Mutual funds that face an increased risk of investors pulling their cash as the coronavirus roils markets are getting a green-light from U.S. regulators to borrow money from affiliated companies.
The relief allows funds to obtain cash infusions through collateralized loans until the end of June 30 in order to satisfy shareholder redemptions, the Securities and Exchange Commission said in a Monday order. For the transactions to go through, funds’ boards of directors must determine that they are in the best interest of the investment vehicle and its investors.
The SEC move comes as some mutual funds brace for a possible surge in redemptions amid steep declines for stocks, mortgage-backed securities and other assets. Some funds that invest in mortgage bonds have already been selling holdings to raise cash so they can fulfill investor requests to pull money.
SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said the agency’s order would give funds “additional tools” as investors re-balance their portfolios.
“This action provides funds with additional flexibility to navigate volatile markets while meeting their obligations to investors,” he said in a statement late Monday.
Specifically, the temporary relief allows funds to:
• Borrow money from some affiliates.
• Get additional flexibility in interfund lending agreements.
• Enter into lending arrangements that might deviate from preexisting policies if the board approves them.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.