UCITS
UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) refers to the EU framework for harmonising the creation, management and marketing of collective investment schemes in the EU (and EEA) Member States. It places a strong focus on investors’ protection and product regulation. Owing to this harmonised framework, once UCITS funds are registered in one Member State, they can be freely marketed across the European Union. Initially adopted in 1985, the UCITS Directive has since been modified repeatedly, to take into account developments in financial markets.
EFAMA is adamant to protect the competitiveness and international appeal of UCITS.
EFAMA Response to the EBA Consultation on draft Guidelines on outsourcing arrangements
EFAMA Position Paper Review of the European System of Financial Supervision
Use of Leverage in Investment Funds in Europe | AMIC-EFAMA Joint Paper
Net Returns and Fund Costs: A Nuanced Look at Value in UCITS
This article was first published in the 23rd edition of the Fact Book on 24 June 2025.
Given the emphasis on costs and value for money for European investors, we have examined whether lower fees consistently translate into better net performance. Our analysis shows that this is not always the case; less-expensive funds do not necessarily deliver the highest returns, and in some instances, higher-cost funds outperform.
UCITS Net Returns in 2024 and So Far in 2025
This article was first published in the 23rd edition of the Fact Book on 24 June 2025.
The rise of active ETFs in Europe – A short overview
EFAMA is pleased to launch the first edition of its new Industry Perspective research series, entitled “The rise of active ETFs in Europe – A short overview”.
This publication gives a brief summary of the active ETF market in Europe, including its characteristics, growth over time, and comparison to the active ETF market in the US.
Key trends in active ETFs:
The rise of active ETFs in Europe – A short overview
EFAMA is pleased to launch the first edition of its new Industry Perspective research series, entitled “The rise of active ETFs in Europe – A short overview”.
This publication gives a brief summary of the active ETF market in Europe, including its characteristics, growth over time, and comparison to the active ETF market in the US.
Key trends in active ETFs:
Market Insights #18 - Sustainable Equity UCITS
This report looks specifically at the evolving trends of the equity asset class of sustainable UCITS, whose share is the highest (53%) in total sustainable UCITS funds. It highlights their role as investment vehicles in facilitating the green transition. The universe of sustainable equity UCITS funds is defined based on Morningstar’s classification of sustainable financial instruments1. This means funds must claim to have a sustainability objective, and/or use binding ESG criteria for their investment selection.
New rules for the AIFMD and UCITS Directive
New rules for the AIFMD and UCITS Directive were published on 26 March 2024 in the Official Journal of the European Union, making them law. These investment frameworks are European success stories and an integral part of the Capital Markets Union (CMU).
