Investment Fund Setup – Complete Guide for Global Managers

At FundSetup, we offer a seamless, fully managed solution to establish and operate regulated investment funds across top jurisdictions including Luxembourg, ADGM (Abu Dhabi), DIFC (Dubai), and Cyprus. Our comprehensive services cover the full lifecycle of fund creation—from legal formation and licensing to NAV accounting, investor onboarding, compliance, and audit coordination.

What Is an Investment Fund?

An investment fund is a collective vehicle that pools capital from multiple investors to invest in a portfolio of assets managed by a professional fund manager. These funds are structured to match specific strategies—private equity, hedge funds, real estate, venture capital, crypto assets, and more.

Fund types vary from UCITS, RAIFs, SIFs, to AIFs, depending on investor profile, jurisdiction, and regulatory goals.

Why Choose FundSetup to Launch Your Investment Fund?

FundSetup is a specialist partner for asset managers, family offices, and institutions looking to launch funds in compliant and tax-efficient jurisdictions. We handle every detail, ensuring your structure aligns with regulatory expectations and investor demands.

We Provide:

• Jurisdiction advisory and legal structuring

• Regulatory licensing and fund registration

• Fund administration and accounting

• NAV calculation and ISIN activation

• Investor onboarding and AML/KYC setup

• Audit support and financial reporting

Our streamlined approach allows clients to focus on capital raising and portfolio management, while we manage the complex setup and regulatory process.

Top Jurisdictions for Investment Fund Setup

1. Luxembourg

Europe’s premier destination for regulated funds, ideal for:

• RAIFs (Reserved Alternative Investment Funds)

• SIFs (Specialized Investment Funds)

• UCITS (retail funds)

Advantages:

• AIFMD-compliant

• Access to EU investors

• Investor confidentiality and efficient tax planning

• Fast-track launch within 3–4 weeks

2. ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)

An internationally respected hub with innovation-friendly policies for:

• Crypto funds

• Venture capital and private equity

• Real estate and hedge funds

Benefits:

• English common law framework

• FSRA-regulated with Category 3C licensing

• Tax neutrality and no restrictions on repatriation

• Efficient registration process

3. DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

A powerful platform for Middle Eastern and Asian capital, suited for:

• Exempt Funds

• Qualified Investor Funds (QIFs)

Features:

• DFSA regulatory oversight

• Affordable incorporation costs

• Global banking and investment infrastructure

• Robust legal and tax system

4. Cyprus

An EU jurisdiction with lower operational costs and easy access to European investors.

Highlights:

• UCITS and AIF structures available

• Low setup and maintenance costs

• Passporting rights within the EU

• Favorable corporate tax rate (12.5%)

Step-by-Step Investment Fund Setup Process

1. Strategy Definition & Jurisdiction Selection

We evaluate your investment goals, investor base, and asset classes to recommend the best-fit jurisdiction.

2. Legal Structuring & Entity Formation

Our legal team prepares:

• Articles of association

• Investment management agreements

• PPM (Private Placement Memorandum)

• Custodian and administrator contracts

3. Regulatory Licensing & Registration

We obtain:

• Fund manager license

• Fund registration number

• ISIN code (if required)

• Regulator approvals (CSSF, DFSA, FSRA, CySEC)

4. Service Provider Appointment

We coordinate:

• Local administrators

• Custodians or depositaries

• Fund auditors and tax advisors

5. Fund Launch & Capital Raising

Once operational, you can begin:

• Fundraising from qualified or professional investors

• Deploying capital into selected asset classes

• Distributing reports and NAVs

Documents Needed to Start an Investment Fund

To begin, you’ll need the following:

• Identity documents of fund promoters and directors

• Proof of address and source of wealth

• Detailed investment strategy

• Corporate documents of GP or management entity

• Risk management and AML policies

Fund Administration, NAV Reporting & ISIN Activation

We ensure ongoing fund operations by handling:

• NAV (Net Asset Value) reporting on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis

• ISIN registration and Bloomberg/Morningstar listing

• Investor updates and financial statements

• Bank account setup with top-tier financial institutions

AML/KYC Compliance and Audit Support

Our compliance officers implement:

• AML/KYC onboarding systems

• FATCA/CRS registration

• Appointment of independent auditors

• Year-end financial reports and audit coordination

• Regulator communication and updates

Estimated Setup Timelines

Types of Funds You Can Launch

Why Launch Your Fund with FundSetup?

• Full regulatory coverage across EU and UAE

• End-to-end service model from concept to launch

• Dedicated team of legal, compliance, and finance experts

• Access to international fund administrators and custodians

• Reputation for confidentiality, integrity, and execution

Start Your Investment Fund Today

Whether you're launching a private equity fund in Luxembourg, a crypto fund in ADGM, or a hedge fund in DIFC, we simplify the setup so you can focus on what matters—investment performance and capital raising.

📍 Dubai Office
📞 +971 58 588 2014
📧 info@fundsetup.net