Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

2000 CHAPTER 8

Commentary on Sections

Part Xvii: Collective Investment Schemes

Chapter III: Authorised unit trust schemes

Section 247: Trust scheme rules

469. This section permits the Authority to make rules (known as “trust scheme rules”) concerning the constitution, management and operation of authorised unit trust schemes. These cover broadly the same matters as constitution and management regulations under section 81 of the FS Act 1986, but without the arrangements under that legislation whereby the Treasury retained a degree of control over certain constitution and management matters (such as the investment and borrowing powers of authorised unit trusts). The Authority has direct responsibility for these matters under this section.

470. The trust scheme rules are binding on the manager, trustee and participants independently of any provisions contained in the trust deed. Participants can seek to enforce the trust scheme rules against the manager or trustee as if the rules were provisions contained directly in the trust deed.

471. The Treasury has the power to modify the Authority’s rule-making powers if there is a change in the company law relating to the rights of beneficial, but not legal, owners of shares. This would enable the rights of nominee holders in authorised unit trusts to be aligned to those of shareholders in companies should the need arise.