Investment Funds: Hedge Funds
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7628 2020About
Provided by Simmons & Simmons LLP
We have a large and extremely broad investment funds practice. We have 17 partners in our Financial Services department in the UK all working for asset managers, of whom 9 are funds formation partners who together have over 160 years’ PQE, covering all five of the categories of “investment funds” listed by Chambers & Partners: Hedge Funds, Open-ended Funds, Closed-ended Funds, Private Equity and Real Estate.
Our preeminent hedge fund practice is second to none, including 6 partners, two of whom having individual Band 1 rankings for Hedge Funds and two others holding long-established individual rankings in “Investment Funds”. We are recognised as “being the market” for hedge funds by the most significant managers.
Additionally, we have developed a very strong open-ended funds practice including 2 leading expert partners Neil Simmonds and Mahrie Webb who specialise in UCITS and other regulated funds.
Our team led by partners Dale Gabbert, David Williams, Matthew Pitman and Cindy Valentine, provides expert advice on a range of private equity, real estate, infrastructure and credit funds.
Among others, we won Asset Management Team of the Year at the Financial News Awards for Excellence in Legal Services 2016 and Best Onshore Law Firm at the HFM European Hedge Fund Services Awards 2017 and 2016, Best Regulatory Practice at the 2017 and 2016 Hedge Fund Journal Awards and, Best New Legal Product for Simmons & Simmons LaunchPlus at The Lawyer’s Business Leadership Awards in 2016.
Chambers Review
Simmons & Simmons provides an impressive service for asset managers looking to establish investment funds. The team offers expert advice for clients looking to set up open-ended funds and remains one of the top choices for London hedge fund managers. An excellent regulatory practice complements the firm's deep bench of specialists, comprehensive European reach and core focus on investment funds. The funds group is accomplished in a wide range of investment matters, from fund launches and structures, to portfolio management.
Work Highlights
- Regarding hedge funds, Simmons & Simmons acted for Laser Digital Holdings on the establishment of its first digital assets open-ended fund platform.
- Regarding open-ended funds, Simmons & Simmons advised Waystone Management on the acquisition and transfer of the UK and Irish business of Link Fund Solutions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Simmons & Simmons have a deep bench and are very reliable and able to turn things around quickly."
"They are extremely approachable and knowledgeable, as well as having a good working relationship with the FCA approvals department."
"The team are always responsive. They prioritise urgent matters accordingly and anticipate potential hurdles before they arise."
"A very strong and capable team with deep market knowledge that is extremely responsive."
"The team has deep knowledge of topics and the ability to respond to queries on the spot."
"Simmons & Simmons have a deep bench and are very reliable and able to turn things around quickly."
"They are extremely approachable and knowledgeable, as well as having a good working relationship with the FCA approvals department."
"The team are always responsive. They prioritise urgent matters accordingly and anticipate potential hurdles before they arise."
"A very strong and capable team with deep market knowledge that is extremely responsive."
"The team has deep knowledge of topics and the ability to respond to queries on the spot."
Notable Practitioners
Iain Cullen is recognised as a highly influential figure in the UK hedge fund space. During his storied career he has advised leading managers and continues to assist these clients with fund formation.
"Iain is an absolute legend. He's amazing."
Devarshi Saksena has a client list that includes a number of leading European fund managers. He advises these groups on the structuring, launch and operation of hedge funds.
"Devarshi is very knowledgeable about hedge funds and the challenges facing them."
"Devarshi is always available, cares about the long-term relationship and is knowledgeable about the sector."
"Devarshi is wonderfully responsive and commercially aware."
Mahrie Webb is experienced in advising clients on open-ended investment companies, UCITS, non-UCITS retail schemes and AIFMD matters.
"Mahrie is extremely knowledgeable and approachable, with a very calm, can-do attitude. It's a pleasure to work with her."
"Mahrie is a trusted adviser and a regulatory specialist. She is probably the one I would go to if I had a problem: she can work through things."
Lucian Firth is recognised for his work advising fund managers on the establishment and structuring of hedge funds. He also advises clients on the creation of managed accounts.
"Lucian is very responsive and aware of current industry issues."
John Dooley is lauded by high-profile clients for his assistance on authorised funds and regulatory matters, particularly in relation to UCITS and the newly launched LTAFs.
"John is super reliable and able to give good advice very quickly."
"John's advice is always insightful and he acts as a comfortable sounding board for the business on advisory queries."
"John is a proactive and supportive partner to our business. He anticipates developments that may impact upon us and keeps us updated."
Sarah Crabb is recognised as an up-and-coming partner in the hedge fund space. She frequently advises clients regarding fintech and digital assets, earning a reputation for excellence in the field of cryptocurrency funds.
"Sarah takes a strong collaborative approach to working with new launch managers. She is very supportive and takes the time to understand the nuances of each strategy."
"Sarah is technically excellent, very commercial and pragmatic."
"Sarah is a top hedge fund lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
Simmons & Simmons LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Simmons & Simmons LLP
Arthur Stewart
Catherine Weeks
Cindy Valentine
Colin Leaver
David Williams
Devarshi Saksena
Gideon Sharp
Lucian Firth
Mahrie Webb
Matthew Pitman