● Asset managers ● Service providers ● Due diligence teams ● Oversight and control functions

Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs)

Q: What is this initiative about?

The GAMS DDQ Standardisation Initiative introduces a standardised, modular approach to due diligence across the investment fund ecosystem. It replaces fragmented, bespoke questionnaires with a reusable framework, enabling consistency, efficiency, and comparability across market participants.

Q: What is the key takeaway?

Due diligence is evolving from: static, duplicated questionnaires to: a modular, reusable, and structured framework — built by the industry, for the industry.

Q: What problem does this initiative solve?

The current DDQ landscape is characterised by: ● Repetitive and duplicated questionnaires ● Lack of standard structure ● High operational burden ● Limited comparability This initiative addresses these inefficiencies through a shared, structured methodology.

Q: What is the core idea behind the methodology?

The methodology is based on a modular approach, where due diligence is broken down into independent functional components that can be reused and assembled depending on the context.

Q: Who developed the methodology?

The initiative is conducted under the GAMStandard Platform, and based on the FinSoft Templates | Industry-standard templates used as the baseline for structuring and developing DDQ Cubes https://www.finsoft.lu. The modular methodology applied is based on an approach originally developed by Rushd Advisors: www.rushd.one.

Q: What is the “Cube Methodology”?

The Cube Methodology is a three-dimensional framework that structures DDQs along: ● Functions → what is being assessed ● Entity Types → who is being assessed ● Depth → level of detail applied This enables both standardisation and flexibility.

Q: Why use a cube structure?

The cube ensures that: ● all relevant areas are covered ● questions are adapted to the entity ● the level of scrutiny matches the need It provides a consistent yet adaptable framework.

Q: What are the “Functions” in the methodology?

Functions represent the areas of activity, control, governance, oversight, or service delivery assessed within the DDQ. Examples include, but are not limited to: ● Governance & Organisation ● Compliance & Regulatory ● Risk Management ● Operations & Internal Control ● IT, Cybersecurity & Data ● ESG & SFDR ● AML / CFT ● Outsourcing & Third-Party Risk ● RFP / RFI ● Data Protection ● Finance, valuation, reporting, and other specialised domains Each function can be developed as a standalone, reusable DDQ module.

Q: Can the framework evolve?

Yes. It is designed to: ● evolve with regulation ● integrate feedback ● improve continuously

Q: What are “Entity Types”?

Entity types refer to the category of organisation or counterparty being assessed. Examples include, but are not limited to: ● IFMs / AIFMs ● Depositaries ● Fund Administrators ● Central Administrations ● Transfer Agents ● Portfolio Managers ● Investment Advisers ● Distributors ● Placement Agents ● Outsourcing providers ● Technology providers ● Other service providers within the fund ecosystem Modules are adapted depending on the entity’s role, regulatory status, and services.

The GAMS DDQ Working Group was established with the objective of enhancing the efficiency, consistency, and transparency of due diligence processes across the investment fund industry. Its primary goal is to develop a standardized framework that enables stakeholders to perform comprehensive and comparable assessments of various industry participants, including asset managers, service providers, and fund structures. By promoting harmonization and reducing duplication in information requests, the Working Group aims to streamline due diligence practices while maintaining a high standard of regulatory and operational scrutiny. The work of the group has been grounded in templates provided by FinSoft, which served as a foundational reference point for structuring the Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs). These templates offered a robust and industry-relevant baseline, allowing the Working Group to focus on refining content, aligning terminology, and ensuring adaptability across different use cases and jurisdictions. The GAMS DDQ Standardisation Initiative introduces a modular, cube-based methodology to transform due diligence across the fund ecosystem. By structuring DDQs along three dimensions—functions, entity types, and risk-based depth—it replaces fragmented, bespoke questionnaires with reusable, standardised modules, enabling greater consistency, efficiency, and comparability across the industry. This modular architecture provides significant flexibility: DDQ Cubes can be assembled in various configurations to support targeted reviews or full-scale assessments of any investment fund industry actor. The approach facilitates reusability, reduces redundancy in data collection, and supports digital processing and automation. Ultimately, the DDQ Cube methodology aims to create a scalable, interoperable framework that improves both the quality and efficiency of due diligence across the industry.

Last validated: May 28, 2026

Efficiency Gains

Standardized, reusable DDQ Cubes reduce duplication in data requests and streamline information collection. This lowers administrative burden and allows due diligence teams to focus more on analysis than on gathering data.

Consistency and Comparability

Using harmonized templates based on FinSoft’s framework ensures uniform data collection. This enables clearer, like-for-like comparisons across entities and supports more robust decision-making.

Flexibility and Scalability

The modular DDQ Cube structure allows users to tailor questionnaires to specific needs. It supports both targeted reviews and full-scope due diligence across different entities and jurisdictions.

Data Quality and Maintainability

Structured, thematic cubes improve clarity and make information easier to update and reuse. This enhances data reliability and reduces inconsistencies over time.

Digital Enablement

The standardized and modular format supports automation and integration with technology platforms. This facilitates more efficient processing, reporting, and future innovation in due diligence.

Templates

DOWNLOAD

DDQ_Luxembourg_RFP and RFI_version 1.1

GAMS RFI & RFP DDQ Version 1.1

v1.0.0 · May 2026

Resources and References

DOWNLOAD

GAMS-DDQ-Standardisation-Initiative (April 2026) Version 1.1

Introducing the Cube Methodology

FAQs

What is this initiative about?

What is the key takeaway?

What problem does this initiative solve?

What is the core idea behind the methodology?

Who developed the methodology?

What is the “Cube Methodology”?

Why use a cube structure?

What are the “Functions” in the methodology?

Can the framework evolve?

What are “Entity Types”?

What does “Depth” mean?

How does this replace traditional DDQs?

What is the expected outcome?

Is this a commercial initiative?

How are DDQs assembled?

How is the work organised?

Who benefits?

What is the delivery methodology?

How is consistency ensured?

What are the key benefits?

Terms & Glossary

FinSoft Templates

FinSoft Templates | Industry-standard templates used as the baseline for structuring and developing DDQ Cubes.

Thematic Areas

Key subject domains within DDQ Cubes, such as governance, risk management, compliance, or operations.

Modular Approach

A design method where components (cubes) can be combined or used independently depending on the need.

GAMS DDQ Working Group

The industry group responsible for developing and refining the cube-based DDQ methodology.

DDQ Cube

A modular, self-contained set of due diligence questions focused on a specific thematic area.

Cube Framework

The overall structure that organizes DDQs into interoperable, reusable cubes.

Digital Enablement

The ability to integrate DDQ Cubes into technology platforms for automation and analysis.

DDQ (Due Diligence Questionnaire)

A structured set of questions used to assess the governance, operations, and risks of an investment fund or related entity.

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