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Fund Depositary Services
Independent fund depositary services for alternative investment funds, delivering asset safekeeping, cash flow monitoring, and AIFMD oversight.
$300bn+
Assets under administration
950+
Funds under depositary
What are Depositary Services?
Depositary services are independent regulatory oversight functions that include asset safekeeping, cash flow monitoring, and ongoing supervision of fund operations.
Required under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), these services are designed to protect investors and ensure that alternative investment funds operate in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Why partner with Alter Domus for Depositary Services?
At Alter Domus, we specialize in providing independent, fully regulated depositary services across Europe. Our end-to-end depositary services are exclusively tailored to support Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMs) in meeting their obligations under the AIFMD.
With licensed entities in key financial jurisdictions, our depositary network spans Luxembourg, Malta, Ireland, and the United Kingdom and delivers tailored depositary oversight for a broad spectrum of alternative investment funds, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, private debt, and fund-of-funds (FoFs).
Comprehensive Depositary Solutions for alternative investments
Our depositary services are part of an integrated solution that brings fund administration, SPV management, and compliance services together under one roof – delivering investor protection and ensuring full regulatory compliance through:
Cash Flow Monitoring
- Overview of all movements of the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)
- Pre-trade controls of investment proposals
- Monitoring of discrepancies and related corrective measures
Asset Verification and Safekeeping
- Record keeping
- Ownership verification
- Due diligence and monitoring any third-party appointed by the AIF or AIFM
Oversight of fund operations
- Timely settlement of transactions
- Income distribution
- Subscriptions and redemptions
- Valuation of assets and shares/unites
- Investment compliance
Regulatory Reporting
- Timely and accurate reporting to regulatory stakeholders
Depositary Services Across Key European Jurisdictions
Our deep understanding of regional regulatory frameworks enables us to deliver consistent, high-quality depositary services tailored to the specific requirements of each jurisdiction, ensuring seamless support for cross-boarder fund structures and alternative asset strategies.
Luxembourg (CSSF)
A leading hub for alternative investment funds, we provide depositary services for complex structures backed by deep local regulatory insight.
Ireland (CBI)
Our Central Bank of Ireland-authorized entity supports Irish-domiciled AIFs with tailored oversight, asset monitoring, and compliance aligned with AIFMD requirements.
Malta (MFSA)
As a regulated depositary under the MFSA, we deliver hands-on support for Maltese alternative investment vehicles, with a strong understanding of the local market.
United Kingdom (FCA)
Our UK depositary services are designed to help AIFMs navigate the post-Brexit regulatory framework while maintaining robust investor protection standards.
FAQs
What is the difference between a depositary and a custodian or fund administrator?
A depositary is an independent oversight function required under AIFMD, covering asset safekeeping, cash flow monitoring, and supervision of fund operations. A custodian typically handles safekeeping of financial instruments, often within the depositary’s role. A fund administrator manages NAV calculations, accounting, and investor servicing, not regulatory oversight. The key distinction: only the depositary must remain independent from the fund’s manager.
Do all alternative investment funds need and AIFMD depositary?
Under AIFMD, EU alternative investment fund managers are generally required to appoint an independent depositary. Applicability depends on the fund’s structure, its AIFM’s authorization, and jurisdiction, so managers should confirm requirements for their specific fund.
Which jurisdictions does Alter Domus provide licensed depositary services in?
Alter Domus provides licensed depositary services through regulated entities in Luxembourg (CSSF), Ireland (CBI), Malta (MFSA), and the United Kingdom (FCA), each authorized by its local regulator.
Can an AIFM also act as its fund’s depositary?
No. AIFMD requires the depositary to be independent from the fund’s AIFM, ensuring no conflict of interest between asset oversight and fund management. Alter Domus operates as an independent depositary to meet this requirement.
How can non-EU managers appoint an AIFMD depositary to distribute funds in Europe?
Non-EU managers marketing into Europe under AIFMD still need to meet depositary requirements for their EU-facing structures. Alter Domus supports this through licensed depositary services across key European jurisdictions, alongside its AIFM services.