The Complete AIFMD Course: Navigating Compliance and Embracing ESG Trends (C2519)
Table of Contents
- About the Course
- Who Should Attend
- Key Learning Objectives
- Course Curriculum
- Meet the Trainer
- Fees & Registration Details
- FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- Other Upcoming Courses
About the Course
In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, fund managers face heightened scrutiny and growing responsibilities. The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) is a central piece of European financial regulation, impacting fund structures, governance, risk, and compliance practices. This seminar offers a deep dive into AIFMD regulatory obligations and how they intersect with critical issues such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration.
This course provides professionals with the knowledge and tools to manage operational and compliance complexities efficiently. Participants will explore best practices in fund administration, authorization processes, AML risk assessments, ESG disclosures under SFDR, and investor relations, enhanced through practical case studies and hands-on workshops. The course emphasizes both regulatory knowledge and strategic application, ensuring attendees leave with the competencies needed to lead confidently in the AIF space.
Whether you are looking to solidify compliance, integrate ESG metrics, or elevate fund transparency and governance, this seminar will provide unmatched guidance tailored to the realities of alternative investment fund operations in Cyprus and across the EU.
Timetable
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for professionals operating in or with Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), including:
- Senior Fund Managers looking to improve governance and ESG strategy alignment.
- Compliance Officers seeking practical approaches to AML and regulatory adherence.
- Risk Managers aiming to integrate risk-based methodologies and technology into fund operations.
- Fund Administrators who need to understand operational best practices and investor communication strategies.
- Legal & Regulatory Consultants working with AIFMs or preparing authorization applications.
- ESG Officers integrating sustainability into investment frameworks under the SFDR.
- AML Analysts & Officers managing anti-money laundering obligations for alternative funds.
- Professionals preparing for CySEC inspections or updates.
Key Learning Objectives
By the end of the seminar, participants will be able to:
Knowledge:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of AIFMD regulations and their implications for fund management.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of directors and managers in maintaining compliance with AIFMD.
- Learn about the evolving ESG trends and their integration into fund strategies in accordance with the SFDR.
- Acquire knowledge of anti-money laundering (AML) requirements and risk-based approaches within fund management.
- Understand the regulatory landscape, authorization processes, and governance structures specific to AIFs.
Skills:
- Develop the ability to manage compliance processes efficiently and effectively across different operational areas.
- Enhance risk management capabilities by identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in fund management.
- Improve skills in investor relations management through transparent communication and long-term relationship building.
- Apply best practices in fund administration and governance to ensure operational integrity and regulatory compliance.
- Develop strategies to integrate ESG factors into investment decision-making and reporting.
Attitudes:
- Cultivate a proactive attitude towards regulatory compliance and risk management in fund operations.
- Foster a commitment to sustainable finance by integrating ESG considerations into fund strategies.
- Embrace a collaborative mindset when addressing compliance challenges, utilizing technology solutions and stakeholder engagement.
- Encourage ethical behavior and strong governance in decision-making and organizational practices.
- Demonstrate accountability and transparency in communication with investors and regulators.
Course Curriculum
Pillar I: Regulatory Framework, Structures, and Governance
Chapter 1 | Overview of the AIF Industry in Cyprus
- Key developments in the AIF sector over recent years; comparison with other EU countries.
- Impact of global trends on local AIFs; market dynamics influencing growth.
- Current regulatory landscape and its evolution.
Chapter 2 | Structures of AIFs and AIF Management Companies
- Types of AIFs; legal structures; internal vs external management models.
- Advantages/disadvantages based on strategy; implications for liability and taxation.
- Regulatory considerations when choosing a structure.
Chapter 3 | Establishment and Authorization Process
- Steps for obtaining authorization from CySEC; key documentation needed; common pitfalls to avoid.
- Understanding CySEC’s evaluation criteria for applications; timeline expectations.
Chapter 4 | Operational Rules and Risk Management
- Core operational requirements under AIFMD; implications for daily operations; establishing a risk culture within the organization.
- Risk management frameworks: identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies tailored to different asset classes.
Chapter 5 | Corporate Governance Requirements
- Roles of directors, conflict management strategies, importance of board diversity.
- Best practices in governance to enhance accountability and transparency.
Pillar II: Compliance, Transparency, Fund Administration, AML Integration, ESG Trends
Chapter 6 | Fund Administration Overview
- Roles of fund administrators, core functions like accounting practices specific to funds; importance of transparency in administration processes.
- Best practices for effective communication with stakeholders, ensuring compliance oversight.
Chapter 7 | Transparency Requirements
- Reporting obligations to CySEC; frequency, format, content specifics required by law; best practices for communicating with investors about performance metrics.
Chapter 8 | Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance
- Overview of AML rules affecting AIFMs; implications for operations; KYC obligations: procedures for verification; common challenges faced by firms during implementation.
Chapter 9 | Risk-Based Approach to AML
- Developing a risk-based AML program tailored to specific fund strategies; integrating technology solutions for monitoring transactions effectively; ongoing monitoring practices: tools/techniques used by leading firms.
Chapter 10 | ESG Integration in Fund Management
- Overview of ESG principles relevant to fund management; regulatory requirements under SFDR; best practices for incorporating ESG factors into investment strategies;
- Challenges related to greenwashing and ensuring accurate ESG reporting;
- ESMA guidelines on using ESG terms in fund names.
Pillar III | Practical Applications & Case Studies
Chapter 11 | Challenges in Compliance with AIFMD Regulations
- Discussing complexities faced by firms during audits or inspections; case studies highlighting common pitfalls encountered by firms during audits or inspections.
Chapter 12 | Technology Solutions for Compliance & Data Management Challenges
- Using technology to improve compliance processes; data security measures specific to financial data handling within funds.
Chapter 13 | Investor Relations Management Strategies
- Managing communications with investors regarding performance; techniques for building long-term relationships through transparency.
Chapter 14 | Interactive Workshops on Real-World Scenarios Faced by Fund Managers
- Group discussions focusing on real-world scenarios faced by attendees; case studies on successful compliance strategies implemented by leading firms.
*This training program is designed to support continuing professional development (CPD). Participants are encouraged to verify with their professional body or regulatory authority whether the training meets their individual or institutional CPD requirements.
Meet the Trainer
Fees & Registration Details
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AIFMD and why is it important for fund managers?
Who should attend "The Complete AIFMD Course"?
Does the course cover ESG requirements under SFDR?
How does the course address Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance?
Will the seminar cover CySEC regulatory updates?
The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) is an EU regulatory framework that governs alternative investment fund managers. It sets standards for risk management, transparency, investor protection, and fund governance. Staying compliant is essential for legal operation and investor trust.
This course is ideal for senior fund managers, compliance officers, risk managers, ESG professionals, and fund administrators seeking to stay compliant, improve operations, and align with evolving ESG regulations.
Yes, the seminar includes in-depth sessions on ESG integration in fund management, including regulatory expectations under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), ESG data reporting, and avoiding greenwashing.
Participants will learn about KYC obligations, AML frameworks, and risk-based approaches tailored to fund operations. Case studies and practical tools are provided to help attendees enhance their AML strategies effectively.
Yes. The course includes a session dedicated to the regulatory framework in Cyprus, CySEC expectations, and the authorization process for AIFMs operating in or through Cyprus.
