The ‘fantastic team’ at Schulte Roth & Zabel International LLP tackles the full spectrum of hedge fund challenges, supporting new and established funds with the launch of new investment vehicles targeted at a variety of asset classes, including fintech and cryptocurrencies. The team is spearheaded in tandem by ‘absolute star’ Josh Dambacher
, whose expertise spans hedge fund structuring and associated regulatory regimes in the UK and US, and Christopher Hilditch, a specialist in fund formation, regulation and fundraising. Lee Smith is a key contact for managers looking to restructure their operations and is also sought after for clients looking to launch managed accounts. Amy MacDonagh oversees the lifecycle of hedge funds in addition to providing general corporate advice.
Hedge funds in London
Schulte Roth & Zabel International LLP
Practice head(s):
Josh Dambacher; Christopher Hilditch
Other key lawyers:
Lee Smith; Amy MacDonagh; Drew Miller; Laura Eatwell; Sasha O’Leary
Testimonials
‘The SRZ Team is the most experienced hedge fund and hybrid funds team on the market. The only one expert on both UK and US law. They are just the best.’
‘Josh Dambacher is an absolute star – he thinks outside the box and is the smartest lawyer I ever worked with. He is brilliant, creative, commercial and a wealth of knowledge and experience across US and UK issues. You only need him in a room when other firms would bring a team of 4 or 5 to compete with his knowledge.’
‘We can rely on the SRZ team to give pragmatic, informed and candid advice. They have an unparalleled perspective on the market and their US and UK offices work seamlessly together. SRZ is full of ideas and insights.’
‘Josh Dambacher’s manner is incredibly calm and laid-back but he is very sharp and an absolute expert. He gives concise, insightful and commercial advice and is responsive and a pleasure to work with. Amy MacDonagh and Drew Miller are rising stars. Well informed, responsive and very smart.’
‘Fantastic team that I have had the honour of working with for 19 years. Exceptional in every aspect.’
‘Josh Dambacher: the Dambuster.’
‘We use Chris Hilditch for fund formation and partnership work. Chris is a legal behemoth. Brilliant mind.’
‘Constantly value added. Comes up with new ideas and conventions that I was not aware of. I often find this quality lacking in lawyers, not so with Chris Hilditch of SRZ. Always my go-to.’
Key clients
Florin Court Capital LLP
Ilex Capital Partners (UK) LLP
JJJ Capital Management LLP
Marshall Wace LLP
Parvus Asset Management Ltd
Pelham Capital Ltd
Qube Research & Technologies Limited
Ronit Capital LLP
Savex Capital AG
Securis Investment Partners LLP
Work highlights
- Advised on the launch of a master-feeder structure to be run by Chameleon Global Capital Management LLP under Ronit Capital LLP’s regulatory umbrella.
- Advised Savex Capital on the launch of a new fund of funds, domiciled in Guernsey.
- Engaged by Securis to launch a closed-ended fund investing in life and lapse risk.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is a 'strong and reliable resource' for hedge fund managers and startups alike, offering fund structuring and launch expertise across a range of asset classes. Leading the team is Devarshi Saksena, who assists funds from launch onwards, with particular expertise in supporting startup managers. Lucian Firth is the key contact for seed deals and spinouts, and is also a specialist in ESG matters as they pertain to funds, including the UK's SDR. Hybrid structures are the domain of Sarah Crabb, whose expertise extends to digital assets, while Iain Cullen brings his considerable experience to bear when advising on the launch and structuring of new funds. Tom Pointer and Kate Tracey advise fund managers on the establishment of co-investment and revenue-sharing platforms.
Practice head(s):
Devarshi Saksena
Other key lawyers:
Lucian Firth; Sarah Crabb; Iain Cullen; Tom Pointer; Charlotte Thomas
Testimonials
‘The Simmons team is able to provide pragmatic and measured legal advice.’
‘The team is knowledgeable and prepared to take a risk-based view. The team has a strong bench and senior associates are able to step in and provide advice if their respective partners are not available.’
‘Availability, willingness to have brainstorming discussions and consider practical aspects and support to finding pragmatic solutions.’
‘The firm has a long-standing commitment to the alternatives/hedge fund sector which means it is a strong and reliable resource both for specific advice on pressing matters but also for longer term strategic preparation to meet global regulatory developments.’
‘When you need advice on a high stakes, bet-the-ranch type issue, Iain Cullen is who you need in your corner. Devarshi Saksena is a strong and reliable counsel for day-to-day complex fund projects. He takes the time to learn and understand our business and its people and also ensures that our favoured associates, notably Tom Pointer, are available to help out.’
‘Proactive advice with a wide view across the business. They help us function as a business and as a service provider in house.’
‘Devarshi Saksena is knowledgeable, responsive, discreet and wise counsel.’
‘Strong industry knowledge and connections, commercial approach, responsive, great depth in regulatory matters too.’
Key clients
Brevan Howard Capital Management LP
Man Group
GSA Capital Partners LLP
East X LLP
Theleme Partners LLP
Laser Digital Holdings AG
Forteus Investment Management UK LLP
Kite Lake Capital Management (UK) LLP
LMR Partners LLP
AKO Capital LLP
Work highlights
- Acted as lead counsel on the second iteration of Brevan Howard’s co-investment program.
- Advised the Man Group on the launch of a Cayman Islands domiciled master fund trading momentum-based trend following signals applied to the commodities market.
- Acted as lead counsel to Ossington Investments, including negotiating an SMA with a large US allocator, launching its first fund, a Cayman master-feeder and advising on the establishment of its management structure.
Akin
Akin's funds team advises hedge fund managers on the structuring and launch of their investment vehicles, working across the firm's network to provide support to clients operating across the globe. The practice is also well positioned to assist clients as they navigate a variety of regulatory regimes, including those in the US, UK and UAE. Jointly heading the team are Ian Meade, whose practice revolves around the structuring and launch of funds, and Tim Pearce, who assists hedge and credit managers, including startups, on fund launches and investment negotiations. Both are also able to provide regulatory advice. Hamish Annandale assists with the day-to-day issues affecting hedge and other alternative investment funds in addition to providing advice on fund launches and restructurings.
Practice head(s):
Ian Meade; Tim Pearce
Other key lawyers:
Hamish Annandale; Melissa Kinsmore-Ward
Testimonials
‘Phenomenal and immediate knowledge of the sector from legal, regulatory and commercial angles.’
‘True commercial advisors rather than simply legal advisors.’
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP is tasked with the restructuring of cross-border hedge fund structures, working alongside the firm’s teams in the US, Luxembourg and Ireland. The team, under the leadership of Gus Black, is particularly adept at handling new fund launches, including those being set up by start-ups, while also acting for seed funders in seeding deals. Abigail Bell takes the lead on such transactions and is also experienced in setting up revenue-sharing agreements, while Craig Borthwick assists with the structuring and launch of hedge funds. Mikhaelle Schiappacasse is also a name to note for fund launches, with further expertise in the regulations governing the marketing of funds and in the EU’s SFDR regime.
Practice head(s):
Gus Black
Other key lawyers:
Abigail Bell; Craig Borthwick; Mikhaelle Schiappacasse
Testimonials
‘The people are engaging and innovative. The availability of experienced colleagues from other disciplines provides a holistic service to clients at all stages of the fund lifecycle and that of investment managers.’
‘Abigail Bell provides focused problem solving.’
‘Very knowledgeable re fund structures, share class accounting, addition of hurdles. Very responsive – always available for ad hoc queries.’
‘Craig Borthwick has extensive knowledge of the hedge funds sector and provides great advice.’
‘Craig Borthwick’s laser mark-ups are much appreciated. He also sees the big picture and focuses the negotiation on the handful of points that matter.’
‘Craig Borthwick: wide array of knowledge about asset management, very responsive, pragmatic, a true expert in his field.’
‘The team is a well respected legal advisor in the hedge fund world. They also have knowledge of what has previously been accepted by counterparties, which aids with negotiations.’
‘Abigail Bell is incredibly diligent and I trust her to negotiate our agreements with our counterparties.’
Key clients
All Africa Partners LLP
Almace Asset Management LLP
AlphaMiner Capital
Amundsen Investment Management
Adelio Partner
ARP Capital Partners Limited
Aster Capital Management Limited
Ayres Investment Management LLP
Bayforest Capital Limited
BlueBell Partners Limited
BlueCove Limited
Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP
Deltroit Asset Management
EFG Asset Management/New Capital
Eleva Capital LLP
EMFI Capital Limited
Eques Partners
Faros Point Capital LLP
FIFTHDELTA
Gemcorp Capital LLP
Genavest Capital Limited
Greentrail Capital
Higher Park Limited
Infusive
Kryger Capital
LeCap Asset Management
Lynx Asset Management
Machina Capital
Maven Securities Limited
Mile End Capital
Mobius Capital Partners
MUFG
Nekton Capital
New Wave
Numen Capital
Nyhavn Capital
Odyssean Capital LLP
OxFORD Asset Management Company
Palmerston Capital Management
Palm Lane Capital
SGCM Capital LLP
Soloda Investment Advisors LLP
Sparta Capital Management
SW Mitchell Capital
System 2 Capital LLP
Tages Capital
TT International
Tico Capital
Tresidor Investment Management LLP
Varenne Capital Partners
Westbeck Capital Management LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Deltroit Asset Management on its spinout from CQS, headed by Lord Michael Hintze.
- Advised Faros Point Capital LLP on the establishment of a new manager set-up, with offices in the UK and US.
- Acted as TT International’s preferred legal counsel, launching a number of new hedge funds.
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman specialises in advising hedge fund managers on the regulatory challenges they face in their day-to-day operations, including AIFMD and other EU regimes, in addition to the UK post-Brexit regulatory framework. Practice head John Adams supports clients with the structuring of investment vehicles and subsequent launches and is particularly well versed in the UK's ESG funds rules, having assisted in drafting them.
Practice head(s):
John Adams
Key clients
Prosperity Capital Management
TT International
Attestor Limited
TRG Management LP
Maverick Capital LP
Steadfast Management LP
Red Kite Management
Orbimed Advisors LLC
Work highlights
- Assisted Attestor with its flagship hedge fund and multiple feeder funds.
- Advised Prosperity Capital Management on the potential restructuring of four hedge funds from the Cayman Islands into the ADGM and the establishment of a new ADGM-based manager.
- Advised Orbimed Advisors LLC in relation to its two UK-listed fund products, Worldwide Healthcare Trust PLC and the Biotech Growth Trust PLC.
Arnold & Porter
Arnold & Porter‘s hedge fund practice assists established funds in navigating regulatory regimes, notably AIFMD and MiFID, and is also able to support the launch of new fund structures and managed accounts. Practice head Simon Firth maintains a broad practice, advising clients on fund launches and their daily operations, in addition to providing regulatory guidance.
Practice head(s):
Simon Firth
Key clients
VWM
RoboCap Partners
Curzon Funds
Work highlights
- Acted as UK counsel on the formation of three Cayman Islands litigation funding funds investing in UK litigation: VWM Capital Litigation Fund LP, VWMCAP Litigation Fund LP and VWMCAP Litigation Fund 2 LP.|
- Drafted an alternative investment management agreement and negotiated a sub-investment management agreement for Curzon Funds SPC.
- Provided ad hoc advice to RoboCap Partners on its Cayman/Delaware master-feeder funds, including US securities and tax advice and updating offering documents to reflect a change of investment manager.
Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP
Startups and small hedge funds form the core of Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP 's client base, assisting with the drafting of fund launch documents and taking managers through regulatory considerations. James Tinworth has stepped into the role of practice head following the March 2024 departure of Ben Watford, advising on both corporate and regulatory issues affecting hedge funds, including assisting with matters tied to managed accounts. Christopher Orford is a name to note for fund transactions.
Practice head(s):
James Tinworth
Other key lawyers:
Christopher Orford
Testimonials
‘Great service, good lawyers, access to NY bench.’
‘Responsive, knowledgeable and committed. Particular mentions to James Tinworth and Christopher Orford.’
‘James Tinworth proposed creative solutions for us in structuring our separately managed account platform for professional clients. He was extremely responsive, more so than peer firms, and got the project done efficiently.’
Key clients
Shikuma Capital Limited
Kimura Performance Limited
Dhow Kimura African Commodity Trade Finance Fund Ltd
Quintar Kimura Special Credit US Feeder Fund L.P.
Quintar Kimura Special Credit Offshore Feeder Fund Limited
Quintar Kimura Special Credit Fund Limited
Westbeck Capital Management LLP
Tico Capital
Conductor Capital Asset Management LLP
Emona Capital LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Conductor Capital Asset Management LLP on the launch of an energy commodities-focused fund, involving the creation of a Delaware feeder, a Cayman feeder and a Cayman master fund.
- Acted for Jenga Investment Partners on the establishment and launch of a Cayman master-feeder fund.
- Advised Qbera Trade Finance Master Fund regarding the update of all fund documentation to reflect the introduction of new share classes and regulatory updates since the last update in 2021.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Osborne Clarke LLP assists fund managers with the launch and structuring of their hedge funds, advising on seed funding, revenue sharing agreements and more, with expertise in setting up funds in the EU, Cayman Islands and Channel Islands. Practice head Simon Thomas is adept at advising alternative investment managers on the formation of funds and the day-to-day issues affecting their operation.
Practice head(s):
Simon Thomas
Testimonials
‘I have dealt with many professional services firms over the years and the OC hedge practice stands out due to its very high level of client focus. This is most manifest in turnaround times. Their view is that when one has asked for something, then it is needed, so should be turned around swiftly.’
Key clients
ARBRA Asset Management
Global Gate Capital
Feoh Investments
Derby Street
Newtyn Management LLC
Work highlights
- Advised ARBRA Asset Management, a newly formed international asset management and wealth advisory business, on the formation of its first Jersey-based hedge fund, the International Strategies Fund.
- Advised Global Gate Capital on the launch and operation of several investment funds and on the restructuring of its global administrative business.
- Advised Feoh Investments, a newly formed independent private investment firm, on the formation and operation of its investment management business.