Date Published 14/07/2022
Crypto Funds in Ireland: Generally
The soaring prices of certain crypto currencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as well as the extreme volatility encountered in these markets have resulted in high levels of interest in the potential for crypto funds and inevitably, as Ireland is one of the leading fund domiciles, queries have arisen over the potential to launch an Irish domiciled and authorised fund product targeting this asset class.
The establishment of such funds poses a number of challenges in the EU context, in particular, and fortunately the Central Bank of Ireland (the “Central Bank”) has issued some guidance with regard to both UCITS and AIFs.
Central Bank Guidance
The Central Bank periodically issues guidance to the financial industry in the form of Q&As relating to queries likely to arise under existing legislation. These are published in order to assist in limiting uncertainty and are subject to the Central Bank’s right to revise its related approach at any time. Among the areas addressed are Q&As specifically focussed on UCITS and the AIFMD respectively. On 29th July 2021 the Central Bank published updates to its Q&As on both UCITS and the AIFMD (the “Guidance “) to address the potential for authorised funds falling under these categories to invest directly or indirectly in crypto assets. These are Q&As ID1100 and ID1145 respectively.
Terms of the Guidance
Central Bank guidance clarifies that it primarily relates to crypto-assets that are based on an intangible or non-traditional underlying assets. This would include the crypto currencies with the largest market capitalisation such as Bitcoin and Ether. It notes that such assets can present significant risks, including liquidity risk; credit risk; market risk; operational risk (including fraud and cyber risks); money laundering / terrorist financing risk; and legal and reputation risks.
The assets of UCITS must meet the related eligible asset criteria and indirect exposure to assets must be capable of being appropriately risk managed. However, the Central Bank has clarified that as it has not seen information which would satisfy it that crypto-assets are capable of meeting either of these criteria and as such it is “highly unlikely” to approve a UCITS directly or indirectly investing in crypto-assets. Similarly, in light of the risk management issues identified and the potential for retail investors to fail to appreciate these it is also “highly unlikely” to approve a RIAIF proposing any such direct or indirect exposure.
However, in the case of a QIAIF such a concern is less pronounced due to the of profile of investors. Accordingly while related funds will not be able to avail of the 24 hour fast track approval process, AIFMs can make a submission to the Central Bank outlining how the risks associated with such exposures would be managed effectively in relation to the QIAIF without being subject to this negative presumption applicable to retail funds.
So what can be done in Ireland ?
While direct or indirect investment in relevant crypto assets may be effectively restricted means for regulated Irish funds, investments in eligible assets that derive value from this industry, such as company shares operating in related or economically correlated business areas, are possible and accordingly may constitute a viable means for them to obtain exposure to this sector. There is also potential to invest into digital assets that fall outside the scope of the Central Bank’s advice on crypto assets as defined in the Guidance (for example into tokenised versions of traditional assets that constitute eligible assets and accordingly potentially even into stable coins).
It is also possible to make a submission outlining why a specific strategy should be permitted. Such a submission would need to address the specific concerns outlined in the Central Bank guidance although, while this may be a viable route for QIAIFs in particular it is however unlikely to be successful at present for retail products including UCITS and RIAIFs. Finally unregulated funds may also pose an option, provided other practical difficulties such as the need for a depositary can be successfully addressed.
Future Developments
It should be noted that the Central Bank has confirmed that it will keep its approach in relation to crypto-assets under review, in particular in light of related European regulatory discussions. Furthermore market participants will continue to be free to make submissions to the Central Bank seeking to reassure it that the risks identified can be adequately addressed to the extent required to permit a related scheme to be authorised. Accordingly those with an interest in the area should stay alert for future developments.