New FCA liquidity rules fail to shift buyer sentiment on property funds

Reaction to NURS guidelines

clock • 4 min read

New Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules designed to improve the governance of funds investing in illiquid assets will do little to tackle the inherent problems in direct property funds, which have been hit with heavy outflows since the 2016 Brexit referendum, according to fund buyers.

Last week the FCA confirmed that as of 30 September next year non-UCITS retail schemes (NURSs), such as those in the IA UK Direct Property sector, will be subject to new liquidity-related requirements designed to ensure investors are "appropriately protected". In the wake of the 2016 EU referendum, waves of outflows forced several property funds to gate to protect investors while redemptions were met. Ben Yearsley, director at Shore Financial Planning, said he "cannot see what difference the FCA's new rules are really going to make", adding that his firm is currently in the proc...

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 Investment

NextWealth MD Hopkins on staying ahead of advice sector changes, data challenges and flattening MPS fees

NextWealth MD Hopkins on staying ahead of advice sector changes, data challenges and flattening MPS fees

Making technology work better

Katrina Lloyd
clock 03 July 2025 • 9 min read
IFAs look to boost clients' private markets exposure

IFAs look to boost clients' private markets exposure

Expect increase in stock market volatility

Jen Frost
clock 02 July 2025 • 2 min read
Winds of change: Private markets access for retail investors

Winds of change: Private markets access for retail investors

Investing in LTAFs, accessibility aside, needs careful consideration

Dorian Hughes
clock 02 July 2025 • 5 min read