What you will learn
- Separate legal wrapper from underlying asset class.
- Identify the rights that change before a manager selects assets.
- Explain why two similar funds can have different liquidity and tax treatment.
Appears in paths
Market foundationsEvaluate a first fundExplain it to a clientUseful when
- Compare wrappers
- Explain structure
- Screen fund documents
The structure of a fund determines the rules before asset selection begins. It controls liquidity, tax reporting, governance, investor eligibility, and disclosure cadence.
This article uses controlled examples only. It does not use real fund names, real short codes, or product-specific documents.
Key takeaways
- Wrapper comes before asset class in diligence.
- Liquidity rights vary by structure.
- Similar strategies can behave differently when delivered through different wrappers.
- Product surfaces apply these mechanics to actual funds; Learn teaches the rules.
Non-traded BDC
Controlled example: MODEL-BDC is a registered vehicle that invests primarily in private credit. It reports publicly, uses leverage within its regulatory framework, and offers periodic repurchases subject to document terms.
Key mechanics:
- Private credit exposure.
- Periodic liquidity rather than exchange trading.
- Potential leverage.
- Share-class and fee differences.
Non-traded REIT
Controlled example: MODEL-REIT owns income-producing real estate and uses appraisal-based NAV. It offers scheduled repurchase windows subject to caps and discretion.
Key mechanics:
- Real estate income and valuation.
- Appraisal cadence.
- Distribution quality.
- Liquidity constraints.
Interval fund
Controlled example: MODEL-INTERVAL is a registered closed-end fund with periodic repurchase offers under a rule-based framework.
The teaching point is the legal repurchase floor. It is different from a discretionary policy because the wrapper itself sets a minimum process.
Tender-offer fund
Controlled example: MODEL-TENDER uses board-approved tender offers rather than daily liquidity. Investors submit requests during defined windows, and requests can be prorated when demand exceeds the offer size.
LP or operating-company structure
Controlled example: MODEL-LP is a private structure with narrower eligibility, more flexible investment authority, K-1 reporting, and limited liquidity.
The tradeoff is access to strategies that may not fit neatly in registered wrappers, with more implementation and tax complexity.
Structure comparison
| Structure | Core teaching point |
|---|---|
| MODEL-BDC | Credit wrapper with periodic liquidity and potential leverage. |
| MODEL-REIT | Real estate wrapper with appraisal-based NAV and repurchase terms. |
| MODEL-INTERVAL | Rule-based repurchase floor. |
| MODEL-TENDER | Discretionary tender windows. |
| MODEL-LP | Private access, K-1 complexity, and broader flexibility. |
Educational example only. Not based on any specific fund.
Source and freshness note
This Learn module is maintained as educational context, not investment, tax, or legal advice. Its metadata is marked evergreen and last reviewed in April 2026; market-sensitive or regulatory-sensitive claims should be checked against current filings and rules before use.