Derek Manners

Derek Manners is a partner in Dechert's financial services group. His practice focuses primarily on advising investment advisers and broker-dealers on compliance with the federal securities laws and regulations, as well as the rules of self-regulatory organizations (SROs), including FINRA.

Mr. Manners has extensive experience advising clients with respect to investment adviser and broker-dealer regulation and on all facets of ongoing compliance matters. He routinely helps investment advisers and broker-dealers in registering with the SEC and the states, and on becoming members of SROs such as FINRA. Mr. Manners frequently assists existing broker-dealers and investment advisers in obtaining approval to implement changes in business and changes in ownership. In addition, he provides general regulatory advice, including with respect to reviewing and implementing supervisory policies and procedures. Mr. Manners also represents clients in enforcement actions and exams before the SEC, FINRA, and state regulators.

Mr. Manners has extensive experience helping asset managers and broker-dealers launch new product lines, including registered open-end, closed-end, tender offer, and interval funds as well as exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded products, collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and business development companies (BDCs).  He also represents M&A brokers, fintech platforms, and crypto asset companies.   

In addition, Mr. Manners represents asset managers and broker-dealers with respect to their compliance with various federal, state, local, and agency-specific political laws, including those related to lobbying, campaign finance, pay-to-play, gifts and entertainment, and acting as a placement agent, among others.