A&L Goodbody LLP has built a strong reputation in ESG, ETF, and private fund formation, with a growing international client base. The team is led by Stephen Carson, who advises global asset managers and investment banks on the establishment and authorisation of a wide range of investment funds, including UCITS and AIFs. Michael Barr provides guidance on mutual funds law and regulation, as well as on the establishment, authorisation, and listing of Irish funds. Kerill O’Shaughnessy maintains a broad practice covering both UCITS and alternative investment structures, while Chris Bergin advises on the creation and operation of regulated and unregulated Irish funds, including ETFs, money market, and private equity funds.
Investment funds in Ireland
A&L Goodbody LLP
Praxisleiter:
Stephen Carson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Michael Barr; Kerill O’Shaughnessy; Chris Bergin; Lorena Dunne
Referenzen
‘The team are very dedicated, and resources can always be found if needed. They are always on top of the last regulatory update and can provide the client with very valuable advice.’
‘The knowledge base of the team was excellent in guiding us through the project.’
‘Kerill O’Shaughnessy’s knowledge and willingness to engage with us are excellent.‘
Kernmandanten
Allfunds Investment Solutions
Alter Domus
Amundi
Apex Group Limited
Avenue Capital
Aviva Investors
AXOVISION
BennBridge Limited
BIT Capital
Catalyst Capital Advisors
Candoris
Cleaves Securities AS
Commerzbank
Coutts
Manulife CQS (UK) LLP
DWS Investments
Exponent Private Equity
Evelyn Partners
Foresight Group
Fortem Capital
Greystar Ireland
HANetf Limited
Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC
HSBC Global Asset Management
Intermediate Capital Group plc
Intrum Group
Investlinx Investment Management
IPUT
IQEQ Fund Management (formerly Davy Global Fund Management)
IXI Investments
Kepler Partners LLP
Key Capital Investment Management
Lazard
Lloyd’s of London
Manulife CQS (UK) LLP
M&G
Mondrian Investment Partners
Moneda Asset Management
Montanaro Asset Management
Mori Capital
Ocorian Group
Optimus Capital
Osmosis Investment Management
Pareto Asset Management
Pinnacle Investment Management
Premier Miton
Real I.S. AG Gesellschaft für Immobilien Assetmanagement
River and Mercantile Group
SDCL Green Energy Solutions (Europe) DAC
Stenham Asset Management
Swiss Re Insurance-Linked Investment Advisors Corporation
Turtle Creek Asset Management
Wellington
W&W Asset Management
WisdomTree
Zurich Invest
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Zurich Kantonal Bank on the establishment of its Irish Swiss Canto ETF range including three equity Article 9 index tracking ETFs.
- Advised IPUT plc on the establishment of the IPUT Nexus Logistics Fund, as a sub-fund IPUT plc classified as an SFDR Article 9 fund.
- Advising DWS on the establishment of a new common contractual fund platform with initial fund, namely Xtrackers World Net Zero Pathway Paris Aligned UCITS CCF.
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox advises on all aspects of fund structuring, as well as MiFID, UCITS management company, and AIFM licence applications. The team is led by Ian Dillon, who has extensive experience in the formation of real estate, private equity, and liquid funds. Kevin Murphy has deep expertise in the legal and regulatory aspects of establishing investment funds, while Tara O’Reilly advises across the full range of fund types and provides ongoing support to numerous Irish-domiciled management companies. Siobhan McBean focuses on the establishment, structuring, and regulatory compliance of investment funds and fund managers in Ireland.
Praxisleiter:
Ian Dillon
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kevin Murphy; Tara O’Reilly; Siobhan McBean
Referenzen
‘The team always seem better integrated across the whole firm than other firms I work with. You are not just getting Funds but also Tax, Corporate, Finance, and Real Estate, and there are no silos. The level of experience across partners is unrivalled.’
‘Ian Dillon is my go-to Partner – his understanding of complexity in any deal is exceptional and his ability to simplify it for the client is unmatched – best practical and commercial lawyer I have ever worked with.’
‘Client-centric, knowledgeable, and solution-driven.’
Kernmandanten
Invesco AAA CLO ETFs
Franklin Templeton
Global X
HSBC
Franklin Templeton
BFO Apogem Private Markets LIP
Oquendo
Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V.
Lazard
Bow Street LLC
KKR
Blackstone
Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC (GMO)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Robeco on the establishment of its first Irish ETF Platform and launch of five initial sub-funds.
- Advised Oquendo Capital on the establishment of the first retail European long-term investment fund in Ireland.
- Advised Kennedy Wilson on the recent refinancing of $510m of maturing debt within a multi sub-fund ICAV.
Dillon Eustace
Dillon Eustace provides comprehensive advice on fund structuring, sub-fund establishment, and regulatory investigations. The team is led by Etain de Valera, who specialises in the establishment, structuring, and ongoing operation of investment funds. Donnacha O’Connor focuses on the structuring and authorisation of Irish-regulated investment funds, while Cillian Bredin advises on private debt, liability-driven investments, liquid alternatives, and emerging market funds. Shane Coveney is recognised for his expertise in ETFs, and Brian Higgins advises on the full spectrum of fund types, from UCITS to alternative investment funds. Brian Kelliher’s practice encompasses product design, contract negotiation, and all aspects of regulatory and compliance advice.
Praxisleiter:
Etain de Valera
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Donnacha O’Connor; Cillian Bredin ; Shane Coveney; Brian Higgins; Brian Kelliher; Laura Goonan
Referenzen
‘What really sets this practice apart is the way they combine professionalism with a genuinely approachable and down-to-earth style. The team is extremely responsive — they are quick to turn things around and always flexible in adapting to our needs, which makes working with them seamless.‘
‚They maintain the highest level of professionalism, ensuring that we always feel confident in their advice and representation.’
‘Laura Goonan stands out as an exceptional partner to work with. She combines deep legal expertise with a very pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach, which makes her advice not only technically sound but also commercially useful.‘
Maples Group
Maples Group advises on the establishment and operation of ETFs, UCITS, and QIAIFs. The team is co-led by Adam Donoghue, who focuses on the alternatives sector, including hedge funds, private funds and liquid credit funds, and Eimear O’Dwyer, who specialises in structuring regulated funds and advising a diverse range of asset managers, issuers, and investment banks. Peter Stapleton is recognised for his expertise in ESG-related matters, while Ian Conlon focuses on credit funds, loan origination, and real asset structures. Ronan Cremin advises across the full range of Irish retail and alternative funds, management entities, and investment vehicles. Sergey Dolomanov joined the practice in December 2025.
Praxisleiter:
Adam Donoghue; Eimear O’Dwyer
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ian Conlon; Ronan Cremin; Peter Stapleton; Sergey Dolomanov
Referenzen
‘Maples are industry leaders in the funds industry. They have a huge team in this space, and the quality of the individuals that they hire and grow organically is always very high.’
‘The Maples Investment Funds team have always been very dynamic in understanding the expectations of the Central Bank in what has been an evolving regulatory landscape. Their true strength is their laser focus on the business needs of their clients.’
‘Collaborative, easy to deal with, excellent communicators.’
Matheson LLP
Matheson LLP frequently advises on all aspects of UCITS, including structured UCITS, ETFs, and money market funds. The team is led by Tara Doyle, who focuses on the structuring, establishment, and distribution of investment vehicles both in Ireland and internationally. Dualta Counihan has extensive experience advising on the formation of a broad range of fund structures and products, including master-feeder arrangements, funds of funds, and private equity vehicles. Shay Lydon specialises in the structuring, establishment, and ongoing operation of both mutual and alternative investment funds in Ireland. Shane Kennedy advises on a wide range of fund types, including traditional mutual funds, structured products, and multi-manager platforms.
Praxisleiter:
Tara Doyle
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Shane Kennedy; Dualta Counihan; Shay Lydon
Referenzen
‘Consistently expert, timely, tailored, and excellent support and advice from the entire Matheson team.’
‘Matheson has been our trusted adviser for many years and continues to provide a great service for our business. Their lawyers have a deep understanding of our business and are very approachable, professional and pragmatic.’
‘The individuals we work with are very approachable, professional and pragmatic, and have a very good understanding of our business, which helps tremendously. They are also very prompt and will adapt accordingly to our more urgent and/or evolving needs.’
Kernmandanten
Goldman Sachs
BlackRock
Morgan Stanley
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Amundi
JP Morgan
HPS Partners
Bank of New York Mellon
Invesco
Man Group
SEI
HSBC
State Street Global Advisors
Citigroup
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Barings
Charles Schwab
Rockefeller
White Oak
Funding Circle
Aspect Capital
Poplar Forest Capital
Aegon Asset Management
Pantheon
Connor, Clark & Lunn
ILA Capital
Eagle Capital
Aventicum
Primestone
Brummer
Lynx
RiverRock Asset Management LLC
Marsham Investment Management LLP
Norselab
Fidelity International
First Sentier Investors
Axonic
Brasil Warrant
Future Value Capital LLP
ING Solutions Investment Management
Principal Global Investors
Manulife Investment Management
Guardian Capital
Franklin Templeton
Varde Partners
Hudson Bay
REQ Capital
Seior Capital
Waterland
Baron Capital
Principal Asset Management
Pacific Capital Partners
Byron Capital
Royalty Pharma
STANLIB Investments
Ares
Artisan Partners
AXA Real Estate Investment Management
Prescient
Manulife Investment Management
Veritas Asset Management
Seilern International AG
PineBridge
Northern Trust Asset Management
CIFC
Gemini Capital Management
AlbaCore
TIND Asset Management
Fermat
ECP
Forestar
Atalaya
Alphawave
SVP
Industry Capital Partners
Vanguard
Apex Group
BCC Banca Iccrea
Cercano Management
Hayfin Capital Management
M&G Investments
OrbiMed Advisors LLC
RBC Royal Bank of Canada
Silver Point Capital
Sound Point Capital
Thornburg Investment Management
TMF Group
Ignis Asset Management
EPIC Investment Partners
King Street Capital Management
Capital Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised on the establishment of BlackRock’s first Irish index mutual fund, which invests in a portfolio of sukuk bonds, in a manner consistent with Shari’ah.
- Advised on the establishment of the first Irish UCITS (ETF) with 100% exposure to Saudi government bonds.
- Advised on the continued expansion of PGIM Private Capital’s ELTIF range having advised PGIM on the establishment of the first ELTIFs in Ireland in 2024.
McCann FitzGerald LLP
McCann FitzGerald LLP is recognised for its expertise in regulatory advice, fund structuring, risk management, and compliance matters. The team is led by Iain Ferguson, who has extensive experience in structuring, establishing, and advising on a wide variety of UCITS and AIFs. Mark White advises a diverse client base involved in the promotion and management of UCITS and alternative investment funds, while Morgan Dunne focuses on the structuring and establishment of fund management companies and investment vehicles.
Praxisleiter:
Iain Ferguson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mark White; Morgan Dunne
Referenzen
‘We have worked exclusively with Mark White, and he is by far one of the best lawyers we have worked with – and this is across various jurisdictions.‘
‚Mark White combines deep technical expertise with a very practical approach, always keeping commercial considerations in mind. Rather than getting stuck in theoretical and legal arguments, he consistently finds workable solutions that help clients move forward while protecting clients’ interests.‘
‘Morgan Dunne has a top-class knowledge of the Funds sector and steers us around any potential pitfalls. He is a pleasure to work with.’
Kernmandanten
Impax
UBS
Julius Baer
Willis Towers Watson
MetLife
JO Hambro/Perpetual
AlTi
Ardstone
M&G Investment Management
Universal
Urbeo
Edge Aviation
Cantor Fitzgerald
Elkstone
Trium Capital
Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) – Irish State
Sovereign Wealth Fund
J&E Davy
Burgess ICAV
Irish Diaspora Loan Fund plc (IDLF)
Just Group plc
Investcorp Credit Management
PEAL Capital Partners/PEAL Capital Group
ValueAct Capita
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Edge Aviation on the establishment of a loan originating AIF that lends in respect of aircraft assets.
- Advised MetLife on a series of loan originating AIFs that launched in 2025.
- Advised AlTi on the establishment of its initial private debt AIF to ‘house’ its strategic partnership with Allianz.
William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP is highly regarded for its expertise in the ETF sector, as well as in private equity and private funds. The team is co-led by Vincent Coyne, who advises on both UCITS and alternative funds, and James Phelan, who focuses on assisting international asset managers with the structuring, establishment, and ongoing management of a wide range of investment funds. Patricia Taylor advises service providers to investment funds, such as asset managers, administrators, and custodians, on Irish legal and regulatory requirements. Clodagh Ruigrok provides guidance on a broad array of investment fund matters, including alternative investment funds, fund-of-funds structures, and capital commitment arrangements.
Praxisleiter:
Vincent Coyne; James Phelan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Patricia Taylor; Clodagh Ruigrok
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP advises on the establishment and operation of UCITS management companies, AIFMs, and MiFID firms, providing ongoing regulatory guidance to these entities. The team is led by Carol Widger, who specialises in the formation, launch, and ongoing management of a wide range of investment funds. Jeff Mackey focuses on the establishment and authorisation of alternative investment funds, UCITS, and various asset management structures.
Praxisleiter:
Carol Widger
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jeff Mackey; Doireann O’Daly; David Layden; Dan Morrissey
Referenzen
‘Superb asset management / private markets team in Dechert. Commercial and able to translate complexity into clear, understandable drafting.’
‘Doireann O’Daly – excellent, proactive and commercially focused.‘
‚David Layden – clear thinker and very strong in his ability to translate complex concepts into understandable drafting.‘
Kernmandanten
AGC Equity Partners
Apollo Capital Management
Cheyne Capital Management
StepStone Group LP and Swiss Capital
TT International
UBS
TwentyFour
K&L Gates LLP
K&L Gates LLP provides advice on ETFs, private funds, and regulatory licensing matters. The team is led by Gayle Bowen, who counsels clients on MiFID licences, restructurings, AIFMD compliance, and UCITS fund structures. Shane Geraghty focuses on the structuring, authorisation, and operation of a wide variety of Irish fund vehicles.
Praxisleiter:
Gayle Bowen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Shane Geraghty
Referenzen
‘Cohesive, responsive team with a deep knowledge of funds law and regulation.’
‘Key qualities: Driven and dedicated, extremely helpful, knowledgeable and professional.’
‘Expertise on every aspect of the industry, high level of engagement, professionalism.’
Kernmandanten
American Century Investment Management, Inc.
Octopus Energy AIF Management Limited
Twelve Capital
PT Asset Management, LLC
Amerant Investments, Inc.
Harbor Capital Adviser, Inc.
Global Impact Initiative ICAV
Norlantic Capital
REIA Capital GmbH
Mondrian Funds plc
Clearway Capital Partners ICAV
Investcorp Securities Limited
HANetf
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) / American Century ICAV on the establishment and authorisation of a UCITS ETF ICAV (ICAV).
- Advised and worked with HAN ETFetf to advise on the establishment of several new ETF fund structures including assisting PT Asset Management, LLC (PTAM) on the launch of its first UCITS ETF in Europe and Amerant Investments, Inc (Amerant) on the launch of its first ETFs in Europe.
- Advised Twelve Securis on a number of projects across Luxembourg, Ireland and Australia, involving the use of complex strategies within a UCITS product, merging funds, clone structures and the use of master feeders.
Walkers
Walkers advises international asset managers on the establishment and authorisation of both UCITS and Alternative Investment Funds. The team is led by Nicholas Blake-Knox, who counsels funds, promoters, and service providers on the formation, authorisation, and operation of all types of Irish investment funds. Aongus McCarthy provides guidance on the UCITS regulatory framework, as well as on RIAIFs and QIAIFs.
Praxisleiter:
Nicholas Blake-Knox
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Aongus McCarthy
Referenzen
‘Nicholas Blake-Knox has very good industry knowledge and provides detailed and commercial-minded advice on all aspects of Irish investment fund regulatory law.‘
‘Aongus McCarthy – very hard working and completely responsive. Nicholas Blake-Knox – total expert and acknowledged in the market with great access.’
‘Great team, always responsive, well resourced and easy to deal with.’
Byrne Wallace Shields LLP
Byrne Wallace Shields LLP advises on fund structuring, formation, and MiFID authorisations. The team is led by David Naughton, who has extensive experience in structuring investment management firms, hedge funds, and private equity and hybrid funds. Mark Kavanagh advises clients across a range of sectors, including the development finance, healthcare, hospitality, and social housing spaces.
Praxisleiter:
David Naughton
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Mark Kavanagh
Referenzen
‘The team is highly knowledgeable in corporate and regulatory matters and provides clear, well-structured, and pragmatic advice tailored to the commercial context of our business. This practical approach sets them apart from firms that tend to give overly theoretical answers.‘
‚They are responsive, accommodating of tight timelines, and maintain clear, professional communication. We appreciate their efforts to align their work with our objectives and their smooth collaboration across teams within the firm, which adds value in complex or time-sensitive situations.‘
‘We mainly work with David Naughton, who has been very forthcoming, approachable, and pleasant to work with, making the collaboration highly efficient and constructive.‘
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland represents a diverse range of major asset managers, investment banks, and financial institutions across multiple asset classes. The team is led by Trevor Dolan, who specialises in advising fund promoters on the structuring, establishment, and maintenance of UCITS and alternative investment funds in Ireland.
Praxisleiter:
Trevor Dolan
Kernmandanten
G Squared Equity Management LP
Drumcliffe ICAV
Resource Property Investment Fund PLC
The Good Investors Limited
AON PLC
Sphereinvest ICAV
Westhill
Highlight-Mandate
- Supported the launch of two new G Squared sub-funds to invest in OpenAI and Fanatics, handling regulatory approvals and coordinating cross-border marketing permissions.
- Advising on the launch of a new Drumcliffe ICAV sub-fund focused on Irish real estate, guiding on structuring, regulatory approvals under the IREF regime, and asset acquisitions through holding structures.
- Restructured a closed-ended fund to extend its duration with shareholder consent and updated its prospectus to align with the Central Bank of Ireland’s macroprudential rules for property funds, securing necessary board and regulatory approvals.
Mason Hayes & Curran Professional Services Ltd
Mason Hayes & Curran Professional Services Ltd advises on fund financings, structuring issues, and fund-related litigation. The team is co-led by Anthony O’Hanlon, who provides guidance across a wide range of UCITS and AIF structures, and Rowena Fitzgerald, who advises on the establishment, structuring, and ongoing compliance obligations of all types of collective investment schemes in Ireland.
Praxisleiter:
Anthony O’Hanlon; Rowena Fitzgerald
Referenzen
‘MHC has a deep bench of talented attorneys in their investment, charities, and tax departments. I am continually impressed with their availability and ability to collaborate across departments to provide strategic advice on any complex matter I throw their way.’
‘Anthony O’Hanlon is a great leader on the Investments team. He is uniquely responsive and proactive, and has been instrumental while navigating complex, cross-department projects.‘
Ogier
Ogier advises on all aspects of fund formation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. The team is led by Oisin McClenaghan, who provides guidance on the structuring, offering, and sale of investment instruments, as well as M&A transactions involving investment fund groups and other financial services entities.
Praxisleiter:
Oisin McClenaghan
Referenzen
‘A new kid on the (Irish) block, combining experienced local Irish funds lawyers with the international funds experience of the Ogier firm. This helps bring a willingness to try new approaches as the firm looks to disrupt the market.’
‘Oisin McClenaghan is a well-recognised Irish funds expert who genuinely wants to understand his clients‘ businesses and is willing to explore ideas and new approaches without automatically reaching for the rulebook or regurgitate CBI policy.’
‘Highly personal and hungry to support and develop collaborative ties.’
Kernmandanten
TRIREC Venture II Investors LP
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised TRIEC Venture II Investors LP on the implementation of complex disclosure requirements to comply with the requirements of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, a pre-requisite to accepting European investors.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP specialises in the establishment of private funds. The team is led by Conor Durkin, who regularly advises leading international asset managers on their Irish operations, as well as on the establishment, structuring, and ongoing management of a wide range of collective investment schemes.
Praxisleiter:
Conor Durkin
Referenzen
‘Conor Durkin has many years of experience and is very well respected for his deep domain knowledge but also his creativity in finding solutions to difficult challenges. Conor continues to actively market himself, his team and the overall firm as a law firm of choice to partner with.’
‘What sets Conor Durkin and his team apart is their combination of technical precision, commercial awareness, and client focus. They are consistently reliable, always available, and extremely responsive.‘
‚Compared to other firms, their work is characterised by clarity, timeliness, and a strong commitment to meeting deadlines.The team demonstrates a collaborative and pragmatic approach across borders and with other advisers.’
Kernmandanten
Fineco Asset Management DAC
PRPM Fundido 2025-1 DAC
Gresham House Private Equity Release ILP
Volare International UCITS ICAV and LGT Wealth Management Jersey Limited
Gresham House Asset Management Limited
Regenerate Asset Management Limited
Dalmore Capital Ireland Limited
Crawford Fund Management Limited
Aareal Bank AG
Niche Asset Management Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Fineco Asset Management in obtaining authorisation as an AIFM with additional MiFID permissions to provide individual portfolio management from the Central Bank of Ireland.
- Advised Volare International UCITS ICAV and LGT on the merger of WMP Core Growth, WMP Core Balance, WMP Core Cautious and WMP Satellite Equity with four newly created sub-funds of Tideway UCITS ICAV.
- Acted as Irish Counsel to PRPM Fundido 2025-1 DAC and as Sponsor’s Counsel as to English Law.