Investment Funds: Private Equity | Asia-Pacific

Baker McKenzie is a leading global law firm with an established track record for handling a range of funds matters on an Asia-wide scale. The firm has exceptional cross-border capabilities, owing to its impressive global footprint, which is further bolstered in the Asia-Pacific region by its significant Australian funds group, as well as standout practices in Hong Kong and Singapore. It is particularly prominent for its work on private equity real estate funds, REITs and pension funds, with additional expertise in handling secondary investments and regulatory compliance work. It acts as counsel to sovereign wealth funds operating in the region and advises investors and fund managers on regulatory matters, including the impact of financial regulation reforms.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has a top-tier GP practice advising asset managers on the legal aspects of establishing closed-ended private equity and real estate funds. The firm demonstrates expertise in funds focused across the region, with country-specific expertise in Japan, Korea and China, bolstered by language skills in Japanese, Korean and Mandarin. It is notably strong in pan-Asian fund formation and capital raisings.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has a team of proficient private equity fund formation legal advisers to asset managers and investors throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The firm is active on growth capital and venture capital structures for clients including premier private equity houses, sovereign wealth funds and commercial banks. It has a strong practice in private real estate fund formation and a substantial presence in Hong Kong and Tokyo, facilitating work on regional matters. It also frequently assists clients on pan-Asia fund formation mandates.

King & Wood is well respected for its experience in renminbi-denominated funds in China. The firm is noted for its experience assisting international investment fund clients with their Asian operations as well as its clients' China outbound investment requirements. The firm demonstrates further ability in complex fund formation, including EFTs, private equity, real estate, infrastructure and hedge funds.

Sidley Austin is an international law firm with market-leading offerings in Hong Kong and Singapore providing an outstanding hedge funds practice which caters for global investors and in particular those with a US focus. It has additional strength in private equity and real estate fund formation and management, providing a comprehensive regulatory and transactional offering in relation to open and closed-end funds throughout Asia. The firm offers integrated expertise in Greater China, Singapore, Japan, US and English law. It is active on funds focused around the region, including those focused on South Asia and on South-East Asia.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Affiliates has a substantial Hong Kong-based legal practice representing asset managers in the formation of a variety of private equity and venture capital funds. The firm also advises on regulatory and compliance issues related to investment funds. It is further experienced in the formation and structuring of funds of funds.

White & Case's legal team is especially rated for handling private equity matters as part of the wider global funds practice, advising on formation, structuring and regulatory issues. The firm demonstrates further expertise with regard to hedge funds and is active on cross-border matters for clients investing throughout the Asia-Pacific region from its Hong Kong office, with additional resources located in Tokyo. It also advises institutional and sovereign investors on investments into funds. The firm has expertise in US law to provide specific advice to US taxable, ERISA and US tax-exempt investors.

A&O Shearman is credited for its legal experience in private equity funds in Hong Kong and bolstered by the credentials of its Tokyo-based practice group. The firm is highlighted for its skills in Asia-focused fund formation, the assistance of sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors with investments into funds, and regulatory matters arising from the design of new investment products, together with funds-related M&A. Clients include prominent fund managers and high-profile investors. The firm fields additional expertise in handling venture capital fund matters.

Dechert's legal team has a broad funds practice that is frequently engaged by asset management clients to advise on the authorisation, listing and regulatory maintenance of registered funds. The firm provides particular expertise with regard to unit trusts and mutual funds. Its extensive offshore experience covers formation, structuring and management, and the firm has a strong record of advising on cross-border mandates. It is active counsel on hedge and hybrid fund formations and increasingly involved in the private equity sphere.

Goodwin has a GP-focused legal practice that acts for asset managers operating across a range of sectors, including renewables, technology, sports and real estate, and strategies, including venture capital, buyout and growth. It is typically involved in the establishment of closed-end pan-Asia funds, with a track record of acting for Indian investors.

Mallesons’ Singapore and Australian offices work closely together to provide a well-integrated service advising international clients on their operations in the region. Its well-experienced team has particular strength advising fund investors and managers on real estate and infrastructure fund formation, management and restructuring as well as private equity investments and co-investments.

Ropes & Gray demonstrates high-calibre legal expertise in private equity fund formation, as well as advising clients on fund management, investments and fund-related corporate and transactional matters. Clients include sovereign wealth funds and state-owned investment companies, as well as managers, sponsors and investors based throughout Asia. It also advises fund managers and investors with regard to real estate funds.