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Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Investment Funds: Fund Formation

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada

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Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

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About

Provided by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

BLG’s Investment Management Group is one of the largest groups in Canada offering over 50 years of experience ranging from fund structuring, public fund launches, ETFs, closed end funds, private and hedge fund offerings, derivative transactions, bringing international entrants to Canada, registrant regulation, M&A transactions and regulatory policy and developments. Many of our clients have worked with us since their initial start-up.


We act for high profile fund industry clients including independent fund managers, Canadian banks, portfolio managers, dealers, hedge fund managers, ETFs, closed-end funds and service providers.

Many of our lawyers have hands-on experience, through secondments, committee or leadership positions, at the various securities regulators across Canada and trade associations and via secondments with our clients. 

We provide a diverse range of services working closely with lawyers in other specialized areas to provide complete, innovative and cost-effective client-centred services including:

•    Structuring all types of investment funds and their offerings
•    M&A fund industry transactions
•    ISDA and cleared derivative documentation
•    Investment fund governance
•    Registrant regulation
•    Regulatory compliance matters
•    Taxation matters

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Investment Funds: Fund Formation - Nationwide - Canada

What the Team is Known For
Borden Ladner Gervais operates a market-leading investment fund practice widely praised for its mutual funds expertise and provision of regulatory support. The group also advises on ETFs and open-ended fund matters, acting for a diverse range of clients including banks, dealers and fund managers. It has a strong track record of assisting international investors with debut matters in the Canadian funds market, and maintains an impressive bench of highly experienced practitioners across the key markets of Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Borden Ladner Gervais acted for Fidelity Investments Canada in obtaining a exemption order from Canadian securities regulators regarding the borrowing restrictions applicable to mutual funds.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They understand people's businesses and have commercial awareness.

    Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

  • They provide nationwide coverage with a local approach to effectively address matters requiring flexibility and agility.

    Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

  • The team demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of securities regulatory matters, ensuring that all possible issues are carefully considered before providing guidance.

    Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

  • They have strong expertise on a wide variety of securities law matters.

    Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

  • They are able to staff my matters with lawyers who have the right level of expertise according to my needs.

    Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Lynn McGrade
    Lynn McGrade

    Lynn McGrade

    Toronto-based Lynn McGrade is frequently sought after for her advice on a variety of fund structures and receives particular praise for her expertise in mutual funds.

    • She is very committed to servicing our needs and getting us what we need.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

    • Lynn is exceptionally approachable and business-friendly, making complex legal issues easier to navigate.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

    • She is exceptionally knowledgeable and provides practical, timely guidance.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

    • She is a remarkably strong advisor in respect of securities regulation and investment fund management matters.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada
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  • Kathryn Fuller
    Kathryn Fuller

    Kathryn Fuller

    Toronto-based Kathryn Fuller assists fund managers with a broad range of fund-related issues, including funds M&A. She is also deeply experienced in advising on fund restructuring and launches of retail funds.

    • She practices in a way that balances the legal complexities and the commercial realities of her clients.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

    • We value her technical expertise and industry knowledge as well as her good relationships with Canadian securities regulators.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada
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  • Jason Brooks
    Jason Brooks

    Jason Brooks

    Vancouver-based Jason Brooks has a broad investment management practice that includes advising on the formation, management and operation of funds.

    • He consistently provides timely, thoughtful advice and is quick to adapt to our evolving needs.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada
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  • Prema Thiele
    Prema Thiele

    Prema Thiele

    Toronto-based Prema Thiele advises on an array of fund M&A and regulation issues. She is regularly engaged by funds with very high value assets under management to assist with launches and acquisitions.

    • She is practical in her advice and is very knowledgeable in the industry.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada
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  • Sarah Gardiner
    Sarah Gardiner

    Sarah Gardiner

    Sarah Gardiner is an experienced attorney based in the firm's Toronto office. She advises on a broad range of funds matters including securities regulation and compliance.

    • She is extremely helpful and efficient.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

    • Sarah is unfazed by our complicated corporate structure and we count on her to help us make things work.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada
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  • Whitney Wakeling
    Whitney Wakeling

    Whitney Wakeling

    Whitney Wakeling is a partner in Borden Ladner Gervais's Toronto office. She works on a range of matters fund mergers, regulatory concerns and compliance matters.

    • She is extremely responsive and professional.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

    • She proactively identifies potential issues and offers well-considered solutions.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada
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  • Roma Lotay
    Roma Lotay

    Roma Lotay

    Roma Lotay is a Toronto-based lawyer with a burgeoning practice in the investment fund space. She frequently assists clients with the formation and private offering of funds, and is highly adept at advising on ESG strategy and a myriad of securities regulatory issues.

    • She has an in depth understanding of legal regulatory framework and is able to disseminate regulatory positions in an understandable way.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada

    • She is highly knowledgeable, experienced and responsive.

      Investment Funds: Fund Formation respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (7)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

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