Administration of alternative investment funds - Introduction to the AIF industry

AIF funds vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the Luxembourg marketplace.

Although they are already represented in Luxembourg with numerous vehicles in the form of UCI or non regulated vehicles, the recent trends have demonstrated to local administrators and depositaries that alternative investments are an asset class with totally different features and sources of risk requiring specific skills and operational processes.

In this context, PwC Academy is pleased to offer this dedicated training designed to provide Luxembourg professionals with a comprehensive overview of the latest industry trends, as well as a thorough analysis of sector-specific issues and best practices.

By the end of this training, the participants will be able to:

• identify the nature and purpose of the AIF Industry
• define and describe the different structures available in Luxembourg and related features

• Nature and purpose of AIFs
• Key figures
• ALT industry in Luxembourg
• Organisation of a private equity firm
• Formation of an AIF
• The investment cycle
• Key industry issues

An attendance certificate will be sent to participants.

This training is coordinated by Christophe Szymkoviak, Valerie Tixier and Johan Blaise, Partners at PwC Luxembourg.

Christophe Szymkowiak is a partner in the Assurance department specialising in the asset management industry, with a focus on private equity funds and structures. He possesses extensive experience auditing private equity vehicles such as RAIF, SCSp, SICAR, SIF, part II funds, and AIFM/management companies, including unregulated entities. Christophe also serves as an instructor for PwC employees and clients within the private equity sector. His expertise encompasses infrastructure funds, direct equity/debt funds, Luxembourg GAAP, and team and project management. Notably, he manages audit client portfolios in private equity and maintains relationships with asset managers in France and the US.

Valérie Tixier is a Partner with over 30 years of experience specialising in alternative investment funds and structures, focusing on North America and UK markets. She serves as the private equity client and market leader for PwC Luxembourg and co-leads business development for asset management in the North America region. Valérie is an active speaker at industry conferences and a member of both the LPEA board and sounding board. Her expertise includes private equity, debt and credit funds, venture capital, infrastructure funds, and AIFMD. She has led key projects such as auditing alternative investment funds and advising on fund domicile selection and operational model setups.

Johan Blaise is a partner in the Audit department at PwC, with extensive experience since joining in 1999, including medium-sized and international assignments. He specialises in auditing investment funds, particularly within the private equity industry, and actively supports the PwC Luxembourg private equity group. Johan focuses on private equity clients by auditing various private equity structures and reviewing fund valuations using fair market value methods and EVCA guidelines. His expertise covers audits of private equity funds, investment funds, and asset management within financial services. Notable projects include audits of Luxembourg private equity funds, venture capital entities, and offshore funds, alongside review engagements and agreed-upon procedures.