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Due diligence
What documents should I read before investing?
A practical list of the key documents to read before buying a fund or other investment.
Published 14 August 2026 3 min read
The short answer
Read the key investor information document (KIID) or PRIIPS/Key Information Document, the fund prospectus or product terms, fee schedules, and any Shariah opinions or governance statements. For platforms, read terms and custody arrangements.
Essential documents
KIID or fund factsheet, prospectus, platform terms and conditions, charges and performance history. If Shariah compliance matters, read the Shariah methodology document and the Shariah board’s opinion.
What to look for
Fees, risk warnings, fund objective, investment strategy, redemption rules and how the provider treats client money.
What this means in practice
- 1Obtain the KIID or equivalent and read the fund objective and fees section.
- 2Check the prospectus for investment constraints and liquidity terms.
- 3Read any Shariah methodology and governance documents if halal compliance is required.