Our practice focuses on the establishment and structuring of a full range of investment funds and associated structures, products and services. We are particularly well known for our market leading expertise in UK authorised investment funds where we act for a range of clients in the sector from major household names to smaller boutique operators. We advise on all aspects of the lifecycle of a fund – from initial set-up and authorisation to ongoing operational aspects and changes through to mergers, termination and wind-ups. We lead on all fund related FCA applications and deal regularly with the FCA’s CIS team.
We also advise our clients on related areas including:
- general compliance with FSMA 2000, its subordinate legislation and the FCA/PRA Handbooks;
- FCA/PRA applications, processes and procedures including Part 4A authorisations, variations to existing permissions, rule waivers and change of control;
- regulatory investigations, enforcement action, disputes and consumer/FOS complaints;
- commercial contracts and client terms of business;
- derivatives including ISDA documentation;
- data protection including GDPR;
- employment law including the SMCR and the FCA remuneration codes;
- tax including the tax-efficient structuring of funds and fund management businesses;
- competition;
- outsourcing arrangements; and
- FinTech.
We have an established international funds network with preferred law firms in other key funds jurisdictions (including Ireland, Luxembourg and the Channel Islands) which allows us to provide a seamless service to clients with an international business model.
