We act for emerging and boutique asset and fund managers who operate outside the institutional infrastructure of large investment houses but still require the same level of legal and commercial sophistication. Our clients are typically focused on performance, growth, and investor relations, and rely on us to support them in building and protecting their reputation, and navigating the regulatory and structural complexities of fund management.

We understand the core concerns facing these asset and fund managers. Many are highly driven, entrepreneurial professionals who are well versed in the art of the deal but often require actionable support to structure a transaction properly, manage investor expectations, and move quickly through regulatory and transactional hurdles.

Our role is both legal and strategic. We support asset and fund managers with fund formation and structuring, with an emphasis on identifying the path of least resistance to capital deployment. We advise on regulatory frameworks such as AIFMD and MiFID II, and help managers understand how these regimes apply to their specific model. Importantly, we offer practical input on how best to present structures in a way that investors will accept.

Clients also rely on us during investor negotiations to provide commercial suggestions for the drafting of side letters and partnership documentation. We are commercial in our approach, often working hand-in-hand with managers to simplify investor conversations, anticipate concerns, and preserve flexibility while maintaining legal rigour.

We understand what drives these managers and what holds them back. Our role is to eliminate friction, deliver clear and commercially viable solutions, and act as a trusted adviser across every stage of the fund lifecycle.

AZJ Legal’s work for asset and fund managers includes:

• advising on the formation and structuring of funds and investment platforms, including Gibraltar and non-Gibraltar domiciles

   

• drafting offering documents, LPA terms, side letters, and investor disclosures

   

• advising on MiFID II and AIFMD compliance, including marketing restrictions, delegation arrangements, and regulatory classification

   

• supporting with manager onboarding to fund platforms and third-party service providers

   

• advising on capital raising, investor negotiations, and relationship management with key allocators

   

• providing commercial and legal input on portfolio investments, co-investment opportunities, and exit strategies