First Sentier Active Cash Fund Announces August 2026 Monthly Distribution Schedule

Overview of First Sentier Active Cash Fund and Its Monthly Distribution Approach

The First Sentier Active Cash Fund (FSCF) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), operated by First Sentier Investors (Australia) IM Ltd. Designed as an income-focused investment vehicle, FSCF distributes income monthly, offering regular cash returns to unitholders. The fund’s administration and compliance are managed by The Trust Company (RE Services) Limited, which holds the necessary financial services licence and Australian Business Number (ABN 45 003 278 831).

Unlike passive index-tracking ETFs, FSCF employs active management strategies to pursue its cash-focused investment mandate. This structure appeals to investors seeking consistent income distributions combined with the trading flexibility of an ASX-listed security. The monthly distribution schedule underscores the fund’s commitment to delivering steady shareholder returns throughout the year.

Important Dates: Ex-Distribution and Record Date for Distribution Eligibility

The distribution timeline for FSCF specifies critical dates investors must observe to qualify for the upcoming payout. The ex-distribution date is 3 August 2026, after which new buyers will not be eligible for the current distribution. To qualify, investors must purchase units before this date and ensure settlement and registration on the CHESS Sub-Register by the record date of 4 August 2026.

The 4 August 2026 record date is the definitive deadline for settlement and registration. Only unitholders recorded on the CHESS Sub-Register as of this date will receive the distribution. This requires investors to plan purchases in advance, considering the typical two-business-day settlement period for ASX securities. The estimated and final distribution announcements are scheduled for 27 July and 4 August 2026 respectively, allowing the fund to finalize distribution amounts.

Distribution Reinvestment Plan Options and Election Deadline

Unitholders of FSCF can elect to receive distributions either as cash payments credited to nominated Australian bank accounts or reinvested into additional units through the Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP). This choice enables investors to tailor distribution handling to their financial goals and liquidity needs.

The deadline to submit DRP elections is 5 August 2026, one day after the record date. Investors opting for cash payments must ensure their bank account details are accurately recorded with the CHESS Sub-Registry operator prior to the record date to facilitate timely processing. Distribution payments are expected to be made on 14 August 2026, allowing adequate time for administrative procedures.

Fund Operations During Distribution: Trading and Application Availability

FSCF will remain fully operational during the distribution period, continuing to accept applications and redemptions on the primary market while maintaining uninterrupted ASX trading. This approach ensures investors retain full market access to buy, sell, or apply for units without disruption related to the distribution process.

By sustaining continuous trading and application capabilities, FSCF supports liquidity and operational efficiency. Unlike some funds that may suspend activities during distributions, FSCF’s ongoing market access benefits investors seeking to adjust holdings or initiate new investments during the payout cycle.

Settlement and CHESS Sub-Register Registration Requirements

The announcement highlights the necessity of timely settlement and registration on the CHESS Sub-Register to qualify for distributions. Purchasing units before the ex-distribution date alone is insufficient; transactions must settle, and holdings must be recorded by 4 August 2026. This requirement aligns with standard Australian securities settlement protocols and the CHESS system’s role in ownership recording.

Investors unfamiliar with settlement timelines should note that ASX trades typically settle within two business days. To ensure eligibility, unit purchases should be completed well before the ex-distribution date to allow for settlement and registration. The fund’s guidance aims to assist investors in meeting these technical deadlines effectively.

Bank Account Information and Payment Processing for Distributions

FSCF stresses the importance of maintaining accurate Australian bank account details with the CHESS Sub-Registry operator before the record date to enable smooth distribution payments. Correct banking information is crucial to avoid delays or failed payments scheduled for 14 August 2026.

This administrative precaution reflects common industry experience where outdated or incorrect bank details can cause payment issues. By prompting unitholders to verify their banking information in advance, FSCF seeks to ensure efficient and timely cash distribution delivery.

Governance: Responsible Entity and Investment Manager Roles

The fund’s governance framework involves two licensed entities. The Trust Company (RE Services) Limited (ABN 45 003 278 831, AFSL 235150) serves as the responsible entity, overseeing administration, compliance, and fiduciary duties. First Sentier Investors (Australia) IM Ltd (ABN 89 114 194 311, AFSL 289017) acts as the investment manager, handling portfolio management and investment decisions.

This division of responsibilities aligns with standard Australian managed fund practices, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational accountability through clear role separation.

General Information and Investor Guidance

The company update clarifies that the distribution timetable information is general in nature and does not consider individual investors’ financial situations or objectives. It is not an offer or financial advice tailored to specific circumstances, complying with Australian Financial Services Licence regulations.

Prospective and current investors should consult the fund’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD), available on the First Sentier Investors website, for detailed information on fees, investment strategy, risks, and suitability before making investment decisions. The distribution schedule provides operational details but does not address investment appropriateness.

Action Items for Current and Prospective Investors

Current unitholders should review the August 2026 distribution timetable and submit their distribution election by 5 August 2026. To qualify for the distribution, units must be purchased and settled before the 3 August 2026 ex-distribution date, with registration completed by 4 August 2026. Unitholders should also verify that their bank details are up to date with the CHESS Sub-Registry to ensure timely receipt of payments on 14 August 2026.

Prospective investors can apply for units during the distribution period, though purchases made after the 3 August 2026 ex-distribution date will not be eligible for that month’s distribution but will qualify for future monthly payouts. The fund’s continuous trading and application availability on the ASX provides ongoing market access throughout the distribution cycle.