Fund Distribution Germany: The European fund market is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world. With assets under management currently totalling around €15 tn and annual growth rates of around 4%, Europe offers considerable growth potential for international asset managers.

However, before entering the market, fund providers need to understand the complexity of European fund distribution in practice, as well as the diverse market requirements and legal frameworks. This article is intended to give an initial overview for international asset managers looking to enter the European market.

UCITS, AIFMD and other Regulatory Framework in European Fund Distribution

Two key regulations standardise fund distribution in Europe and make cross-border distribution easier: the UCITS Directive (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) and the AIFMD Directive (Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive). Understanding these directives is crucial. To put it in simple terms, the UCITS Directive can be seen as a ‘European passport’, enabling fund providers to distribute their funds across EU member states without additional approvals. The AIFMD, on the other hand, targets alternative investment funds (AIFs) intended for institutional and professional investors, requiring strict risk management and transparency standards.

In addition to UCITS and AIFMD, other fund forms and strategies—like hedge funds, specialised private equity funds, or specific real estate funds—do not follow these rules. There are severe limitations on the distribution of these funds in Europe because they are not UCITS or AIFMD-compliant.