“The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive and UCITS Directive require that managers emphasize the importance of independent directors in boardrooms.”​

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What are the latest mebs developments?

Founded in 2008, mebs emerged in response to the growing market and regulatory demand for genuinely independent non-executive directors capable of offering critical, up-to-date strategic, regulatory and compliance expertise. Since, mebs’ growth has been driven by its ability to deliver high-value services, which allowed the firm to become the first and still only governance service provider supervised by the CSSF in 2013. The fast-growing fame of mebs enabled it to expand its services to domiciliation and accounting, compliance, risk management, advisory, and liquidation.
With a dedicated team of 26 skilled persons, mebs continues to monitor regulatory changes at European and Luxembourgish levels, sharing knowledge between departments and offering the most tailored solutions to its 200+ clients worldwide.
In the course of 2024, and following their logic of expansion, we have agreed to an acquisition by Atoz Services*, a Luxembourg-based provider to alternative funds.

 

What are the current key governance trends?

We identify three main trends: First, we see that several European directives reinforce the role of directors in investment funds and companies. The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive and UCITS Directive require managers and funds to have an adequate level of independent oversight. They emphasize the importance of independent directors in boardrooms to enhance the quality of corporate governance, oversight and investor protection. Second trend: training and more generally, the professionalization of the profession. Independent directors must engage in continuous education to stay up-to-date on a wide range of topics. The complexity of today's financial markets demands that they possess a solid knowledge base and a deep understanding of the global dynamics affecting organizations. Finally, the last trend is one in outsourcing, which is designed to protect organizations: the increasing outsourcing to specialist service providers of the function of officer responsible for AML/CFT compliance. Apart from the ever-increasing complexity of regulation, such outsourcing allows for independent oversight of the stakeholders concerned by this critical compliance area.

 

What are the next steps for mebs in growth and international expansion?

After the upcoming completion of its acquisition by Atoz Services*, mebs will continue operating autonomously under its brand, in line with its strategy and with its current highly professional staff, while benefiting from group synergies. Under the impetus of this transaction, mebs will be able to further expand its customer base - in Luxembourg and abroad - and to become a partner of choice for all funds and investment fund managers. This brings back the first aspiration of mebs, to become a premier international multi-service governance professional for regulated and non-regulated corporate entities. mebs aims to maintain and strengthen its position as a key industry player. The support of Atoz Services, together with our ambitious and highly qualified staff, allows us to look forward to a bright future.
 

*Subject to regulatory approval

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