UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Eversheds Sutherland
We are recognised as market leaders in open-ended funds, advising top-tier clients including Schroders, Aviva, Columbia Threadneedle, M&G, and Franklin Templeton. Our international capability spans private funds (LPs, unauthorised unit trusts, hedge funds), financial regulation, pensions, derivatives, and tax.
Sustainability and ESG are core strengths. We led work on the FCA’s SDR labelling regime—acting on the first labelled fund and advising on over 80% of those recognised by the FCA. Phil Spyropoulos and Michaela Arter are recommended by The Legal 500 for ESG expertise.
We pioneered work on the Long-Term Asset Fund (LTAF), advising on its development, the first seeded LTAF, and multiple launches including Aviva’s. Our advice covers structuring, regulation, tax, and onboarding. Katie Taylor and Julian Brown sit on a leading industry committee.
We are go-to advisers for UK depositary and custody banks on open-ended funds, including strategic projects and novel issues like Building Safety Act liability.
Our regulatory practice spans UCITS, AIFMD, MiFID, and the FCA Handbook, plus broader financial services matters including SFDR, SDR, TCFD, ISA Regulations, and Consumer Duty.
We advise over 11 firms—representing 500+ funds—on FCA recognition under the Overseas Funds Regime (OFR), and support clients on the emerging Consumer Composite Investments (CCI) regime and LGPS reforms.
Provided by Chambers
Eversheds Sutherland's impressive bench of practitioners has extensive experience of developing complex products for retail and institutional investors. Beyond fund formation, the group is able to support on capital raising, debt raising and regulatory compliance, including ESG.
Provided by Chambers
Eversheds Sutherland advised Columbia Threadneedle on the adoption of the Sustainability Focus label for nine of its funds.
Provided by Chambers
They have market-leading knowledge of UK authorised funds. This includes an excellent understanding of the procedures and requirements of the FCA.
They have a wealth of experience and are a leading funds team in the UK. They have excellent knowledge of the asset management industry and strong relations with the FCA.
They have a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and are aware of the commercial and competitive pressures on asset managers. They always strive to find solutions to problems.
We value the tailored training and opportunities to network that are provided by the firm. A lot of effort is invested in understanding the business in order to give the most tailored advice.
Provided by Chambers
Julian's support and guidance is a key asset.
Julian has a deep understanding of both the regulatory landscape as well as the way the FCA operates.
Julian is very thoughtful, experienced, technically strong and a deep thinker.
Michaela Walker regularly advises depositary banks and asset management companies on authorised funds and Authorised Contractual Schemes. She has particular expertise in long-term asset funds.
Michaela is the go-to lawyer for fund matters.
Michaela is an outstanding lawyer with a genuine expert level understanding and knowledge of authorised funds. Michaela is highly recommended.
Michaela is very strong in her advice.
Phil Spyropoulos acts for a range of clients including asset managers, wealth managers and charities. He advises on areas including FCA regulation, fund launches and fund management.
Phil is an outstanding lawyer and an accomplished partner.
His advice is always practical and his knowledge of the industry, particularly the FCA and sustainability, sets him apart.
He is solutions-focused and always take time to understand the broader business context. His advice is clear, practical, tailored to our needs and he consistently adds value beyond technical guidance.
Phil's input is very useful in devising our strategy to tackle new regulations. He also has strong commercial awareness and his wider industry knowledge supports us in how we approach the project.
Katie Taylor regularly represents authorised funds, advising on LTAF structures and regulatory compliance with the FCA.
Katie is very responsive and easy to work with.
Katie understands our position and always provides practical advice. I never come off a call with her wondering what I should do now.
Investment Funds: Open-ended Funds
Head of Investment Funds: Open-ended Funds
Investment Funds: Open-ended Funds
Investment Funds: Open-ended Funds
Provided by Eversheds Sutherland
Giulia Del Bianco
Sarah Kopec
Phil Spyropoulos
View profile of Phil SpyropoulosJulian Brown
View profile of Julian BrownKatie Taylor
View profile of Katie Taylor
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