lower of S$10 million or five times the financial resources.

Notification of changes

RFMCs notify MAS on changes pertaining to particulars of RFMCs, directors, representatives and relevant professionals via Form 23A which is submitted to MAS via the CeL system. These changes are required to be submitted within 14 days from the date of change.

Filings and notifications differ for an LFMC. Certain changes require LFMC to seek prior approval from MAS. For example, LFMCs are required to obtain approval from MAS for any change in shareholders which will result in one person holding more than 20% voting power or interests in the LFMC. LFMCs also require prior approval from MAS to reduce paid-up capital.

LFMCs are required to notify MAS of changes and these filings are typically carried out by submitting FormSG via MAS-Tx. For example, LFMCs are required to notify MAS of resignation of CEO/Director no later than 14 days from the date of resignation and notify MAS of changes on nature of appointment of a Director as soon as practicable.

LFMCs are also required to submit form 3A to MAS to seek approval prior to appointing any new representatives which are submitted to MAS via MASNET.

Regulatory submissions

RFMCs are currently required to submit Form 25A within one month from financial year end or annually on AUM, key investors, fund types etc. RFMCs submit Form 25B, audited financial returns and auditors report within five months after financial year end.

LFMCs are required to submit quarterly financial returns within 14 days from the end of each quarter. Form 1 (Statement of Assets and Liabilities), Form 2 (Statement of Financial Resources), Total Risk Requirement and Aggregate Indebtedness are generally submitted on a quarterly basis. A Qualified Income Expenditure Form is also required to be filed on a quarterly basis.

Annually LFMCs need to submit Form 1, Form 2, Form 3 (Statement related to Accounts of  a Holder of a Capital Market Services (“CMS”) Licence), Form 4 (relating to the Accounts of a Holder of a CMS Licence – Supplementary Information, Form 5 (Auditor’s Report – For a Holder of a CMS Licence), Form 6 (Auditor’s Certification – For a Holder of a CMS Licence), Audit financial statements and Auditor’s report.

Compliance arrangements

RFMCs are able to outsource their compliance to third-party providers and that is also permissible for LFMCs. However, LFMCs who intend to manage more than S$1 Bn would be required to have a full-time dedicated compliance officer. Compliance remains the responsibility of the CEO and Directors of regulated entities.

Risk management

A risk management framework is a requirement for RFMCs and for LFMCs. Fund managers should ensure they have in place proper procedures to monitor the risk exposure and report these in a timely manner to the management for action.

Considerations for RFMCs transitioning to LFMCs

We have highlighted some key MAS guidelines and Notices that RFMCs should be aware of when they transition to become LFMCs.

How can Waystone assist?

Waystone Compliance Solutions can prepare you for a smooth transition from an RFMC to LFMC by carrying out the following services:

• update your compliance policies and procedures to adhere to LFMC regulatory requirements
• assistance with financial forms computation and filing with MAS
• assistancewith the provision of enhanced compliance support to manage all regulatory filings applicable to a LFMC
• provide training to senior management and employees to assist with their understanding of the capital market services framework.

If you would like to discuss any of these details further, please reach out to our APAC compliance solutions team or contact us.

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