Tax Position for US Investors

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Cur8 Capital’s private market investment products provide US investors with tax-optimised international diversification. An independent tax adviser has confirmed most products qualify for non-PFIC status, eliminating punitive tax treatment while delivering reduced volatility and premium returns through carefully structured opportunities.

US Investor Interest in UK Private Markets 

Whilst we do not actively market in the U.S., accredited U.S. based investors who onboard with Cur8 Capital are welcome to invest with us.  

As a result, we support a growing number of U.S. based clients seeking to diversify their portfolios beyond domestic markets. This trend is driven by several factors: 

  • Diversification: UK private investments provide access to an alternative established market with its own economic cycle 
  • Market Timing: US public markets are trading near historical highs, prompting investors to seek alternatives 
  • Currency Opportunity: A strengthening British pound presents dollar-based investors an attractive entry point.  

Understanding the tax implications of cross-border investments is a critical concern for our U.S. clients. To address questions around reporting requirements and tax classifications that could impact their returns, we’ve obtained independent confirmation from U.S. tax specialists regarding the tax treatment of our products, ensuring transparency and clarity for our American Investors. 

Tax Challenges for US Investors in International Markets

For US investors, overseas investments present unique tax considerations that can significantly impact returns. The primary concern revolves around the Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) classification and related regulations. 

PFIC Challenge 

Under the US tax code, a foreign corporation qualifies as a PFIC if: 

  • 75% or more of its gross income is “passive income” (dividends, interest, etc.), or 
  • 50% or more of its assets produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income

Investments classified as PFICs face potentially punitive tax treatment, including:

  • No preferential tax rates on capital gains 
  • Ordinary income treatment for “excess distributions” 
  • Complex annual filing requirements (Form 8621) 
  • Potential interest charges on tax deferral 

These regulations were designed to prevent US investors from deferring tax obligations by holding passive investments in offshore entities, but they create significant complications for legitimate international diversification.

Public vs. Private Market Distinction

US investors in foreign public equities and funds typically encounter PFIC challenges, as most foreign mutual funds and ETFs fall under this classification. However, private market investments often have structural advantages that can help avoid PFIC status, particularly when:

  • The investment vehicle actively manages operating businesses 
  • The fund generates primarily non-passive business income 
  • The structure is specifically designed with US tax considerations in mind 

Cur8 Capital’s Tax Position for US Investors

To provide clarity for our US investors, we recently sought expert guidance from US tax specialists at Mazars regarding the classification of our investment offerings. Based on this professional assessment, we can provide the following definitive information: 

Tax Classification of Cur8 Capital Investments

Cur8 Capital Investment Product PFIC Status 
GBP Income FundNon-PFIC 
Pharmacy Income FundNon-PFIC 
Private Equity: Pharmacy of the Future Non-PFIC 
USD Income Fund Non-PFIC 
Venture Capital Fund Non-PFIC 
Primary Healthcare Real Estate Strategy (PHRE)* PFIC
Rasmala UK Property FundPFIC
*The PHRE and Rasmala products fall under PFIC classification due to their passive income profile  
**Qualified Electing Fund 

Reporting Commitments to US Investors 

For all investment products, Cur8 Capital can assist investors by providing: 

  • For Non-PFIC Investments: 
    • Comprehensive annual reporting documentation 
    • Sufficient information to properly complete US tax filings 
  • For PFIC Investments: 
    • Annual statements with information required for QEF elections 
    • By making QEF elections for PFIC investments, US investors can generally maintain capital gains treatment and avoid interest charges, though annual reporting requirements remain. 

Private Market Advantages in International Investing

Beyond tax considerations, private markets offer structural advantages for US investors seeking international exposure: 

Reduced Volatility 

Private assets are typically valued quarterly rather than continuously, which can smooth reported returns and reduce the impact of short-term market fluctuations, especially during periods of uncertainty. 

Lower Correlation 

Many private investments demonstrate reduced correlation with US public markets, particularly during periods of market stress, potentially improving overall portfolio resilience. 

Longer Time Horizons  

Private investments often require longer commitments, sometime of 5+ years, which can help investors maintain discipline through market cycles rather than reacting to short-term volatility.  

Illiquidity Premium  

The reduced liquidity of private investments often commands higher returns, potentially enhancing long-term portfolio performance. This constraint can actually benefit investors by:

  • Discouraging panic selling during market turbulence  
  • Allowing managers to pursue longer-term strategies without redemption pressure  
  • Providing access to an “illiquidity premium” in returns 

UK Market Opportunity

The UK market currently offers compelling opportunities: 

  • Valuations that are generally more favourable than those in the U.S. 
  • Strong legal and regulatory frameworks familiar to U.S. investors 
  • A well-established private market ecosystem with proven track records 
  • Currency diversification amid expectations of a stronger GBP  

Investment Options for US Investors

Cur8 Capital provides a suite of investment vehicles designed to provide exposure to UK private markets, whilst optimising for U.S. tax treatment: 

Fixed Income Alternatives   

Tailored strategies, including direct lending, mezzanine financing, and specialised credit. Our fixed income funds often feature:

  • Predictable cash flows and income streams  
  • Capital-structure seniority  
  • Enhanced yields with potential for higher yields than public-market bonds  
  • Direct relationship with borrowers allowing for customised terms

Performance here is more closely tied to borrower creditworthiness than to public market sentiment, with good levels of security protection in the event of default.  

These products are structured to generate primarily non-passive business income. 

Private Equity  

The strategy involves acquiring significant or controlling stakes in private companies to drive operational improvements and eventual value realisation. Key characteristics include:

  • Longer investment horizons (typically 5-10 years)  
  • Direct operational influence  
  • Value creation through strategic improvements  
  • Eventual exit through sale or IPO

The extended timeframe of private equity investments means they can ride out short-term volatility focusing on core business fundamentals.  

The active management approach typically results in non-PFIC classification. 

Venture Capital  

Investing in early-stage, high-growth companies offering:

  • Exposure to innovation and disruptive technologies  
  • Opportunity for significant value creation 
  • Companies that may be creating entirely new markets  
  • Performance driven by company-specific execution rather than broad market moves 

Many startups develop and grow independently of macroeconomic factors, focusing instead on product development and market penetration. 

Real Estate 

Tangible asset exposure via direct ownership or specialised funds, with exposure to:  

  • Physical assets with intrinsic value  
  • Potential for both income generation and capital appreciation  
  • Historically lower correlation against equity markets  
  • Inflation-hedging characteristics  

Real estate valuations typically move on fundamentals like location, rental yield, and asset improvements, rather than reacting to political headlines.   

Whilst our Real Estate strategy (PHRE) maintains PFIC status due to its income profile, we provide complete reporting support for QEF elections to mitigate adverse tax consequences. 

Conclusion

At Cur8 Capital, we understand the unique challenges facing US investors seeking international diversification. Through careful structuring and comprehensive reporting, we’ve created investment vehicles that provide access to attractive UK private market opportunities while addressing US tax considerations. 

For specific tax advice regarding your individual situation, we recommend consulting with your tax professional. Cur8 Capital is committed to providing all necessary documentation to support efficient tax filings. 

For more information about our investment offerings and their specific structures, please contact our investor relations team through the chat head on our website and mobile app.  

Disclaimer: While we have sought professional guidance on these matters, Cur8 Capital is not a tax advisor. The information provided is for general informational purposes and should not be construed as tax advice. Please consult with qualified tax professionals regarding your specific circumstances. No reliance may be placed on the information above. 

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