CSSF FAQ – Use of Securities Financing Transactions by UCITS (Updated)
Executive Summary
This CSSF FAQ (Version 2) provides guidance on the use of securities financing transactions (SFTs)—specifically securities lending, reverse repurchase agreements, and repurchase agreements—by Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS, clarifying regulatory requirements based on the applicable framework and CSSF's supervisory experience. It matters because it updates prior guidance to reflect evolved practices, helping UCITS managers ensure compliant SFT usage amid heightened scrutiny on liquidity, risk management, and investor protection in Luxembourg's fund sector. #
What Changed
The document is an updated FAQ (Version 2), originally published on 18 December 2020 and revised on 12 February 2026, but the provided content does not detail specific changes from Version 1 beyond incorporating recent supervisory experience and regulatory framework updates. It emphasizes clarity on SFT eligibility, operational controls, and risk mitigation for UCITS, without introducing new prohibitions or mandates visible in the summary; full details require accessing the PDF (201.4Kb). Related CSSF updates in 2026, such as those on risk-spreading for UCIs and crypto exposures, suggest a broader supervisory push toward refined investment rules, though not directly altering this FAQ's core SFT scope. #
What You Need To Do
- Review and update policies
- Enhance disclosures
- Conduct gap analysis
- Train staff and delegates
- Monitor ongoing use
Key Dates
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – The 12 February 2026 update coincides with today's date, signaling immediate relevance for Luxembourg UCITS engaging in SFTs, which are common for yield enhancement but carry liquidity and counterparty risks. Non-compliance risks supervisory actions, given CSSF's focus on practical experience; firms should prioritize review to avoid findings in upcoming audits or inspections, espec
Who is Affected
Summary
This publication is a CSSF FAQ in relation to the use by Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS of the following Securities Financing Transactions: securities lending transactions, reverse repurchase agreement transactions and repurchase agreement transactions. The objective of the FAQ is to bring further clarity concerning the use by UCITS of these SFTs, thereby taking into account the applicable regulatory framework as well as the supervisory experienced gained by the CSSF over the last years.Version 2