This series of presentations provides a basic introduction to the investment company sector and the role of the board of directors. The presentations last between 10 and 15 minutes and are delivered by Ian Sayers, the AIC's previous Chief Executive. For more information, please see the AIC’s online Member Centre.
What is an investment company?
How collective investment funds work, what ‘open-ended’ and ‘closed-ended’ mean, and key differences between investment companies and other funds.
Types of investment company and the industry today
The different types of investment company, how they are taxed, and the size and recent growth of the sector.
Monitoring the manager and fees
How a board monitors the manager, including assessing performance, and negotiates the fees for its services.
Discounts / premiums and gearing
Explains what discounts / premiums and gearing are, their implications for investors, and how boards manage them.
Liquidity and the shareholder base
Explains what liquidity is and why it is important, and looks at the different types of shareholder that invest in investment companies.
