A&L Goodbody LLP continues to cement its position in asset management and investment funds. It has a wide-ranging practice and has further developed its standing in ESG and sustainability-related matters, having worked intensively in Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation (SFDR) disclosures. Lorena Dunne joined the team from William Fry LLP in July 2023, providing extensive investment funds expertise and has an outstanding reputation in ESG matters, including SFDR. The firm remains at the forefront of ETFs, private equity and real estate funds, and is a growing force in investor-side representation. Stephen Carson is head of asset management and investment funds, having returned to Dublin after five years in the London office. Michael Barr has an outstanding reputation, with Kerill O’Shaughnessy also being highly rated. Brian McDermott left the practice in December 2023.
Investment funds in Ireland
A&L Goodbody LLP
Practice head(s):
Stephen Carson
Other key lawyers:
Michael Barr; Kerill O’Shaughnessy; Lorena Dunne
Testimonials
‘Lorena Dunne is indispensable. Her technical knowledge is second to none, particularly with respect to ESG. I can’t recommend her enough for any asset manager struggling to implement complex new regulations such as SFDR practically.’
‘Excellent technical knowledge, very responsive to queries and proactive in terms of “looking around corners”.’
‘A&L is truly the best. While maintaining professionalism at all times, they engage in a personal, efficient and timely manner such that no call or question is left unanswered. They create and enable a supportive environment which provides tremendous comfort.’
‘Very strong team who work closely with their clients to ensure a successful outcome. Work very proactively and collaboratively with clients to meet their needs. Very diverse team in terms of age, experience and background. ’
‘Very collaborative and approachable. Always very friendly and willing to help and overall a pleasure to deal with, including Kerill O’Shaughnessy and Stephen Carson.’
‘Kerill O’Shaughnessy is a stand-out partner.’
‘A&L Goodbody provides a 360-degree service on all aspects relevant from a legal point of view for carrying out activities for an asset management company. It’s a one-stop shop for our company.’
‘A&L has a great team. Lorena Dunne is an outstanding funds lawyer who goes out of the way to support her clients around the clock if needed. She is such a smart and hard worker, eloquent, efficient and so responsive.’
Key clients
Amundi
Apex Group Limited
Aviva Investors
DWS Investment UK Limited
Exponent Private Equity
HANetf Limited
Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC
Intrum Group
Investlinx Investment Management
Kepler Partners
Key Capital Investment Management
Moneda Asset Management
Osmosis Investment Management
Real I.S. AG Gesellschaft für Immobilien Assetmanagement
Zurich Invest
Work highlights
- Advised Exponent Private Equity on establishing a presence in Ireland through its Irish AIFM and on establishing its next flagship Private Equity buyout fund in Ireland as an ILP.
- Advised Amundi Asset Management on establishing its Irish ETF platform with a substantial range of ETFs.
- Advised both Investlinx and Horizon Kinetics, two new entrants to the Europe’s growing ETF market.
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox has a sizeable asset management and investment funds team and a long track record in the area. The core group features seven specialist partners and three of counsels, along with a larger cohort of associates. The team has continued to expand its client base in the UCITS and alternative funds spaces, with extensive experience in ETFs and QIAIFs. It has a record of advising on the formation and authorisation of innovative structures and an array of market firsts, and is at the forefront of ESG matters including SFDR obligations. Kevin Murphy and Tara O’Reilly have huge reputations in the market, the latter for ETFs, and both co-head the asset management and investment funds group. Sarah Cunniff remains active in SFDR-related matters.
Practice head(s):
Tara O’Reilly; Kevin Murphy
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Cunniff; Dara Harrington; Cormac Commins; Ian Dillon; Siobhán McBean
Testimonials
‘The Arthur Cox team under the responsibility of Tara O’Reilly is very knowledgeable on the investment fund’s industry and ETF Funds in Ireland. They are well introduced and recognised by the regulator which helps to give comfort to their clients. The team is also very reactive and efficient when providing legal advice.’
‘The main difference with competitors is the capacity of Arthur Cox team to provide relevant and very accurate answers on a short-term basis. They are reliable and the relationship is very easy.’
‘Commercially minded and the whole team led by Kevin Murphy make a point of understanding the client’s business and workings.’
‘Kevin Murphy is a trusted advisor with a deep knowledge of the Irish funds market.’
Work highlights
- Advised Franklin Templeton on the establishment of a suite of fixed maturity bond UCITS funds, categorised as Article 8 funds pursuant to SFDR.
- Advised Nuveen Fund Advisors on the establishment and repositioning of a number of Impact bond and carbon reduction funds, categorised as Article 9 Funds under SFDR.
- Advised Federated Hermes on the establishment of its first Euro money market fund since the implementation of the new EU money market fund regulations.
Dillon Eustace
Dillon Eustace is an investment funds giant and has an immense history in the market. The team advises a huge market share of asset managers and Irish-domiciled funds. It is widely recognised for its expertise in UCITS and QIAIF funds and has furthered its reputation in ESG matters. Managing partner Donnacha O’Connor, a key member of the asset management and investment funds department, has a long track record in the sector, and has advised on a series of major recent funds, including credit fund structures and loan origination funds. Brian Higgins, Brian Kelliher, Cillian Bredin and Etain de Valera are also senior members of the team, along with Brian Dillon, who is noted for advising Asia-based clients. Shane Coveney impresses amongst the younger generation of partners. Shane Geraghty has left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Donnacha O’Connor
Other key lawyers:
Brian Dillon; Brian Higgins; Brian Kelliher; Etain de Valera; Cillian Bredin; Derbhil O’Riordan; Shane Coveney; Grace O’Connor
Key clients
Architas
AXA Rosenberg
Azimut
Comvest Advisors LLC
Grayscale Advisors
Kirkoswald Asset Management
ASK Capital Management Pte Limited
Fineco Asset Management
Blantyre Capital Limited
Abakkus Asset Management
ENAM Asset Management Company Private Limited
Harrington Cooper Asset Management
Pactum AG
UniCredit
Golub Capital Partners
Roundhill Investors
Infinity Asset Management
Ronit Partners LLP
Saranac Partners Limited
Green Investment Partners Limited
Alanna Homes
National Bank of Kuwait
Angelo, Gordon, LP
Aon
AXA Investment Managers
ANIMA
BNY Mellon Asset Management
Algebris (UK) Limited
Legal & General Investment Management
Mediolanum
Payden & Rygel
PIMCO
Swiss Capital Alternative Investments / Stepstone
Societe Generale
Lone Star
C-Quadrat
Polar Capital
GAM
Golden Tree Asset Management
Fiera Capital
Fidelity
Waystone Management Company (IE) Limited
Tenax Capital Limited
Gamma Capital Management Ltd (UK and Iceland)
BlackRock Capital Investment Advisors (US)
Credit Suisse
Danske Bank AG
Kayne Anderson
Pinnacle Capital Partners
Roundhill Capital
Roundshield Capital Partners
Twelve Capital AG
Trium Capital
VanEck
BNP Paribas
Portfolio Advisors
Berkshire Partners
Ambienta SGR
Avendus
Motilal Oswal Capital
DSP Investment Managers
Capital Four Asset Management
Southeastern Asset Management Inc
TOBAM
KBC Asset Management
Work highlights
Maples Group
Maples Group has an immense presence in Dublin, linking into its esteemed global practice, including full-service Irish funds teams in London, Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands. It has a giant team in Dublin and a huge client list to match. The team has advised on a substantial market share of Irish fund launches over the last decade, including a catalogue of new products and structures. It is a dominant force in ILP and ICAV authorisations and has led the field in direct lending and loan origination funds (LQIAIFs). The firm has a long list of ETF issuer clients and has made a further impression in crypto assets and SFDR matters. Adam Donoghue and Eimear O’Dwyer co-head the funds and investment management team. Ian Conlon leads the ESG and sustainable investing team, with John Gallagher also a senior member of the wider group.
Practice head(s):
Adam Donoghue; Eimear O’Dwyer
Other key lawyers:
Ian Conlon; John Gallagher; Peter Stapleton; Deirdre McIlvenna; Philip Keegan; Lorna Smith; Aaron Mulcahy; Ronan Cremin; Niamh O’Shea
Testimonials
‘The practice has a commercial, pragmatic and responsive approach. Clients would be particularly interested in this as a skill set within the team.’
‘They are best in class at all levels of the organisation whether that is dealing with the Managing Partner, the Head of Funds or junior associates. There has been consistency in client coverage, aided by excellent employee retention, which has helped foster a very close working relationship.’
‘Eimear O’Dwyer and Ronan Cremin consistently demonstrate a high level of professionalism. Their integrity is unwavering, and they always prioritise ethical practices. Additionally, their strong work ethic drives them to go the extra mile and deliver exceptional results.’
‘The lawyers are incredibly committed to supporting us and are in many ways partners. At all levels, I see experts at the top of their field giving 100%.’
Key clients
36 South Capital Advisors
AIB
Alliance Bernstein LP
Amundi
Apollo
Artisan Partners
Bain Capital Credit
Banco Santander International
Bank of Ireland Private Banking
Blackstone Group
Brilliance Asset Management Limited
Cardinal Capital Group
Citigroup
Clean Energy Transition
Credit Suisse
CVC Capital Partners
Deutsche Bank
Goldman Sachs
HarbourVest Partners
Innocap Investment Management Inc.
Insight Investment
Invesco
Jupiter Asset Management
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (“KKR”)
Lansdowne Partners
Man Group
Marathon Asset Management
Marshall Wace
MetLife
Morgan Stanley
Nippon Life India Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Neuberger Berman
Northern Trust Asset Management
Russell Investments
Sanlam Investment Management Holdings
Sector Asset Management
StepStone Group
Waterfall Asset Management
Waystone
Winton Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Neuberger Berman on an extensive SFDR Level 2 implementation project for its Irish regulated fund platforms.
- Advised Lansdowne Partners on the establishment and seeding of a new flagship UCITS platform.
- Advised Fortress Investment Group on the launch of a new Irish AIF structure to invest in non-performing loans.
Matheson LLP
Matheson LLP has the largest market share by assets under management. The group advises more than 1,200 Irish-domiciled funds, seven of the top 10 global promoters of Irish funds, and eight of the top 10 US asset managers. It is widely noted for representing clients in market firsts, such as the first Irish ETFs to track Paris-aligned benchmarks. The team is also at the forefront of SFDR and ESG-related funds. Tara Doyle is a leading figure in the market and is widely recognised for her leadership in ESG matters and investment limited partnerships. Dualta Counihan has an outstanding reputation, along with Shay Lydon and Catriona Cole.
Practice head(s):
Tara Doyle
Other key lawyers:
Dualta Counihan; Shay Lydon; Philip Lovegrove; Michelle Ridge; Liam Collins; Barry O’Connor; Catriona Cole; Donal O’Byrne; Anthony Gaskin; Eunan Hession; Shane Kennedy
Testimonials
‘Team possesses excellent industry knowledge, is responsive, and delivers timely and efficient advice and work product.’
‘Barry O’Connor and Shane Kennedy have been trusted and reliable advisors with deep sector expertise as well as knowledge of our group. They continue to provide excellent advice with great attitude.’
‘Very professional, strong and reliable practice with very good depth. Can seamlessly interchange where needed between different partners and lawyers. Very commercial and highly rated throughout our business.’
‘Their ability and willingness to listen, advise, adapt and react when you most need them is notable. They are also very pragmatic and commercial. Barry O’Connor has an amazing ability to break down and advise on the most complex of areas. ’
‘Exceptional market knowledge and technical ability; highly commercial approach; longevity of key partners; depth of team; transparent billing and good value for money; strong capabilities across related practices (e.g. tax, regulatory, structured finance).’
‘Dualta Counihan’s technical ability, market knowledge and commercial insights are unsurpassed, and he always makes himself available. Anthony Gaskin has strong technical ability, good market knowledge, makes himself available whenever needed, and has an exemplary work ethic.’
‘The team is proactive in their support.’
‘Shay Lydon has unparalleled technical knowledge and applies it to achieve efficient and commercial client outcomes. Liam Collins is a true partner to the team. He anticipates our requirements, drives our matters forward and adds value at every stage.’
Key clients
Goldman Sachs
BlackRock
Morgan Stanley
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Credit Suisse
Amundi
JP Morgan
HPS Partners
Bank of New York Mellon
Invesco
Man Group
SEI
HSBC
State Street Global Advisors
Eaton Vance
Citigroup
Neuberger Berman
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Barings
Charles Schwab
Beechbrook
Appian
Rockefeller
White Oak
Funding Circle
Aspect Capital
Poplar Forest Capital
Aegon Asset Management
Pantheon
Connor
Clark & Lunn
ILA Capital
Eagle Capital
Aventicum
Primestone
Brummer
Lynx
RiverRock Asset Management LLC
Marsham Investment Management LLP
Norselab
Fidelity International
First Sentier Investors
Axonic
Brasil Warrant
Future Value Capital LLP
ING Solutions Investment Management
Aon Securities LLC
Principal Global Investors
Manulife Investment Management
Guardian Capital
Franklin Templeton
Varde Partners
Hudson Bay
REQ Capital
Seior Capital
Waterland
Baron Capital
Pacific Capital Partners
Byron Capital
Royalty Pharma
STANLIB Investments
Ares
AXA Real Estate Investment Management
Principal Global
Prescient
Manulife Investment Management
Veritas Asset Management
Seilern International AG
Pinebridge
Work highlights
- Advised Fidelity International in respect of the establishment of six new thematic ETF sub-funds of Fidelity UCITS ICAV.
- Worked with Kirkland & Ellis and De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek to advise Waterland on the establishment, and closing, of its ninth institutional flagship fund, alongside a new continuation fund which will make minority investments in a select number of portfolio companies once exited.
- Advised Man Group on all aspects of the migration of a Cayman Island domiciled alternative investment fund to Ireland as a QIAIF structured as an ICAV.
McCann FitzGerald LLP
McCann FitzGerald LLP has an intense focus on investment funds, especially the promotion and management of UCITS funds. Moreover, it has an established record in ETFs, hedge funds, structured products, and derivatives, as well as private equity, credit, and real estate funds. The team is also rated for its regulatory expertise, including SFDR compliance. Mark White is head of the investment management group and Iain Ferguson is another ‘exceptional lawyer'. Morgan Dunne is an impressive recently promoted partner, and Hugh Beattie has a key role in London.
Practice head(s):
Mark White
Other key lawyers:
Iain Ferguson; Darragh Murphy; Hugh Beattie; Tony Spratt; Anna Moran; Morgan Dunne; Clare Gillett; Andrew McGovern; Seán Mulvey
Testimonials
‘Iain Ferguson is an exceptional partner who has a depth of experience in the subject matter of investment funds and also benefits from the experience of having worked in-house.’
‘The firm is very well organised. We are billed on a monthly basis so there are no surprises. We are very happy with the quality of legal advice, the team has depth, and the firm offers other services where needed e.g. GDPR queries.’
‘Both Tony Spratt and Seán Mulvey are very knowledgeable and practical in their advice. There is oversight by the partner but the work is done at the appropriate experience level so we get an efficient service at the right price, but with quality oversight.’
‘Morgan Dunne is an excellent lawyer with strong technical skills married with strong commercial instincts.’
‘An excellent partner bench with depth and diversity of expertise that brings a reassuring element of calm to clients. They have specialist knowledge of the requirements of pension investors and ESG.’
‘Morgan Dunne is a fantastic partner who is on the cutting edge of challenging and emerging areas of funds law like ESG. He is responsive and thoughtful in his advice with a personable demeanour.’
‘The funds team is technically excellent, commercially minded, always deliver to deadlines and are friendly and approachable. They are a great team to work with.’
‘Hugh Beattie was instrumental in advising and finalising documentation in relation to credit facility arrangements for our organisation. Hugh remained calm throughout the difficult commercial and legal challenges.’
Key clients
Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland Limited
Carne Group
EC Pohl & Co
Edge Aviation ICAV
Elkstone Partners
FFF Partners
Perpetual Group
Ardstone Capital
Willis Towers Watson
AMX
UBS Wealth Management
UBS Investment Bank
Metzler Bank/Metzler Asset Management
Universal Investments
Peal Capital Partners Group/PEAL Capital Partners ILP
Emerald Technology Ventures/Emerald Innovation Fund ILP
Urbeo Residential ICAV
JO Hambro Capital Management Limited
Pzena Investment Management LLC
Alvarium Investments
Hedge Fund Research, Inc
Solas Capital AG
MetLife Investment Management Europe Limited
BlueCove Limited
ValueAct Capital
Nordea Asset Management
Brookfield Asset Management
Aon Hewitt
UBS Global Asset Management
Irish Life Investment Managers
Hewlett Packard
Insight Investment
Goodbody Stockbrokers
Equity Trustees Fund Services
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation
Fund Partners
AMP Capital
Findlay Park Partners
Brandes
HFR Asset Management
Imapx Asset Management
Davy
Ireland (Irish State)
Fairfax (Hamblin Watsa)
M&G Investment Management
Coupland Cardiff Asset Management
Dragon Capital Management
Investcorp Credit Management
ABC arbitrage Asset Management
Marathon Asset Management
Work highlights
William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP has an illustrious and fast-growing client base of global asset managers, as well as a sizeable market share of Irish-domiciled fund clients. It has a major presence in ETFs, private funds, regulatory and compliance matters, and the sustainable finance regime. The group has recently landed a series of big-ticket mandates from new clients including Colchester Global Investors and Gresham House. James Phelan, who impresses with his UCITS and regulatory knowledge, and Vincent Coyne co-head the funds practice, with John Aherne recognised for SFDR-related matters and Sergey Dolomanov continuing to stand out for his ETF expertise. Patricia Taylor leads the funds regulatory team, and Clodagh Ruigrok impresses at the senior associate level. Lorena Dunne has left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Vincent Coyne; James Phelan
Other key lawyers:
Sergey Dolomanov; Patricia Taylor; John Aherne; Clodagh Ruigrok; Elena Canavan-Young; Nessa Joyce; Felipe de Oliveira
Testimonials
‘Clodagh Ruigrok does a fantastic job of proactively bringing relevant matters to our attention. She is also very responsive to ad hoc queries.’
‘James Phelan is a vital resource who can provide a commercial perspective, combined with a deep understanding of the rules.’
‘James Phelan is always willing to go the extra mile and his advice is always sensible and on point. James has an exceptional understanding of the UCITS regulatory landscape and can be completely relied upon to steer you safely through any engagement with the Central Bank.’
‘John Aherne has a wealth of experience that he brings to bear in all advice he provides. Vincent Coyne is an accomplished lawyer and can be relied on for excellent guidance in all situations.’
‘The team at William Fry are fantastic to work with and are excellent at bringing in their best on specific topics to get the right results. They are always exceptionally responsive and friendly to deal with and always get the job done properly and on time. ’
‘John Aherne adds real value by bringing his technical knowledge to bear through his advice and support. John has worked across all types of fund structures and his breadth of experience provides clients with a broader perspective and insight.’
‘Clodagh Ruigrok and Elena Canavan-Young are very responsive and client-focused. Always finding time to allocate and provide effective, rapid solutions. ’
‘Nessa Joyce is an industry leader in ESG and SFDR matters. Felipe De Oliveira is at all times extremely personable to deal with and responsive. The quality of the William Fry associates is impressive.’
Key clients
Bank of America
Barclays
Bank of America
BlackRock
City of London
Colchester Global Investors
Comgest Asset Management
Davy
Emerald Fund ICAV
GA Development
Gresham House
Intertrust
IQEQ
Lazard Asset Management
Legal & General
Mercer Global Investments
Milltrust International
Natixis Investment Managers
Otus Capital Management
Parus Finance
Sands Capital
Towerbrook
Blue Revolution Fund
Work highlights
- Advised Blackrock on the establishment of innovative strategies, including a blockchain technology fund and a metaverse fund.
- Advised Mercer on all aspects of its legal and regulatory obligations applicable to its full range of Irish UCITS and AIF products.
- Acted for Bank of America with the sale of its Irish-based funds depositary and custodian business, operated through Bank of America Custodial Services (Ireland) to the Apex Group.
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP has established a large and growing Dublin team that is part of its outstanding global practice. The group now provides a significant challenge to the Irish elite and can bring in international experts from around the globe on cross-border matters. It has built an extensive presence in UCITS and is now growing its reputation in private funds; counsel Dan Morrissey was hired from Akin‘s Hong Kong office to help achieve this. Carol Widger leads the Dublin team, which includes Declan O’Sullivan, Jeff Mackey and Emmet Quish. Ciara O’Leary remains noted for ESG matters and Mark Dillon for regulatory issues.
Practice head(s):
Carol Widger; Gus Black
Other key lawyers:
Ciara O’Leary; Declan O’Sullivan; Jeff Mackey; Mark Dillon; Emmet Quish; Dan Morrissey; Stephen Nolan
Testimonials
‘Dechert LLP has deep subject knowledge and a high level of service and commitment to their clients.’
‘Declan O’Sullivan’s knowledge and contacts in the industry is invaluable. Stephen Nolan has been key to building our fund solutions with outstanding commitment and service.’
‘Jeff Mackey is knowledgable, practical, and has a good understanding of the challenges that clients face.’
Key clients
Granahan Funds Plc
StepStone Group LLP and Swiss Capital
UBS
AGC Equity Partners
Apollo Capital Management
Cheyne Capital Management
TT International
Work highlights
- Advised a range of UBS Asset Management’s fund platforms (both UCITS and alternative investment funds) covering a multitude of asset classes.
K&L Gates LLP
K&L Gates LLP made a bold entry into the Irish market in January 2023 through a series of headline lateral hires. The firm has a major international network and presence in many of the world’s primary investment funds centres. The large senior team is active in fund structuring, licensing, and regulatory compliance and is also noted for fund mergers. The Dublin team has close links to US fund managers, along with UK and Asian managers. Gayle Bowen, who joined from Pinsent Masons LLP, is a leading name in cross-border fund mergers and migrations. Michelle Lloyd brings extensive Asia experience from her tenure at Maples Group‘s Hong Kong office, and Shane Geraghty, formerly of Dillon Eustace, is further noted for Cayman Islands fund products and is an experienced figure in private debt funds.
Practice head(s):
Gayle Bowen; Michael Caccese
Other key lawyers:
Michelle Lloyd; Shane Geraghty; Áine Ní Riain
Testimonials
‘An impressive lineup of partners that are well established in the market.’
‘Michelle Lloyd, Gayle Bowen and Shane Geraghty are each individuals I would trust entirely. We’re hopeful of building out our relationship with them.’
Key clients
Julius Baer Group/Three Rock Capital – Premium Selection UCITS and QIAIF ICAV
LGT Private Wealth Management/Volare International UCITS ICAV
Dynamic Credit/Dynamic Credit ICAV
Osmosis Investment Management – Osmosis ICAV/Osmosis UCITS CCF
Global Impact Initiative/GII UCITS ICAV
Quanta Capital / Goldstein Property ICAV
ZZ Vermogensverwaltung GmBH/ZZ Quant Risk Premia ICAV
Harrington Cooper Asset Management
Gemini Capital Management (Ireland)
Work highlights
- Advised Julius Baer Group on all their Irish regulatory and fund establishment work, including the establishment of a Irish UCITS platform with over 40 sub-funds and on the migration of 22 sub-funds from Luxembourg into Ireland.
- Advised LGT Private Wealth Management on the establishment of 7 UCITS sub-funds and also in relation to distribution queries, including the registration of investment funds in the United Kingdom to retail investors under the s272 regime.
- Advised Dynamic Credit on changes to strategies, ad-hoc queries and investments into complex lending platforms through the Central Bank.
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has demonstrated a strong commitment to the UCITS field and has worked intensively in funds sector M&A and corporate reorganisations in the area. The firm has achieved further growth in AIFMD matters, private equity and venture capital. The investment funds team has an expanding client base, including leading asset managers. Conor Durkin is a prominent name in UCITS and hedge funds.
Practice head(s):
Conor Durkin
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Skelly
Testimonials
‘The firm is very responsive and commercially oriented rather than just focusing on the legal aspect of any issue.’
‘Conor Durkin and his team are excellent to deal with.’
‘Strong technical and commercial approach.’
‘They are practical, efficient, commercial and results-focused. Both Conor Durkin and Matthew Skelly managed to combine tactics and strategy to achieve a compliant and commercially effective outcome to a challenging situation.’
‘Easy access and availability of the team when needed.’
‘Willingness to engage in a conversation or discussion without always having to be “on the clock”. Conor Durkin in particular.’
Key clients
Estela ICAV (Moravia)
Stable Opportunities ICAV
H&A ATNF
Estela (Garnacha)
Oberweis
FAM Evolution 16 funds
Crawford Fund Management
Inveniam fund
Irish Student Investment Fund – removal of IM and change of administrator
Octopus Renewables
Work highlights
- Represented Estela Capital ICAV in amending the investment policy of the Moravia Capital Fund.
- Acted for Irish Student Investment Fund Unit Trust in extending the duration of the sub-funds to the unit trust, undertaking a review and doing a full update of the prospectus of the unit trust and implementing various amendments to the sub-funds of the unit trust.
- Represented Fineco Asset Management DAC on updates to be made to 16 sub-funds of FAM Evolution ICAV.
Walkers
Walkers advises many of the largest global asset managers in the market, including hedge fund, private equity and private credit managers. The firm has an active presence in fund formation, including UCITS platforms, and especially private equity and private credit structures. It is further noted for licensing and regulatory matters and has gained further prominence in SFDR and other ESG requirements. Nicholas Blake-Knox heads the asset management and investment funds group, which includes Eimear Keane, Aongus McCarthy and Damian Barnaville.
Practice head(s):
Nicholas Blake-Knox
Other key lawyers:
Eimear Keane; Damian Barnaville; Aongus McCarthy
Testimonials
‘Walkers are very much aligned to their clients’ interests and give proactive advice. Damien Barnaville has great availability and ability to deliver timely, succinct and accurate solutions. He is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Eimear Keane is collaborative and together we worked our way through the twists and turns of the issues we were dealing with and found our way to the right solution.’
‘Very strong team. Deep knowledge combined with strong commercial acumen. ’
‘Nicholas Blake-Knox, Eimear Keane and Aongus McCarthy are all technically strong and have detailed knowledge of their clients. Their responsiveness to clients is always first-rate and quality of work is consistently high. ’
‘Nicholas Blake-Knox has provided a continuous level of excellent service in investment fund matters. He really understands our firm’s business and provides invaluable legal advice along with deep insights into market practices. Clear and sound answers to complex questions.’
‘Very approachable and understands fully our corporate structure and set-up when advising. Always a big plus if they understand our business.’
‘The team are leaders in the field and provide commercial and practical advice quickly.’
‘Aongus McCarthy is always incredibly responsive and takes the time to provide a commercial response tailored to our business needs. Aongus always exceeds the expectations of the business and is a trusted adviser.’
Key clients
PIMCO Global Advisors Ireland
Edmond de Rothschild
Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Skyline Umbrella Fund ICAV (platform managed by IQ-EQ)
Albemarle Asset Management Limited
PGIM
Kagiso Global Asset Management ICAV
Ardevora Asset Management LLP (Treligga plc)
Variety Capital
Epic Investment Partners
Ardan UCITS ICAV (managed by Carne Group)
Work highlights
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland has cemented its position in product development and regulatory matters, including fund formation, the re-domiciliation of funds to Ireland, and M&A. With the firm’s extensive international network, the Dublin team frequently advises on cross-border funds matters. Trevor Dolan joined the firm from LK Shields Solicitors LLP in February 2023 to deepen its bench of senior investment funds specialists. The group also continues to work on key industry trends such as ESG funds. Deborah Hutton has left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Trevor Dolan
Key clients
Demeter Capital Limited
Apex / European Depositary Bank
Link Group
Gresham House
AON PLC
Castlegate Investments Limited
A specialist asset manager specializing in crypto
Loan and Asset Management Provider
Confidential SuperManCo (Spanish)
Confidential UCITS Manager
Sustainability Focused Fund (Keeling Capital Limited)
NTMA
G Squared Equity Management LP
Work highlights
- Advised G Squared Equity Management on the launch of a sub-fund of G Squared Opportunities ICAV.
- Advised Óskare Capital on a project to establish a medical cannabis QIAIF ICAV including advice regarding marketing structuring.
- Advised Apex Group and European Depositary Bank and Deutsche Bank in connection with UCITS and AIF management company services, fund administration and depositary services under one umbrella relationship.
LK Shields Solicitors LLP
LK Shields Solicitors LLP has a long history in the investment funds sector, including the authorisation, launch, and ongoing operation of UCITS and AIF funds. The team has extensive knowledge of AIFMD, ICAV and ILP structures. David Naughton is now head of the team and former partner David Wiliams became a consultant in July 2023.
Practice head(s):
David Naughton
Other key lawyers:
David Williams
Testimonials
‘Provide a friendly and pleasant service.’
‘Personable and pragmatic. Took the time to understand our business.’
‘David Naughton was very pragmatic and responsive in dealing with a complex regulatory issue in an area where there was quite a bit of uncertainty. He was always trying to get to the best position that he could for his client.’
‘David Naughton and his team deliver focused and practical advice.’
Key clients
Brinks
Corry Capital Advisors LLP
Elkstone Ireland Venture Fund Limited
The Good Investors
Brown Brothers Harriman
Seedrs Europe Limited
Marlborough Investment Management Limited
Kensington UCITS ICAV
EML Payments
Epic Investment Partners (Ireland) Limited
Vixit Umbrella ICAV
NicheJungle ICAV
Work highlights
- Advised a Brinks payments institution authorised in France under Payment Services Directive 2 on the rollout of a new digital product in Ireland.
- Advised on the structuring, establishment and launch of a life settlements fund as a qualifying investor alternative investment fund, CCA Life Settlements Fund IV ICAV, for its promoter, Corry Capital Advisors LLP.
- Completed the authorisation and launch of an Irish investment limited partnership, Elkstone Opportunities Fund ILP, for Elkstone Ireland Venture Fund Limited.