A&L Goodbody LLP‘s sizeable asset management and investment funds practice has sustained high activity levels, notably helping clients with sustainability priorities and fund conversions under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the launch of new sustainability-linked funds. It continues to have a major presence in exchange traded funds (ETFs) and real estate funds, and has a growing presence in investor side engagements, particularly pension fund investments in Irish fund structures and Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) platforms. Department head Brian McDermott and Michael Barr are major names in the industry, supported by emerging talent Kerill O’Shaughnessy . Laura Butler left the firm.
Investment funds in Ireland
A&L Goodbody LLP
Practice head(s):
Brian McDermott
Other key lawyers:
Michael Barr; Kerill O’Shaughnessy; Michelle Nagle; Angie Tuohy
Testimonials
‘The team at ALG are fantastic to work with, excellent at bringing in their best on specific topics to get the right results.’
‘Kerill O’Shaughnessy adds real value by bringing his technical knowledge to bear not just in his advice and support but also in fostering innovation in the wider funds sector.’
‘Michael Barr, Kerill O’Shaughnessy, Michelle Nagle: extremely engaged and responsive in relation to the various projects and requests. I know I can always rely on any of these three individuals to provide high quality legal advice in a timely manner.’
‘The A&L Goodbody team always demonstrates professionalism and responsiveness, always maintaining a focus on client needs and objectives. As we ran into challenges with a fund launch, the A&L Goodbody team came together with actionable proposals that we were able to leverage in getting our fund launched.’
‘Kerill O’Shaughnessy always goes above and beyond and possesses an unmatched level of expertise in the UCITS space. Angie Tuohy is also an incredible resource for our team.’
‘Breadth and depth of expertise. Competitive fees. Approachable and responsive staff. Collaborative partnership.’
‘Michael Barr – a pragmatic, solutions focused, commercially astute individual who can navigate and apply legal and regulatory requirements to operational realities with ease. Persuasive sound advice, straight talking and trustworthy.’
‘A&L Goodbody provides an extremely high level of service, which also includes hands on engagement at partner level. Besides the high competencies of the partners, the associates of A&L Goodbody also provide excellent advice in a timely manner and are always available, even on short notice. Great people, great team, great service!’
Key clients
Alter Domus
Amundi
Aviva Investors
AXOVISION Capital
BennBridge
BIT Capital
Catalyst Capital Advisors
Cleaves Securities
CQS (UK) LLP
Commerz Real (a member of Commerzbank group)
Coutts
DWS Investments
Efficient Frontier Investment
Exponent Private Equity
Fideuram Asset Management
Foresight Group
HANetf
HSBC Global Asset Management
IPUT
IQEQ Fund Management (formerly Davy Fund Management)
Intermediate Capital Group plc
Kepler Partners
Key Capital
Lemanik Asset Management
M&G Investment Management
Marlborough Fund Managers
Mondrian Investment Partners
Ocorian Group
Optimus Capital
Pinnacle Investment Management
River and Mercantile Group
Stenham Asset Management
Turtle Creek Asset Management
Tilney Smith & Williamson
WisdomTree
Zurich Invest
W&W Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advised Zurich Invest on launching carbon neutral sustainable investment funds.
- Advised Aviva Investors on updating its money market funds to classification as funds promoting environmental and social characteristics.
- Advised Amundi on establishing its Irish ETF range.
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox's sizeable team totals over 40 professionals. With a strong understanding of all major fund structures and licences in Ireland, including for innovative products, it has a history of advising on industry firsts in the jurisdiction. It has maintained its prominence with a number of key engagements in the ESG field, including compliance with SFDR. It has remained active in ETFs, and advised a client on one of the first investment limited partnership structures under the new ILP regime. The highly rated Kevin Murphy heads the team along with leading name Tara O’Reilly. Sarah Cunniff is also rated for Brexit and Covid-related regulatory matters in the UCITS field.
Practice head(s):
Tara O’Reilly; Kevin Murphy
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Cunniff; Dara Harrington; Cormac Commins; Ian Dillon; Siobhán McBean
Testimonials
‘A strong technical team who are understanding of what our business is about and what we want to achieve.’
‘Kevin Murphy leads the team and his knowledge is second to none. His advice is considered but commercial.’
Key clients
Aberdeen Standard
AlbaCore
Alter Domus
Amundi
Alprime
Altrinsic Global Advisors
Antarctica Asset Management
Arrowstreet
Axiom
Baillie Gifford
Bank of Montreal (“BMO”)
BlackRock
Blackstone
Blackwall
Blue Whale
BNP Paribas
CapVest
CBRE
Channel Capital
CIFC
Citadel
Cohen & Steers
Colchester Global Investors
Columbia Threadneedle
Core Markets
Davy
Dimensional Fund Advisors
Dodge & Cox
Eaton Vance
EG Capital
European Investment Fund
Federated Investors
Fine Grain Property
First Trust
Formuesforvaltning AS
First Eagle Investment Management
Franklin Templeton
Global Thematic Partners
Global X
Goldman Sachs
Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC
Green Property Management
Gresham House
Gulf International Bank
HSBC
Industrial and Commerce Bank of China Limited (“ICBC”)
Intertrust
Invesco
Janus Henderson
Macquarie
Maitland
Morgan Stanley
Mirae Asset Global Investments
Nuveen / TIAA
Oak Hill Advisors
Oasis Asset Management
OMIGSA
Overstone
Pillarstone
PineBridge
Platinum Asset Management
Poste Vita
Progressive Capital Partners
Rize ETF Limited
RTE Pension Fund
RTW Investments
Schroders
Seilern
Shenkman Capital
Sigrun
Somerset
Spear Street
State Street Global Advisors (“SSgA”)
Stone Harbor Investment Partners
Tabula ETF
Tilden Park
Trafaltin Park
Vida
Waverton
Wells Capital Management
Western Asset
Kingnova
KKR
Lazard
Los Angeles Capital
M&G Investment Management
MacKay Shields
Work highlights
- Advised State Street on the $3.5bn acquisition of the investor services arm of Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH).
- Acted for Morgan Stanley pn its acquisition of the Eaton Vance business in Ireland.
- Advised Montagu on its agreement to acquire a strategic stake in Waystone, a leading provider of institutional governance, risk and compliance services to the asset management industry.
Dillon Eustace
Dillon Eustace has an immense market share, thanks to its history, reputation and huge team, which includes several specialist partners. It represents a wide range of asset managers, acting for over 1,200 Irish domiciled funds, notably in the structuring and registration of UCITS and QIAIF funds. The firm’s excellence is showcased in headline engagements such as the establishment of special opportunities funds and the world’s first metaverse ETF. Donnacha O’Connor leads the asset management and investment funds department, and is managing partner of the firm; he has made a further impression in establishing loan origination funds and special opportunities funds. Brian Kelliher has an outstanding reputation for regulatory and compliance matters, while Brian Dillon is noted for his work with Asia-based clients. Brian Higgins, Cillian Bredin and Etain de Valera are also highly rated. Shane Coveney is an emerging talent. Former department head Andrew Bates retired in January 2023.
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; Aisling O’Malley; Grace O’Connor
Testimonials
‘Aisling O’Malley is an incredible lawyer with a strong and authentic client focus. She is always ahead of her clients’ concerns and communicates in an effective and easy manner that makes working with her a pleasure.’
Key clients
Architas
AXA Rosenberg
Grayscale Advisors
Kirkoswald Asset Management
ASK Capital Management Pte Limited
Fineco Asset Management
ADIT Capital Management LLC
Blantyre Capital Limited
Abakkus Asset Management
ENAM Asset Management Company Private Limited
Harrington Cooper Asset Management
Leo Capital Corp (HK) Limited
Golub Capital Partners
Roundhill Investments
Pactum AG
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
Old Mutual
Mediolanum
Odey Asset Management
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
- Advised on the establishment of a global emerging and frontier market-focused Irish hedge fund master feeder fund (Kirkoswald Global Emerging Markets Fund) for Kirkoswald Asset Management.
- Advised Blantyre Capital Limited, the UK special situations manager, on the establishment of a global special situations Irish fund.
- Advised Roundhill Investments on the recent launch of its first European ETF, the Roundhill Ball Metaverse UCITS ETF, which listed on the Deutsche Börse in Germany.
Maples Group
Maples Group has the ‘scale and depth in the key fund jurisdictions‘, making it truly unique according to one client. Although noted for its international reach, the firm has real domestic credibility with a substantial team of Dublin-based funds specialists. It represents more than 1,400 funds and is highly reputed for new product launches. It has achieved a major presence in ESG and sustainability finance, the ILP framework, crypto and digital assets, and redomiciliation. Eimear O’Dwyer and Adam Donoghue lead a sizeable partner team that numbers more than 50 investment fund lawyers. Stephen Carty is noted for regulatory matters and Ian Conlon is rated for ESG and sustainable finance. Peter Stapleton has become Dublin managing partner.
Practice head(s):
Eimear O’Dwyer; Adam Donoghue
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Carty; Ian Conlon; John Gallagher; Deirdre McIlvenna; Philip Keegan; Lorna Smith; Aaron Mulcahy; Ronan Cremin; Niamh O’Shea; Fearghal De Feu; Peter Stapleton
Testimonials
‘I think what makes the team unique is that they have scale and depth in the key fund jurisdictions.’
‘Eimear O’ Dwyer provides excellent advice on fund and regulatory matters providing insight and practical industry experience which is invaluable to clients. She is a clear communicator, pragmatic and very responsive.’
‘Maples’ investment funds team manages to balance deep expertise with a client focused mindset. The user friendly nature sets them apart from other firms and the relationships that the partners develop with their key client contacts makes them a trusted adviser.’
‘Adam Donoghue is an exceptional adviser and very knowledgeable across a wide spectrum of products. His international experience gives him a great ability to add value for his clients. Ian Conlon’s deep expertise and cool head allows him to provide solutions to the most complex issues, particularly in advising AIFMs. Philip Keegan’s ability to develop strong relationships with his clients melds well with his ability to provide top notch advice. Fearghal De Feu leverages his international experience to the advantage of his clients. Aaron Mulcahy provides very clear guidance and great relationship management skills, leveraging his knowledge of the various types of collective investment schemes. John Gallagher combines a very broad knowledge of the goings-on in the sector with expertise in many types of complex structure and a ‘can do’ attitude.’
‘Fantastic team of friendly, intelligent and commercial lawyers. Leading experts across all financial services and investment fund matters.’
‘Ian Conlon is a stand-out partner. Technical genius.’
Key clients
AllianceBernstein
Amundi
Artisan Partners
Bain Capital Credit
Banco Santander International
Blackstone
Cardinal Capital
Citigroup
Clean Energy Transition
Credit Suisse
CVC Capital Partners
Deutsche Bank
Fidelity
Goldman Sachs International
HarbourVest
Innocap
Insight Investment
Invesco
Jupiter Asset Management
KKR
Lansdowne Partners
Man Group
Marathon Asset Management
Marshall Wace
Morgan Stanley
Neuberger Berman
Northern Trust Asset Management
Principal Global Investors
Russell Investments
Il[Sanlam Investment Management Holdings
Sector Asset Management
Sixth Street Partners
StepStone
Tudor Capital
Waterfall Asset Management
Waystone
Winton Capital
Work highlights
- Acted as lead counsel and project manager for a complex restructuring of the Neuberger Berman Group’s European UCITS business.
- Acted as lead counsel and project manager in obtaining the very first approval by the Central Bank of Ireland for Irish regulated funds to take exposure to cryptocurrencies/digital assets.
- Acted as lead Irish counsel on the legal migration of an Irish plc to the Cayman Islands.
Matheson LLP
Matheson LLP has a huge market share of asset manager clients and Irish domiciled funds. The firm's international reputation makes it a leader in representing top global promoters and global asset managers, most notably US asset managers; it advised Generation Investment Management on the establishment of the fourth vintage of its flagship private equity fund range. It has continued to add new clients to its practice and is highly acclaimed for advising on a range of industry firsts. It continues to impress in ESG and sustainability focused funds. Tara Doyle , Dualta Counihan and Shay Lydon are top names in the market. Philip Lovegrove, Michelle Ridge, Barry O’Connor and Liam Collins are also highly reputed figures. Anthony Gaskin was promoted to partner in January 2022.
Practice head(s):
Tara Doyle
Other key lawyers:
Dualta Counihan; Shay Lydon; Philip Lovegrove; Michelle Ridge; Liam Collins; Oisin McClenaghan; Barry O’Connor; Catriona Cole; Donal O’Byrne; Anthony Gaskin; Eunan Hession
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable, and diligent effective service. Supported by an experienced team. Top funds firm.’
‘Frequent partner personal contact and available access.’
‘Top tier. Very experienced and capable team. They know everything that there is to know about structuring and documenting investment funds, market practice and regulatory expectations. Advice is timely and practical. The team is highly client focused and delivery across the different partners in the team is seamless. Billing is transparent and there are no surprises. The firm offers excellent value. The Matheson team work readily and efficiently with other firms on cross-border structures.’
‘Dualta Counihan – Can do attitude. Approaches complex and demanding matters without drama. Broad and deep experience of fund structuring mandates. Dualta is also adept at handling regulatory matters.’
‘Anthony Gaskin – Exceptional client service.’
Key clients
Rockefeller & Co LLC
Manulife
Prescient
Principal Global Investors
Goldman Sachs
BlackRock Asset Management
JP Morgan / JP Morgan Asset Management
Amundi Asset Management
State Street Global Advisors
Man Group
Barings
Fidelity International
Morgan Stanley
Invesco
White Oak
Funding Circle
Neuberger Berman Europe Limited
Värde Partners US
Royalty Pharma
First Sentier Investors
ING Solutions Investment Management
AXA Real Estate Investment Management
Work highlights
- Advised State Street Global Advisors on a significant restructuring of its Irish fund range as part of its efforts to rationalise its legal entity footprint in the EU, which involved transitioning three umbrellas from self-managed investment companies to companies with an externally appointed management company.
- Advised Fidelity International on the establishment of six new thematic ETF sub-funds of their existing Fidelity UCITS ICAV platform, which marked the addition of Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments UCITS ETF and Fidelity Metaverse UCITS ETF.
- Advised Generation Investment Management (the investment management firm of former US Vice President Al Gore) on the establishment of the fourth vintage of its flagship private equity fund range.
McCann FitzGerald LLP
McCann FitzGerald LLP has a long history in the investment funds field, continuing to stand out with its broad funds experience, its regulatory expertise and its ability to bring in leading derivatives, structured finance and tax expertise into the area. The practice ranges from UCITS, ETFs, and alternative investment funds to hedge funds, closed-ended funds, private equity funds and real estate funds. It recently advised on two of the first ILPs authorised under the new Irish ILP regime. It has also built its standing in loans origination vehicles, sustainability finance and crypto assets. Department head Mark White is one of the top names in the market, along with Iain Ferguson. The highly rated Morgan Dunne was promoted to partner in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
Mark White
Other key lawyers:
Iain Ferguson; Darragh Murphy; Hugh Beattie; Tony Spratt; Anna Moran; Morgan Dunne; Clare Gillett; Andrew McGovern
Testimonials
‘They have been consistently excellent throughout this time – always available on short notice, turning things around quickly, knowledgeable and commercial in their advice, etc. Additionally, they are a good humoured bunch and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Our key contacts are Morgan Dunne and Mark White. Both have been outstanding. As a recent example, we recently launched a new “Article 8” fund. Morgan was completely on top of his game in advising us – in ways we easily understood – on the legal implications for us under SFDR in running an Art 8 fund. Their depth of knowledge is exceptional; they have a great work ethic; client service is top notch; and they are fun to work with.’
‘Mark White gets personally involved in advising clients. He has a unique insight into the industry and a deep understanding of the regulator and government policy.’
‘The entire team under the leadership of Mark White have fostered a great attitude and style – we enjoy working with any of his team. Of particular note we welcomed the promotion of Morgan Dunne to partner – well deserved and a credit to the team. Very strong, credible and the ability to counsel all levels of an organisation, from the most junior to the board.’
‘Iain Ferguson was a great help on a particularly difficult transaction earlier this year and was on hand to help provide us with good overall guidance surrounding not just the technical aspects but the practicalities and risks – he very much grasps the challenges that in-house counsel have to balance and navigate.’
‘We’ve always liked to work with Tony Spratt. He is not only a master of legal and compliance regulations, procedure and process, but also very business savvy. His timely manner in responding to our queries is exceptional. It’s rare to find a lawyer like Tony since we can always be certain that we could get the most thorough and comprehensive yet practical advices in all matters that concern us especially in the investment industry where things change very quickly. We would highly recommend Tony for the best lawyer award by The Legal 500!’
‘Mark White and Anna Moran are very attentive to our business needs. There is a great knowledge and understanding of the wider industry, and how it will affect our business.’
‘Iain Ferguson is an excellent lawyer, with a great industry knowledge and experience. He consistently went above and beyond and has a very good manner. He consistently provided excellence guidance, he is a good problem solver and has a calm temperament in challenging circumstances. Iain is very down to earth and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Iain and his team.’
Key clients
Ardstone Capital
Willis Towers Watson
AMX
UBS Wealth Management
UBS Investment Bank
Metzler Ireland Limited (now re-named Universal Investment Ireland)
Universal Investments
Peal Capital Partners Group/PEAL Capital Partners ILP
Emerald Technology Ventures/Emerald Innovation Fund ILP
Urbeo Residential ICAV
Elkstone Partners
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
Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland Limited
FFF Partners
Work highlights
- Acted for Willis Towers Watson (WTW) as seller and AMX as target in relation to the sale of AMX to Carne Financial Services Group and the acquisition by WTW of a minority interest in Carne.
- Acted for PEAL Capital Partners and Emerald in relation to the establishment of two of the first ILPs under the new regime.
- Acted as lead counsel for Solas Capital in establishing Solas Sustainable Energy Fund ICAV which will finance companies operating in the energy efficiency sector.
William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP has a fast-growing practice, driven by an established and new generation of partners. It advises a range of major global asset managers on new and market-first products, and is also noted for its expertise in the regulatory field, particularly in the ETF sector. The investment funds group has also developed strong expertise in sustainable finance. It is the sole legal adviser to six of the largest fund structures domiciled in Ireland. James Phelan is a rounded funds specialist with an outstanding record in ETFs. Vincent Coyne is another senior practitioner, with an extensive record in both UCITS and alternative funds, while John Aherne and Patricia Taylor are experienced figures on the regulatory front. Sergey Dolomanov is an emerging talent in UCITS and alternative funds. Lorena Dunne plays a key role in London. Former department head Dan Morrissey retired in December 2021.
Practice head(s):
Vincent Coyne; James Phelan
Other key lawyers:
Sergey Dolomanov; Patricia Taylor; John Aherne; Lorena Dunne
Testimonials
‘The team is very knowledgeable and ensure that any upcoming regulatory requirements are being considered. They are very approachable and available should any ad hoc queries arrive.’
‘Deep knowledge of the Irish market and the PE industry.’
‘James Phelan as partner provides excellent tailored advice and support to our firm. In depth understanding of the regulatory requirements and what is happening in the market. Continues to be accessible and responsive. A very personable person and this is reflected on the rest of his team.’
‘We always welcome an opportunity to work with William Fry and have no hesitation in recommending Vincent Coyne and his colleagues when new clients require legal representation. In our experience, William Fry possess a very broad skillset and can support all fund types in terms of both structure and asset class. This means we can recommend William Fry to any client type irrespective of their needs and proposed strategy and structure.’
‘Vincent Coyne’s experience in the market is second to none. The quality of Vincent’s legal advice is consistently excellent. Vincent is an adept communicator which I believe to be one of his strongest qualities. Vincent combines his technical knowledge with strong commercial instincts with the result that his advice is always practical and pragmatic – and focussed on the challenge at hand. John Aherne and James Phelan are excellent to deal with. As with Vincent, we can always place great trust in their advice and their depth and breadth of expertise is always evident. John and James are commercially astute and always provide legal advice of the highest calibre.’
‘We rely very heavily on them all to support our business. Rarely a day goes by that we do not call on external counsel and, more often than not, our office has multiple daily contacts with the team in William Fry. They are always exceptionally responsive and friendly to deal with and, most importantly, always get the job done properly and on time. As lead counsel of an in-house team, they are very successful at making me feel that they are just an extension of my own in-house team and this despite the fact that they all have busy portfolios beyond our account.’
‘I have immediate access at all times to the senior partner who has our account, James Phelan. James is a vital resource to me, and assists me with fielding the business with quick views on a wide range of legal issues as they arise. He can provide a commercial perspective, combined with a deep understanding of the rules. Also very important to us, is that William Fry offers two partner coverage for all significant accounts – so we have a junior partner, Lorena Dunne, who has also worked on our account from many years. It is important to us that we can access senior people easily.’
‘Vincent Coyne has excellent technical knowledge and practical insights.’
Key clients
Mercer Global Investments Europe
Mercer Global Investments Management Limited
MGI Funds plc
Mercer UCITS CCF
Mercer PIF Funds plc
Mercer QIF Funds plc
Mercer QIF CCF
Generali Invest CEE Global Exposure ICAV
HEPP ICAV
Haitong Asset Management
BlackRock
City of London
Comgest
Davy
GA Development
Gresham
Intertrust
Lazard
Milltrust
Natixis
Sands Capital
Towerbrook
Work highlights
- Advised on the establishment of BlackRock’s first two Paris-aligned corporate bond ETFs.
- Advised Comgest Growth, a Dublin-domiciled UCITS fund range on the establishment of a new investment fund targeting ESG stock selection processes in line with SRI and the UN Global Compact’s 10 principle requirements, including avoidance of exposure to fossil fuel investments.
- Advised Lazard Asset Management on the regulatory process involved in making an application to the Central Bank to expand the regulatory licence of its Dublin-domiciled UCITS management company.
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP is a global leader in investment funds. The Dublin team works closely with offices in many of the key money centres around the world and frequently collaborates with colleagues elsewhere on fund structures that are applicable to the client’s international priorities. It has achieved considerable growth in Ireland over the last decade, building on its global expertise in ESG and the Dublin team’s expertise in ETFs and UCITs. Carol Widger is managing partner of the office and senior name in the investment funds field, notably making a further impression in ESG-related matters. Ciara O’Leary is also recognised for ESG issues, along with expertise in ETFs and UCITS. Declan O'Sullivan and Jeff Mackey are also senior figures, while funds regulatory specialist Mark Dillon was promoted to partner in January 2022 and Emmet Quish was recruited from Dillon Eustace in August 2022.
Practice head(s):
Carol Widger
Other key lawyers:
Ciara O’Leary; Declan O’Sullivan; Jeff Mackey; Mark Dillon; Emmet Quish
Testimonials
‘Partners and associates are always available and of great quality.’
Key clients
Exor Capital LLP
Granahan Funds Plc
StepStone Group LLP and Swiss Capital
UBS
AGC Equity Partners
Apollo Capital Management (UK) LLP
Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP
TT International
Guggenheim Investments
Work highlights
- Advised UBS Asset Management on a range of fund platforms (both UCITS and alternative investment funds) covering a multitude of asset classes.
- Advised StepStone on firm-wide SFDR implementation, notably mandatory ESG disclosure obligations.
- Advised Exor on the successful launch of the new Exor Special Opportunities master and feeder sub-funds.
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP
Mason Hayes & Curran LLP has an extensive record in the formation of UCITS funds. It also has a strong presence in venture capital and private equity, a fine history in real estate funds, and has solid credentials in regulatory matters. It continues to impress in sustainable finance, notably advising Fineco Asset Management on the formation of the Global Sustain Paris Aligned FAM Fund. Department head Conor Durkin has an impressive client list of fund managers and investment managers, with expertise ‘across all types of fund structures‘. Sara O’Reilly brings additional experience from in-house positions, including as head of legal at Sanlam Asset Management (Ireland).
Practice head(s):
Conor Durkin
Other key lawyers:
Sara O’Reilly
Testimonials
‘MHC’s investment funds practice is uniquely able to advise on the most complex types of investment fund structuring.’
‘MHC is able to integrate expertise from different areas of legal practice such as tax, bank financing, corporate and real estate in order to deliver a seamless end-to-end service for clients.’
‘Conor Durkin has worked across all types of fund structures and this breadth of experience provides clients with a broader perspective and insight.’
‘Conor Durkin has deep expertise in the formation and structuring of investment funds. What stands out in our experience in dealing with Conor is the hands on attention he gives to clients and the experience he has gained from many years in practice. Conor’s experience is also enhanced by the fact that he is a non-executive director of a large UCITS management company, which adds a further dimension to his advice which is influenced by a deeper understanding of clients’ organisational structures and a broader focus of the commercial and operational environment in which fund managers operate.’
‘All staff (partners etc) are extremely approachable which is extremely important. You can have conversations with partners without feeling you are on the clock.’
‘Having worked with Sarah O’Reilly, I found her extremely professional and responsive. All work was dealt with in a very efficient manner.’
‘Sara O’Reilly is an expert in her field. She is very approachable and professional.’
‘Sara O’Reilly is proactive, knowledgeable and very commercial in her approach. She is easy to work with and solution orientated. She has a very good profile within the Irish funds industry and is very well regarded. She has extensive experience within the industry and has worked for various service providers so has a very good operational understanding of the funds industry.’
Key clients
Fineco Asset Management DAC
MDEF Gestefin S.A.U. SGIIC
Invescap S.A.
Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services Limited
Opus Fund Services (IRE-Admin) Limited
Vermeer Investment Management Limited
Camac Growth Fund ICAV
Conseq Invest plc
FAM Series UCITS ICAV
FAM Evolution ICAV
Work highlights
- Advised on the establishment of the Global Sustain Paris Aligned FAM Fund, one of the first Article 9 SFDR funds to be established in Ireland with the objective of climate change mitigation by investing in companies that contribute towards the Paris Agreement climate change goal.
- Acted for Invescap on the structuring and formation of Stable Opportunities ICAV, with the objective to invest in firms involved in financing of the US healthcare sector.
- Represented MDEF Gestefin SAU SGIIC in the formation of a UCITS multi-manager fund.
Walkers
Walkers has achieved significant growth year-on-year, and despite the retirement of Jennifer Fox the firm expanded the senior ranks with the promotion of Damian Barnaville to the partnership and the hire of partner Aongus McCarthy from DLA Piper Ireland LLP in October 2022. The growing team represents some of the largest global asset managers such as PIMCO and also advises an increasing number of US-based hedge fund managers. It has a steady flow of fund formation, advisory and downstream transactional work, alongside regulatory and compliance matters. It is active in UCITS and alternative funds, including an expanding cohort of credit funds. Nicholas Blake-Knox leads the team and has a fine reputation in alternative funds, while Eimear Keane is making an impression in fintech and ESG-related funds matters.
Practice head(s):
Nicholas Blake-Knox
Other key lawyers:
Eimear Keane; Damian Barnaville; Aongus McCarthy; Joseph Mitchell; Kate Kenneally; Aengus Gormley
Testimonials
‘The team is very approachable, knowledgeable, collaborative and cost effective. Exactly what is needed from legal counsel.’
‘Damien Barnaville and Kate Keneally are very responsive, dynamic and client focused. Always finding time to allocate and provide effective, rapid solutions. Ably supported by Aengus Gormley.’
‘Excellent combination of funds and finance expertise. Particularly useful in financing transactions involving regulated Irish investment funds.’
‘The team is very proactive and engaged. Their availability is great. Very serious professionals with excellent legal knowledge.’
‘The lawyers are very thoughtful and attentive to details. Very committed to communicate and to collaborate.’
‘Nick Blake-Knox is excellent.’
Key clients
PIMCO Global Advisors Ireland
Edmond de Rothschild
Skyline Umbrella Fund ICAV (platform managed by IQ-EQ)
Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Albemarle Asset Management Limited
PGIM
Kagiso Global Asset Management ICAV
Connacht Asset Management
Ardevora Asset Management LLP (Treligga plc)
W&W Asset Management (Dublin) DAC owned by Wüstenrot & Württenbergische
Corum Butler
IBM Retirement Funds
Ardan UCITS ICAV (platform managed by Carne)
ecamos Capital AG
GaoTeng Global Asset Management Limited
Acer Tree Investment Management
Variety Capital Limited (Variety Capital UCITS ICAV)
Optima Asset Management (Apsley Fund ICAV)
Paralos Asset Management
Sarona Asset Management Inc.
Work highlights
- Acted for a leading global credit manager on the establishment of its loan originating QIAIF platform in Ireland.
- Acted for a leading global asset management firm on its new Article 9 fund which aims to establish a portfolio with a climate goal of reducing CO2 emissions by a significant and defined amount while linking carried interest to this impact goal.
- Advised Paralos Asset Management on the establishment of an Irish master feeder fund which invests predominantly in shipping and maritime transportation related assets.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland is widely recognised for its expertise in regulatory and product development matters, including ESG and sustainability-related funds. It is also noted for the restructure of funds in line with Ireland’s ILP structure and has a growing presence in fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency-related issues. Deborah Hutton leads the team and has a fine market reputation.
Practice head(s):
Deborah Hutton
Testimonials
‘Strengths are knowledge of the investment industry, ability to seamlessly navigate the many regulatory requirements and hurdles, leading to prompt, relevant advice. Also, keeping in front of regulatory updates, providing early indications of future changes and prompt advice on how we navigate.’
‘Main point of contact on all issues is Deborah Hutton. She is very direct, plain speaking, delivering concise, relevant information.’
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
VASP
Keeling Capital Limited
NTMA
Work highlights
- Advised the fund administration and SuperManCo business of Link Group in relation to a change in the qualifying holding of the entity and a restructuring of the group.
- Advised Keeling Capital on the establishment of an Irish 1907 Limited Partnership Fund which will invest in decarbonisation technologies across key sectors of food & agriculture, energy, built environment, heavy industry, mobility & transport, and carbon management.
- Advised National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) on investor due diligence in respect of investments by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) into the Solas Sustainable Energy Fund ICAV, which is advised by Solas Capital AG.
LK Shields Solicitors LLP
LK Shields Solicitors LLP is rated for funds formation and regulatory work. It has achieved further growth in ETFs, UCITS and limited partnerships work. In addition, it has landed a number of venture capital fund engagements and has represented a number of clients in connection with Central Bank of Ireland regulatory obligations. The firm represents a substantial number of international asset managers along with smaller domestic managers. It remains a leader in the life settlements sector thanks to the work of David Williams. Trevor Dolan left the firm.
Other key lawyers:
David Williams
Testimonials
‘This is one of the strongest fund and regulatory teams in Ireland. They have a broad experience across asset classes and have a clear idea of the expectations and requirements of the CBI. They are strong in Director and Management Company engagement.’
Key clients
G Squared Equity Management LP
Suir Valley Funds ICAV
Shard Capital
Elkstone Private Advisors
Enterprise Ireland
Dye & Durham Limited
Corry Capital Advisors LLC
Holborn Assets Limited
Impact-Cubed Limited
Niche Asset Management Limited
Work highlights
- Advised G Squared Equity Management on the establishment of an ICAV for use as a vehicle to house side car investments offered to investors in the client’s Luxembourg Venture Capital Fund and for the purpose of doing stand-alone VC investments.
- Advised Elkstone Private Advisors on an unregulated limited liability company as general partner and an unregulated limited partnership fund under the Limited Partnership Act 1907, for venture capital investments in deep tech in Ireland; the fund is the first Irish regulated fund to be able to qualify for the Employment Investment Incentive (EII) scheme.
- Advised Dye & Durham on its proposed acquisition of Link Administration Holdings, which included obtaining the prior approval of the Central Bank of Ireland for the acquisition of regulated entities within the Link Group in Ireland.