Investment Funds - Australia
What the team is known for
Herbert Smith Freehills has a highly regarded team renowned for acting for large wealth management groups in relation to both the formation and offering of investment management platforms and structured products. The team possesses extensive cross-border capability and remains highly regarded for its adept handling of funds-related M&A activity and restructurings. The practice is also active advising institutional investors with regard to investments into funds. The firm commands respect for its ability to handle matters relating to both the superannuation and life insurance spaces. The team draws on its strong international presence to advise clients on global investment trends. Clients include major banks, asset managers and institutional investors, such as NAB Private Wealth, Clean Energy Finance Corporation and BT Funds Management.
Work highlights
Herbert Smith Freehills acted for BT Funds Management on the strategic transfer of its circa AUD40 billion unitised superannuation business to Mercer via a competitive bid and successor fund transfer process.
Notable practitioners
Fiona Smedley has a market-leading practice in investment funds, regularly advising a range of high-profile clients such as fund managers, asset managers, banks and non-profits. She has extensive expertise in matters relating to both fund formation and management. "Fiona is an excellent funds lawyer."
Maged Girgis is a market-leading practitioner who acts on some of the most significant life insurance business deals and superannuation fund matters, including successor fund transfers and divestitures. "He's at the top of the field in superannuation matters."
Michael Vrisakis is a highly regarded financial services lawyer with strong expertise in advising on M&A transactions with superannuation elements. "Michael is very innovative and easy to deal with."
