Investment Advisers  

Clearing legal pathways for investment advisers  that compete in the  U.S. and globally

Dechert lawyers are recognized as innovators and thought leaders in the legal and regulatory matters that affect investment advisers in the U.S. and abroad. Team members add exceptional value to client matters, often drawing on previous experience in senior regulatory posts, and tapping into the knowledge base of one of the legal industry’s largest and best-ranked funds practices.

Our firm represents the full spectrum of advisory firms, from small boutiques and family businesses to some of the world’s largest financial institutions. We guide our clients throughout the business lifecycle, advising on all aspects of organization, registration and regulatory compliance matters.

We advise investment banks, bank- and insurer-related advisers, and dually registered investment adviser/broker-dealers on their operations and a range of investment advisory products and services, such as investment fund products, separately managed accounts, wrap fee and model portfolio programs, structured products and all types of funds. Global clients regularly count on us to deal with both home-country issues and cross-border matters.

We counsel clients on such matters as:

• Formation, structuring, financing arrangements and tax considerations
• Marketing and disclosure practices and client and service provider arrangements
• Personnel issues
• Strategic transactions, including joint ventures, M&A, exit strategies and succession matters
• Investment advisory contracts, prime brokerage and other agreements
• Wrap fee program agreements and documentation
• Arrangements to enable affiliates to provide advisory services on a cross-border basis
• Implementing appropriate compliance policies and procedures
• Managing regulatory examinations

Addressing regulatory and compliance demands

With in-depth knowledge of the new regulatory environment, Dechert lawyers are able to help investment advisers seize arising opportunities while meeting complex regulatory demands. We advise on state, federal and international licensing and registration requirements, as well as disclosure and marketing messages; help to identify and address compliance risks; obtain interpretive, no-action and exemptive relief; and provide support through regulatory examinations and enforcement actions.