What is a requirement for non-MIFID trustees of a trust to be considered a per se professional client?

To classify non-MIFID trustees of a trust as per se professional clients, they need to hold total assets exceeding a specified threshold, which is set at £10 million. This criterion is established to ensure that such clients possess sufficient financial resources, experience, and understanding of the investment risks involved. By having assets above this threshold, trustees are considered to have a level of sophistication that meets the criteria for professional status under regulations.

The significance of the £10 million threshold lies in its role in delineating between retail clients, who may require greater regulatory protections, and professional clients, who are assumed to be capable of navigating the financial markets and making informed decisions. The amount is a standard benchmark that reflects the capabilities and knowledge expected of professional clients in financial dealings.