We provide services to a wide range of clients in the asset management sector. Clients include unit and investment trust managers, managers of venture capital and private equity funds, operators and managers of unregulated collective investment schemes and hedge fund managers.
We can assist managers and authorised corporate directors (ACDs) of regulated funds (unit trusts and open ended investment companies) comply with the specific requirements set out in the FSA's COLL sourcebook. We have experience in making authorisation applications both for the schemes themselves and for their managers.
We currently provide ongoing compliance support to over 30 firms involved in venture capital or private equity activities, many of which we assisted as start up companies applying for FSA authorisation. In the private equity sector we have experience assisting both primary and secondary participants.
We have particular experience in relation to the regulatory issues associated with unregulated collective investment schemes. We can advise on whether or not a particular structure is likely to constitute a collective investment scheme and on the regulated activities of establishing and operating such schemes. We regularly advise clients in relation to the restrictions that apply to the marketing of unregulated schemes and upon the scope of available exemptions.
A number of our ongoing support clients are involved in providing advice or management services to hedge funds. The hedge fund sector is a particular focus area for the FSA and we are well placed to advise clients on the latest regulatory developments in this area.