Walkers is internationally recognised as having one of the leading offshore investment fund practices, advising many of the world's most prominent asset managers, fund promoters and institutional investors. Our innovative and practical approach to solving complex commercial issues has been expertly applied to establishing the full range of structures used in the market and advising on their commercial implications.
The capabilities of our Global Investment Funds Group extend beyond fund formation to all legal aspects affecting the continuing operations of investment funds, including specialist advice on investment fund management and contentious issues. Our Distressed Funds team, in conjunction with our Corporate Recovery and Insolvency Group, has been instructed in connection with nearly all major fund insolvency events in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands are a leading centre for the establishment of institutional and hedge funds. As of 30 September 2011, there were 9,431 open-ended, regulated funds registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Ireland is a leading centre for the establishment of UCITS and regulated alternative investment funds and as with Jersey is a world renowned centre for fund establishment, administration and management.
Our Investment Funds Group in Ireland focuses on all aspects of the legal and regulatory issues surrounding the establishment and maintenance of Irish UCITS and alternative investment funds. Our clients benefit from our onshore knowledge where we have extensive experience in UCITS funds including exchange traded funds, money market funds, managed account platforms, structured UCITS and alternative investment, including hedge funds, private equity funds, life settlements funds and loan funds.
Our Investment Funds Group in Jersey has particular experience in advising promoters/managers on the set-up and establishment of listed and unlisted real estate funds. Our expertise covers the provision of legal advice on the structuring of the fund vehicle itself as well as the portfolio holding structures through separate corporate vehicles or property unit trusts. In conjunction with our Banking and Finance teams we also advise lenders and borrowers on all aspects of real estate fund finance and leveraged real estate acquisitions using Jersey vehicles.
Walkers is a listing agent for the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange (CSX), the Channel Islands Stock Exchange (CISX) and the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE). Our lawyers are regularly involved in the listing of mutual funds on the CSX and our Jersey office has particular experience advising on listings on the AIM and PLUS (formerly known as OFEX) Exchanges in London.
Our attorneys and the firm are consistently ranked in the first tier of leading legal directories and periodicals. Walkers was named 'Top Offshore Law Firm' by the Alpha Awards for hedge fund service providers. The award was based on the votes of more than 1,000 hedge fund firms which collectively manage more than USD1.5 trillion and the quality of service the firms received over a 12 month period.