Chapman Tripp advises a range of players in the investment funds space, including domestic commercial banks, fund managers, workplace savings schemes, and corporate trustees. The firm’s offering ranges from regulatory assistance and risk assessments to investment scheme creation and restructuring support. Penny Sheerin, an expert on compliance matters, and Tim Williams, who is experienced on all matters concerning listed and unlisted investment products, jointly lead the practice. Mike Woodbury is noted within the team as a specialist on KiwiSaver, superannuation, and workplace saving schemes. Emma Dale brings further expertise in superannuation schemes.

DLA Piper New Zealand advises clients across the spectrum of investment fund work, from transactional to regulatory. The firm is able to draw on its international presence and array of practice area specialisation to offer clients a comprehensive service. Alasdair McBeth, a seasoned advisor on funds management and superannuation, and Rachel Taylor, who advises on structuring and compliance, are the firm’s practice heads. Within the team, Tom Barnes assists clients with fund formation, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation at a domestic and international level. Lola Stoodley is experienced with retail investment funds, wholesale schemes, workplace superannuation, and insurance products.

The team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts is experienced in a wide array of sectors, with particular expertise in the fin-tech and cryptocurrency spaces. The firm provides compliance support, as well as transactional advice, including on the winding up and sale of investment schemes. The team is led by Lloyd Kavanagh, ‘a thought leader in the industry’, and Jeremy Muir, a veteran advisor to venture capital funds. Within the team, Claire Brabant is well-versed in fund management regulation, and Zena Razoki is also noted for her work on the establishment of investment products.

With a Trans-Tasman client base, Dentons New Zealand is well-versed in facilitating offshore fund offers into New Zealand. The firm is also experienced in matters relating to superannuation and KiwiSaver schemes as well as the regulation of wealth platforms. The firm’s practice heads are Catriona Grover, a funds management specialist, and David Ireland, who is well-versed in regulatory concerns. Mark Schroder is noted within the team, providing disclosure due diligence. In June 2024, Tom McLaughlin joined the practice, bringing experience working in the Cayman Islands.

Russell McVeagh advises on a suite of investment products, including Kiwisaver, unit trusts, and superannuation, as well as international schemes. In addition, the firm advises on the establishment and structuring of funds for its clients. Dan Jones, with experience in managed and sovereign funds, heads the practice. David Weavers specialises in alternative credit transactions, while Sarah McQueen advises on funds management, regulation, and insurance.

Comprised of financial services specialists, the team at Anthony Harper advises fund managers and supervisors on their investment fund products, with particular expertise in property-related funds. The firm maintains a niche in mortgage fund matters and has grown its expertise in regulatory advice. Nick Summerfield, an expert in fund sales and restructures, leads the team, and he is ably supported by Lucy Scott, who adds further insight into regulatory issues.

Bell Gully provides general and strategic advice to clients on regulatory changes and compliance mandates, as well as on transactional matters. The firm is regularly instructed by issuers and supervisory organisations, property funds, investment platforms, and investment managers. The team is overseen by Toby Sharpe, who advises on the management and sale of investment funds, and Amon Nunns, a veteran in the investment property space. Katie Dow is well-versed in investment fund products. In June 2024, Haydn Wong left the practice.

PwC Legal New Zealand acts for financial advisers, investment planners, brokers, investment managers, registered banks, and fin-tech developers in a broad suite of matters, including capital raising. The firm leverages its global presence, as well as its legal and non-legal service capabilities, to enhance its service offering to its clients. In the Christchurch office, Claire Evans is experienced in regulatory compliance, whilst Joelle Grace specialises in inbound investment. In the Auckland office, Matt Keenan is an expert in the technology and energy sectors, while Tom Logan brings retail and FMCG sector expertise.