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Comparing Limited Partnership Funds (LPFs) Across Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, and Singapore

Updated: Nov 7


有限合夥基金 (LPF) 比較了香港、開曼、新加坡的各種傳統基金結構

When considering the compliance requirements of Limited Partnership Funds (LPFs) versus other fund structures, several key points can help understand their differences. These differences can indeed influence investor choices.


Compliance Requirements for LPFs

  1. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC)

  • Requirements: LPFs must comply with strict AML and KYC regulations, including investor identity verification and risk assessment.

  • Impact: This increases management and compliance costs but enhances investment security and transparency.

  1. Annual Registration Fees and Charges

  • Requirements: LPFs are required to pay annual registration and maintenance fees to ensure legal operation of the fund.

  • Impact: Fixed costs increase, which may burden smaller funds.

3. Annual Audit and Asset Valuation

  • Requirements: LPFs need to undergo annual audits and asset valuations to ensure financial transparency and accuracy.

  • Impact: This adds to operating costs and compliance burdens but helps maintain investor trust.


Comparison with Other Fund Structures

Open-ended Fund Companies (OFCs)

  1. AML and KYC

  • Requirements: Similarly stringent AML and KYC regulations are required.

  • Impact: Similar to LPFs, this increases compliance costs but enhances security.

  1. Annual Registration Fees and Charges

  • Requirements: OFCs must pay registration and annual fees.

  • Impact: Similar to LPFs, fixed costs increase.

  1. Annual Audit and Asset Valuation

  • Requirements: OFCs must undergo annual audits and asset valuations.

  • Impact: High compliance costs but improved transparency


 

Exempted Limited Partnerships (ELPs) in the Cayman Islands

  1. AML and KYC

  • Requirements: Must adhere to international AML and KYC standards.

  • Impact: Compliance costs rise, but it's a familiar structure for international investors.

  1. Annual Registration Fees and Charges

  • Requirements: ELPs must pay registration and annual fees.

  • Impact: Fixed costs increase, though they may differ from LPFs.

  1. Annual Audit and Asset Valuation

  • Requirements: ELPs must undergo annual audits and asset valuations.

  • Impact: Compliance burdens increase, similar to LPFs.

Variable Capital Companies (VCCs) in Singapore

  1. AML and KYC

  • Requirements: Must comply with stringent AML and KYC regulations.

  • Impact: High compliance costs but improved security and transparency.

  1. Annual Registration Fees and Charges

  • Requirements: VCCs must pay registration and annual fees.

  • Impact: Similar to LPFs, fixed costs increase.

  1. Annual Audit and Asset Valuation

  • Requirements: VCCs must undergo annual audits and asset valuations.

  • Impact: High compliance costs but improved transparency.

Impact on Investor Choices

  1. Compliance Costs

  • Impact: High compliance costs may lead smaller funds or investors with limited capital to prefer structures with relatively lower compliance requirements.

  1. Transparency and Security

  • Impact: Stringent AML and KYC regulations increase transparency and security, attracting investors who prioritize risk control and compliance.

  1. Management Flexibility

  • Impact: LPF structures offer flexibility suitable for various investment strategies, though structures with heavier compliance burdens may be better suited to investors with higher compliance budgets.

Conclusion

LPFs' compliance requirements have certain similarities with other fund structures, but their flexibility and multiple tax exemptions may be more appealing to some investors. The comparison of various fund structures in Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, and Singapore, including LPFs, OFCs, ELPs, and VCCs, highlights key points such as fundraising, taxation, regulation, and AML requirements. This overview helps investors make more informed decisions by understanding the requirements and differences of each fund structure.


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