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Simon Firth’s practice focuses on advising investment firms, with a particular focus on investment management and related regulation. In that context he advises on the establishment, promotion, regulation, and operation of alternative investment funds, as well as on managed account arrangements.

Mr. Firth's related transactional work comprises fund seeding and restructuring, establishing and structuring investment management and other financial services businesses, and drafting their shareholders' or members' agreements.

Mr. Firth also regularly advises clients on regulatory matters, including concerning the AIFMD, MiFID, sustainable finance regulation, cryptoasset regulation, FCA rules, the regulatory perimeter, financial promotion, conduct of business rules, and customer documentation. This advice often involves analysis of applicable UK and EU regulations and equivalent SEC provisions.

Mr. Firth is a regular speaker on investment management and regulatory matters, and frequently contributes articles on industry matters.

Experience

  • A US fixed-income manager with more than $160 billion under management, on a range of UK and EU related issues and fund formation.
  • A major European systematic hedge fund manager, acting as UK counsel for a number of Cayman/Delaware master-feeder funds, including fund formation.
  • Cryptoassets, advising a UK fund manager on the formation of a decentralised finance fund in Jersey and forming a Cayman Islands fund investing in funds managed by specialist managers who invest in digital assets.
  • Advising a UK fund manager on the formation of a Cayman Islands litigation funding investment fund, including seed investor negotiations.
  • Numerous other fund promoters and investment managers on fund structuring and formation in a variety of jurisdictions.

Recognition

The Legal 500 UK
"Leading Individual" Hedge Funds (2024)
"Leading Individual" Investment Fund Formation and Management: Hedge Funds (2022)
Hedge Funds (2014-2022)
Derivatives and Structured Products (2017)
Best Lawyers in the UK
Investment Funds (20182024)
Venture Capital Law (20182024)
IFLR1000
"Highly Regarded"—Investment Funds (UK) (2019–2023)
More

Credentials

Education

  • M.A., Modern Languages and Law, Cambridge University, Girton College

Admissions

  • England and Wales

Activities

  • Member, Law and Society of England and Wales
  • Liveryman, Worshipful Company of International Bankers
Overview