Burges Salmon LLP acts for a number of major retail funds on various matters, with authorised investment funds being a core strength. Notably, the firm currently represents 80% of the Authorised Corporate Director market. It has expanded its sustainable funds practice, launching a number of ESG funds for major clients such as St. James’ Place and and Marlborough Fund Managers. Team leader Tom Dunn specialises in the establishment, structuring, operation and winding up of retail funds, in particular OEIC, AUT and ACS structures. He is assisted in this work by Alex Gillespie, who also handles regulatory matters. Anna Davis is a regulatory specialist with extensive compliance experience.

CMS continues to be a strong choice for domestic and international retail fund managers. The firm advises a number of major clients on a range of funds-related matters, from creating new funds and the regulatory requirements of such undertakings to overhauling fund management structures. It is well versed in assisting on the establishment and operation of UCITS funds and also has a strong REIT practice. Karagh Gilliatt has over two decades of expertise in open-ended funds and advises a number of the UK’s largest retail funds. Laura Houët is the firm’s global co-head of ESG and spearheads the firm’s growing focus on sustainable funds. She also advises a number of international clients on cross-border funds matters.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides assistance to unit funds and OEICs across the gamut of funds-related issues, ranging from establishment and authorisation of funds to taxation and regulatory matters.

The team at Macfarlanes LLP covers the full range of fund-related matters, advising fund managers on the establishment and structure of their products. The firm also offers assistance with regulatory issues, having worked alongside the Investment Association (IA) and helped the FCA with its post-Brexit funds regime. Lora Froud is the lead partner for open-ended funds; she active in the regulated retail funds space, where she advises clients on UCITS funds and matters pertaining to ESG, AIFMD and MiFID. Senior counsel Alexandra Cochrane advises asset managers and authorised corporate directors on regulated funds matters, including mergers, terminations and rationalisations.

Farrer & Co specialises in advising on the structures of FCA-approved funds, from OEICs to master-feeder structures. The firm also advises clients on unique fund structures, including charity and church funds and funds for tax-exempt investors. Practice head Grania Baird has over two decades of experience in supporting asset and fund managers on new products and regulation, with a particular focus on FCA-regulated funds. Andy Peterkin represents private funds and advises on alternative capital raising structures. Jessica Reed advises asset managers on the establishment of UCITS, NURS and ESG funds.

Fieldfisher advises domestic and international clients on an array of matters, including governance of FCA-regulated funds, as well as a growing focus on environmental matters. The firm is also able to offer fund design and structuring services for unregulated fund products. The well-regarded Kirstene Baillie specialises in assisting regulated funds and is increasingly focused on international funds matters. Dale Gabbert advises clients on contentious governance issues. He is also active in corporate transactions.

The team at K&L Gates LLP offers advice to clients on issues ranging from fund formation to strategic advice. The firm’s retail fund expertise is international, providing advice on UK, Ireland and Luxembourg-based funds. The firm is also able to offer guidance on matters of regulation. Practice head Michelle Moran advises UK, EU and US-based clients and regulators on UCITS and AIFMD funds. She also has in-depth knowledge of EU regulations and has worked on issues pertaining to post-Brexit fund regulation. Andrew Massey assists financial institutions with fund management issues, with particular focus on UCITS and AIFMD matters. Philip Morgan is experienced in handling non-contentious regulatory matters.

Simmons & Simmons advises investment managers and depositaries on the full range of fund products, in addition to offering regulatory assistance across the UK, Ireland and Luxembourg. This includes fund management and formation. The firm is also at the forefront of legal innovation in this area, partaking in the Productive Finance Working Group that was established by the Bank of England in conjunction with the Treasury and the FCA. The team is led by Penny Miller, who advises clients on regulatory issues, including SMCR and GCAT matters. Neil Simmonds has 30 years of experience advising fund managers with regards to onshore and offshore open-ended investment funds, including UCITS matters. Mahrie Webb specialises in the establishment, structuring and regulation of authorised fund structures. Catherine Weeks is recommended for regulatory issues governing the operation of funds.