In the realm of investment vehicles, both Variable Capital Companies (VCCs) and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) have emerged as powerful tools for investors and fund managers seeking tailored solutions for their diverse strategies especially in Asia. The decision to employ either structure, however, hinges on a multitude of factors, including investment objectives, risk appetite, and regulatory considerations. This article delves into the considerations that can guide your choice between VCCs and SPVs, enabling you to make informed decisions that align with your investment goals.
Understanding VCCs and SPVs
Variable Capital Companies (VCCs): VCCs are flexible investment vehicles introduced in Singapore to accommodate a wide range of investment strategies. They offer both open-end and closed-end structures, along with the ability to establish multiple sub-funds under a single umbrella.
Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): SPVs are entities formed with a specific purpose, typically to hold assets, manage risks, or undertake a particular project. They are designed to isolate risks associated with a particular investment, offering protection to investors.
Choosing Between VCCs and SPVs: Key Considerations
1. Investment Strategy and Diversification:
– Use VCCs When: You are managing a diversified investment portfolio that spans multiple sectors or asset classes. VCCs allow you to establish separate sub-funds tailored to different strategies, enhancing diversification.
– Use SPVs When: You have a specific investment opportunity or project in mind that requires targeted capital allocation. SPVs are ideal for focused investments that don’t need to be integrated into a broader portfolio.
2. Risk Management:
– Use VCCs When: You are seeking risk diversification across multiple sub-funds. VCCs allow you to allocate capital to various strategies, potentially reducing the impact of a single investment’s underperformance.
– Use SPVs When: You want to isolate and contain risks associated with a particular investment. SPVs can protect your broader portfolio from the potential losses of a single venture.
3. Regulatory Environment:
– Use VCCs When: You want to take advantage of Singapore’s streamlined regulatory framework for investment funds. VCCs offer an efficient process for establishing and managing investment vehicles.
– Use SPVs When: You are dealing with individual, specific transactions that may not warrant the comprehensive regulatory structure of a VCC.
4. Investor Objectives and Flexibility:
– Use VCCs When: You aim to attract a diverse range of investors for different sub-funds, providing flexibility in accommodating varying risk profiles and preferences.
– Use SPVs When: Your investors are focused on a single investment opportunity and are comfortable with the specific terms associated with that venture.
5. Time Horizon:
– Use VCCs When: You are considering both short-term and long-term investment strategies. VCCs offer open-end and closed-end structures, catering to different investment timeframes.
– Use SPVs When: Your investment horizon is specific to a particular transaction or project, and the investment’s lifespan aligns with the SPV’s objectives.
6. Costs:
– Use VCCs When: The fund is typically above US$20mn as the one-time setup costs and annual fund admin and compliance fees will be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
– Use SPVs When: The target investment is between $100k to $10mn and there is only a single investment, as the one-time and ongoing fees will be a few thousand dollars.
7. Compliances:
– Use VCCs When: You have sophisticated investors who need frequent NAV calculations and regulated fund structures. Compliances include appointing a fund administrator and auditor.
– Use SPVs When: You have no reporting requirements as the underlying asset will be mostly passive, and there are no expected changes until the exit or liquidity event. Only the bare minimum compliance for the SPV is done on an annual basis to keep the structure compliant.
Conclusion
The decision to use Variable Capital Companies (VCCs) or Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) depends on a careful assessment of your investment strategy, risk appetite, regulatory preferences, and the nature of the investment opportunity. VCCs offer versatility, diversification, and a streamlined regulatory environment for managing diversified portfolios, while SPVs provide focused risk containment for targeted ventures. Ultimately, understanding the strengths and characteristics of each structure empowers you to make the right choice that optimally aligns with your investment goals and preferences.
Ready to set up an Angel, Venture, Founder or Holding SPV?
At Auptimate, we make it easy to design, launch and operate market-leading SPVs online for a fixed, low price. Book a call today to learn more.
