The Association of Investment Companies (AIC) is to simplify its venture capital trust (VCT) sectors following a sector review. Eight VCT sectors will be merged into just two: VCT and VCT AIM Quoted. The changes will take effect from 31 May 2024.
The newly created VCT sector will contain 50 VCTs and the existing VCT AIM Quoted sector will contain seven VCTs. The VCT industry (containing these two sectors) has combined total assets of £6.2 billion.
The new sectors and definitions are shown below.
A comparison of new sectors and previous sectors
| New sector name | Sector definition | Previous sector name |
| VCT | Invests in a range of different sectors | VCT Generalist VCT Generalist Pre Qualifying VCT Specialist: Environmental VCT Specialist: Healthcare & Biotechnology VCT Specialist: Technology VCT Specialist: Technology Pre Qualifying |
| VCT AIM Quoted | Invests in AIM stocks | VCT AIM Quoted VCT AIM Quoted Pre Qualifying |
The changes follow a regular review of investment company sectors by the AIC’s independent statistics committee which consists of brokers, research analysts and industry data providers. Reviews are conducted in consultation with the AIC’s members to ensure the sectors continue to be helpful for investors.
Richard Stone, Chief Executive of the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), said: “We regularly review our sectors to ensure they are as clear and useful as possible for
investors. The newly streamlined VCT sectors do away with distinctions that had become less relevant over time, and will make it easier for investors to find and research VCTs.”
The VCT sector changes will be reflected on the website from 31 May 2024. For a full list of all the sectors and definitions visit the AIC’s website.
