Investment trusts avoid automatic 'complex' definition under MiFID II

Welcomed by the AIC

Daniel Flynn
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed investment company shares will not be automatically considered "complex" under MIFID II.

In its third consultation paper on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) the FCA said investment trusts will neither be considered automatically non-complex, nor automatically complex. The FCA said shares in investment trusts need to be assessed against the complexity criteria in the MiFID II delegated regulation, and should be approached cautiously if there is any doubt as to whether they are non-complex. Under MIFID II, a product is considered non-complex if it does not incorporate a clause, condition or trigger that could fundamentally alter the nature or ris...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

FCA: Simplified advice rules update imminent; MPS review outcome set for 2027

FCA: Simplified advice rules update imminent; MPS review outcome set for 2027

Regulator's Kate Tuckley gives update

Isabel Baxter
clock 08 September 2026 • 3 min read
DB transfer adviser hit with provisional FCA ban and £742,700 fine

DB transfer adviser hit with provisional FCA ban and £742,700 fine

Daniel Thomas advised 53 clients, including four British Steel scheme members

Sophia Panayi
clock 03 September 2026 • 2 min read
Proving good customer outcomes still a challenge for financial planners

Proving good customer outcomes still a challenge for financial planners

Firms face practical challenges in Consumer Duty board reporting

Sophia Panayi
clock 03 September 2026 • 2 min read