Australia’s investment landscape is evolving, and at the heart of this transformation is the Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle (CCIV). Introduced as part of the federal government’s push to make Australia a global funds management hub, CCIVs have rapidly gained traction among fund managers, sophisticated investors, and even everyday Australians looking for smarter ways to invest.
What Is a CCIV and Why Does It Matter in 2025?
The CCIV is a new type of investment vehicle, launched in July 2022, designed to offer an internationally recognisable and flexible fund structure. Unlike traditional managed investment schemes, the CCIV is a company limited by shares, featuring one or more sub-funds within a single legal entity. This structure mirrors popular fund models in jurisdictions like the UK and Singapore, helping Australia attract global capital and streamline local compliance.
By 2025, the CCIV regime has become a cornerstone for fund managers launching both retail and wholesale investment products. The structure is particularly appealing because it:
- Offers clear segregation of assets and liabilities at the sub-fund level
- Is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the Corporations Act
- Allows for tax treatment akin to Attribution Managed Investment Trusts (AMITs), providing transparency and flexibility for investors
How CCIVs Work: Key Features and 2025 Regulatory Updates
Each CCIV operates as a company with a single corporate director (licensed by ASIC) responsible for compliance, governance, and fiduciary duties. The CCIV may establish multiple sub-funds, each with distinct investment strategies, risk profiles, and investor classes. This modularity is attractive for fund managers aiming to diversify offerings without the administrative burden of creating multiple trusts.
Recent regulatory updates in 2025 have further streamlined CCIV operations:
- Enhanced licensing rules: ASIC has introduced a ‘fast-track’ licensing pathway for experienced fund managers expanding into CCIVs.
- Improved disclosure standards: New rules require clearer sub-fund reporting, giving investors more transparent insights into performance and risk.
- Cross-border compatibility: The government has negotiated mutual recognition agreements with Singapore and the UK, making it easier for CCIVs to market products offshore.
For investors, this means greater confidence in the structure’s governance and better access to international investment opportunities.
Real-World Impacts: Who Benefits from CCIVs?
CCIVs are more than just a regulatory novelty—they are reshaping the way investment products are built and distributed across Australia and beyond.
- Fund managers: Major players like Perpetual and Magellan have launched flagship CCIVs, citing lower costs, simpler cross-border marketing, and easier product innovation.
- Retail investors: Australians can now access diversified portfolios, from global equities to green bonds, via CCIVs on major platforms, often with lower entry costs and greater transparency.
- Financial advisers: The clear legal structure and strong regulatory oversight make it easier to recommend CCIVs as part of a diversified client portfolio.
Consider the example of the ‘Aussie Growth CCIV,’ which launched in 2024 with three sub-funds: domestic shares, global tech, and sustainable infrastructure. Investors can choose a single sub-fund or mix across all three, with each segment protected from the risks of the others. This flexibility is a game-changer for portfolio construction and risk management.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the advantages, CCIVs are not without challenges. Market education is ongoing—many retail investors are still learning how CCIVs differ from traditional managed funds. There are also operational complexities for managers, especially around sub-fund accounting and compliance.
However, industry bodies like the Financial Services Council (FSC) and ASIC continue to refine guidance, and uptake is expected to accelerate as more success stories emerge. With the 2025 regulatory tweaks, CCIVs are well-positioned to become the default for new Australian fund launches—potentially making them as familiar as the family trust or SMSF in years to come.
