Investment Funds | Asia-Pacific

Allens is notable for its range of work on fund formation and funds-related M&A. The practice serves an impressive client roster, which includes funds, banks and corporates, and also offers a strong superannuation practice, advising funds on investments in particular. The team utilises the firm's wider real estate offering to provide an all-round service to its property investment fund clientele, and draws on the firm's financial services regulatory practice to further assist clients. The practice's notable clients include Pacific Equity Partners, Global Infrastructure Partners and IFM.

Clayton Utz has extensive expertise in domestic and cross-border investment funds. The team boasts a comprehensive understanding of retail and wholesale funds, assisting major clients on fund-raisings, asset portfolio acquisitions and disposals, fund restructures and general fund governance advice. The practice is also adept at advising on matters involving regulatory compliance and superannuation for clients, including large corporations and their associated funds, as well as financial institutions. The firm is particularly active in the real estate funds space, supported by a top-tier real estate practice. Its notable clients include fund managers and high-profile institutional investors, such as Queensland Investment Corporation, Prime Property Fund Asia and Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth boasts leading expertise in superannuation built upon a dedicated team of sector specialists experienced in handling high-profile mandates. The team offers an established investment funds practice skilled in assisting on all aspects of the fund life-cycle, including fund creation, management, corporate governance and regulation. The firm is able to advise on matters relating both to retail funds and private funds. The team also possesses admirable cross-border capability, assisting major multinational companies with investments both onshore and offshore. The practice's key clients include BGH Capital, Warburg Pincus and Hillhouse Investment Management.

Gilbert + Tobin has a well-established reputation for private equity and venture capital fund formation. The firm regularly advises clients on matters related to wholesale and retail funds, as well as new foreign fund manager entrants to the Australian market. The practice boasts additional expertise in relation to funds focused on real estate investments. Able to draw on its impressive tax, financial regulations and M&A practice, the firm provides clients with a full-service package. The team also has experience raising funds domiciled in the Cayman Islands and other offshore jurisdictions. The practice counts among its clients Pemba Capital Partners, Blackbird Ventures and Five V Capital.

MinterEllison fields a highly regarded team with in-depth knowledge of superannuation and funds management across a broad range of industry sectors and asset classes. The firm acts on both public and private funds, advising managers on fund structuring and establishment, as well as mergers and acquisitions, and offering noteworthy expertise in the property sector. The team provides further assistance on the rationalisation and restructuring of funds, while also advising clients on regulatory compliance issues in relation to investments and fund operations, including foreign investment regulations and financial services licensing. The practice's clients include major financial institutions, fund managers and both international and domestic investors, with such names as Challenger, AMP Capital and Cromwell Property among its clientele.

A&O Shearman delivers all-round expertise, including working on the formation of funds and providing assistance to fund managers throughout the fund cycle. The firm is active across funds focusing on a number of asset classes, including private equity and real estate. The team also advises on regulatory issues, as well as fund formation, management and investment matters. The practice leverages its international network to provide multi-jurisdictional fund formation, fund restructure and investment advice. Its notable clients include Dexus, IOOF Holdings and Ivanhoe Cambridge. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Baker McKenzie is in demand for its expertise in providing the full range of funds-related services to an impressive roster of domestic and international clients. The firm is especially noted for its acumen in structuring and establishing funds, including work on innovative funds, structured investments and offshore funds. The team assists high-profile investors with their investments into funds and is also active on matters relating to public funds, advising on transactional matters involving REITs and on the formation and management of ETFs.

DLA Piper is recognised for its capable and sophisticated offering in fund formation and fund structuring. The practice advises major asset management clients both domestically and internationally. The team boasts proven strength in the formation of retail and wholesale funds, and demonstrates the ability to assist high-profile institutional investors. Its notable clients include Ares Management Corporation, Pengana Capital and Nuveen Australia.

Hall & Wilcox is experienced in advising investment fund managers, asset managers and trustees on the establishment and raising of both wholesale and retail funds. The practice boasts a strong offering in the property funds space, with expertise in acting for international and domestic clients on a range of matters, including fund acquisitions and restructures. The firm's notable clients include HOPE Housing Fund Management, HouseMax Technology and Finplex.

K&L Gates is noted for its respected team with strong cross-border capabilities. The practice demonstrates experience assisting clients on the formation of venture capital funds, with additional expertise in relation to retail funds, especially unit trusts and REITs. The team is also noted for acting on behalf of superannuation funds, advising on regulatory matters and fund investments. The firm's notable clients include AXA Investment Managers Australia, Centuria Healthcare and Paspalis Asset Management.

Norton Rose Fulbright houses a notable investment funds team with strong capabilities in cross-border investment transactions. The firm frequently acts for asset managers on the establishment of public and private funds, but also has expertise in relation to real estate funds, venture capital funds and ETFS. The team also handles related tax and regulatory issues. The practice is a growing presence in the superannuation space, advising on the establishment and restructuring of both foreign-domiciled and domestic funds. The firm's notable clients include Australian Ethical, Copia and Ausbil Investment Management.