Abstract

The SICAF is a collective investment undertaking according to the AIFM directive. It is a FIA (alternative fund) but also a public limited company whose shares can be admitted to trading if so provided in the articles of incorporation. The marketing of shares is a mechanism to raise the company’ capital, often together with a public offer. It also raises issues in terms of cross-borders distributions of financial instruments and investor protection. Despite lacking a legislative definition, the activity plays an important role in understanding the activity of a collective investment undertaking within the framework of the directive.