Schulte Roth & Zabel International LLP remains highly active undertaking fund formation and management work for major fund managers (including institutional asset managers), as well handling spin-outs at all stages from inception to close. The team in London stands out for its expertise in US issues, and it also handles the full range of UK regulatory considerations, such as AIFMD and MiFID II. The co-heads of the practice are Josh Dambacher and Christopher Hilditch, who are both highly experienced in acting for entrepreneurial and institutional investment managers and other financial services clients across a variety of asset classes. Anna Maleva-Otto has a strong multijurisdictional regulatory practice, while recently-promoted partner Lee Smith is noted for his work on fund structuring. Special counsel Amy MacDonagh handles fund formation, structuring and general corporate and UK regulatory advice to managers.

Akin Gump LLP advises a combination of established hedge funds, institutional asset managers and start-ups on fund formation, liquidity issues, seed capital arrangements and regulatory considerations, with a strong focus on US-domiciled products. The team works closely with practitioners in the firm's New York and Washington DC offices, enabling it to handle cross-border mandates as well as keeping track of regulatory changes. Tim Pearce and Ian Meade both handle complex fund management mandates for major clients in the US and Europe, including complex fund restructurings and launches. Counsel Hamish Annandale is knowledgeable about a number of fund strategies, including co-investment and hybrid structures.

Dechert LLP advises boutique and institutional hedge fund managers on seed deals, fund structuring and formation, as well as an array of regulatory matters across key jurisdictions. The team has strong capabilities in EU downstream work, including reporting and documentation as well as investment strategy. The team is overseen by Gus Black, with Abigail Bell also a key figure, working with a variety of long-standing funds clients on deals and regulatory matters. Mikhaelle Schiappacasse is noted for her work on complex mandates for institutional fund managers, while Craig Borthwick advises on large-scale fund launches. Karen Stretch was promoted to partner in early 2021.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP combines an an active fund formation practice with broad regulatory expertise, advising clients on Brexit considerations and European regulatory changes, as well as specific jurisdictional advice relating to Cayman and Luxembourg-domiciled funds. Notable engagements during 2020 included renewable energy and crypto asset funds. The team advises asset managers, insurers and pension funds, and it has also increased its share of work with institutional investors, particularly banks. Practice head Ben Watford is highly active in handling fund launches for managers in key jurisdictions, and he is also heavily involved in regulatory work and thought leadership within the industry. Ronald Paterson has a strong track record in fund launches. Edinburgh-based principal associate Sarah Burnside specialises in financial services sector advice, including fund mergers and reorganisations, and regulatory issues.

Fieldfisher advises fund managers across the full range of matters, including fund launches, operations, regulatory issues and derivatives trading. The firm’s regulatory expertise encompasses key jurisdictions such as the US, Ireland and Luxembourg. James Tinworth focuses on handling fund placements and regulatory matters on behalf of start-up and established asset managers. He co-heads the practice with Ron Feldman, who specialises in derivatives and structured finance. Other key team members include Emma Spiers, who advises on structured trades and regulatory issues across a variety of asset types, and Jenny Warren, who has notable expertise in prime brokerage.

Sidley Austin LLP advises European, US and Asian institutional managers on the full range of fund strategies, including credit, fixed-income, liquid credit and global macro. The team has particular expertise in providing multijurisdictional regulatory advice and has a strong niche in seed investments. James Oussedik, who leads the team, maintains a broad client portfolio of institutional and start-up managers, with a consistent record in credit funds work. Stephen Ross is also highly active on behalf of managers, with senior associate Peter Chapman serving as another key contributor to the practice.

Arnold & Porter advises US and EU fund managers on fund structuring, including the formation and launch of master-feeder structures, funds of one, funds of funds and asset funds. The team, which is led by hedge fund specialist Simon Firth, works in close conjunction with the firm's US offices and has strong European and US regulatory capabilities.

Macfarlanes LLP combines regular work for European investment managers, particularly on alternative credit funds, with an active start-up fund practice. The firm has notable integrated regulatory and tax expertise across key European jurisdictions, enabling it to handle cross-border mandates. The practice is led by Sam Brooks, who has a strong focus on work for start-up managers.

Led by John Adams, Shearman & Sterling LLP's team advises a wide range of institutional fund managers on fund formation and operational issues, and spin-outs and fund restructurings, with broad expertise across the US and European markets. It is also knowledgeable about complex regulatory issues, including Brexit-related changes and AIFMD.