Launching a fund is a significant legal and operational undertaking. Initial setup choices establish a framework for years to come.
While the legal structure is the foundation, a truly successful fund is built on an integrated operating system designed for growth, governance, and distribution.
In Europe, this often means a Luxembourg RAIF (Reserved Alternative Investment Fund) managed by an authorised AIFM: no prior CSSF product approval is required for the vehicle, while AIFMD guardrails (risk, reporting, depositary) are delivered through the manager. Where the AIFM is EU-authorised, managers can access EU marketing passport routes to well-informed or professional investors, and this is a reason RAIFs remain popular for alternative strategies and professional capital raises.
For those targeting capital from the Gulf, DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) have matured into credible hubs. DIFC’s Exempt and Qualified Investor Fund (QIF) categories are designed for Professional Clients as defined by the DFSA rulebook.
