Mutual fund regulations require asset management companies to...

Mutual fund regulations require asset management companies to conduct documented due diligence addressing relevant credit, liquidity and interest-rate risks; eventual investor gains do not cure non-compliance. Close-ended schemes must be fully redeemed and wound up at maturity unless a prescribed rollover, including required disclosure and consent, is completed. Extending underlying debenture maturities and effecting only partial redemption therefore breaches the regulatory framework, and similar market conduct, absence of investor complaints, or investor benefit provides no defence. Trustees must independently oversee compliance and protect unitholder interests, while adequate disclosures to unitholders and the regulator are required. Securities-law penalties for established civil contraventions do not depend on mens rea, and senior executives may remain liable where their expertise and conduct contributed to the breach.

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