Mr Gus Black > Dechert LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Dechert LLP is a prominent adviser to fund managers on derivatives, though it handles both buy-side and sell-side work. The department acts for investment banks, commercial banks, private equity funds and credit funds in structured finance matters. Fund formation specialist Gus Black, who is co-chair of the firm’s global financial services group, oversees the work of key partners John McGrath, whose work encompasses the enforcement and restructuring of derivatives, securitisations and other structured financings, and Karen Stretch, who focuses on transactional and regulatory derivatives matters.

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.

Led by Gus Black, the ‘organised, approachable and knowledgeable team’ at Dechert LLP acts for leading asset managers on buy-side regulatory mandates, with additional expertise in matters concerning FCA regulation and ESG. Karen Anderberg acts for asset managers and investment funds across Europe, Asia and the US on a range of financial services regulatory issues, while Katie Carter advises clients on compliance with AIFMD, MiFID II and the impact of Brexit, among others. Praised as ‘excellent in their respective fields’, Karen Stretch and Mikhaelle Schiappacasse are also key contacts in the group.

Dechert LLP‘s breadth is evidenced by its activity across the full range of fund sizes and asset classes, including private credit and real estate. Gus Black regularly receives instructions from significant asset managers in the private equity and credit sphere. Christopher Gardner‘s ability in offshore jurisdictions attracts a host of sponsors and investors from the Middle East, North Africa, and North America. Sam Kay joined the practice from Travers Smith LLP in July 2023, while Thiha Tun  moved to Goodwin.