Feature
Limited opportunities for expansion
What new services will the legal profession offer over the next 12–18 months? Will legal firms continue to diversify into other hedge fund-related activities (such as fund administration, marketing support, provision of directors) or should they focus…
See you in court?
Will there be increased litigation in the coming months/year related to the events of 2008? In general do you expect to see more litigation relating to hedge funds over the medium to longer term? What do you think will be the main issues/areas of…
Emerging markets offer promise
Where are the new or expanding markets for hedge fund legal services? Will law firms need a global presence or will they be able to offer only local or regional services to hedge fund clients in future?
Liquidity concerns drive demands
Are the redemption and liquidity requirements demanded by investors affecting hedge fund and fund of hedge fund structures and documentation?
Devil is in the detail
What are the most important legal lessons learnt from the financial crisis for hedge funds?
Investors drive structure
How do the legal needs or requirements of investors influence the setting up of hedge funds? What, if any, are the differences between different types of investors, say family offices and institutional investors?
Offshore future
Is there a future for offshore legal practices specialising in hedge funds?
Making a good match
What are the main things a hedge fund should consider when choosing a jurisdiction? What are some of the main legal decisions hedge funds need to make before they set up a fund?
Flexibility and tax dominate structure
What are the main legal considerations in choosing a structure for a hedge fund?
Pricing problems
What are the legal concerns resulting from valuing instruments? What are the main legal pitfalls and challenges concerning illiquid instruments?
Disputes spotlight ways to deal with illiquid assets
What are the main issues affecting practices such as side pockets, synthetic side pockets, gates and suspension of redemptions?
Staying afloat
What can funds do to protect themselves from liquidation?
On or offshore? Pros and cons
What are the pros and cons of on/offshore hedge funds from a legal perspective? How do the options vary among on/offshore jurisdictions?
Be prepared for anything
What can law firms do to help a hedge fund avoid or survive a crisis?