Clients single out Chapman Tripp for its ‘real specialism in the areas of managed funds and financial services’. The practice counts major domestic banks and issuers among its key client roster, which turn to the ‘diverse’ team for its capabilities in a range of funds matters and FMCA regulatory issues. The practice is steered by Auckland-based partner Penny Sheerin, who advises on the full range of legislation affecting financial services providers, such as fund managers, brokers, financial advisers and insurers. A host of clients from the financial services, insurance and banking sectors turn to Tim Williams for his experience in commercial, M&A, restructuring and NZX listing matters. Consultant Mike Woodbury is noted for his focus on workplace savings, KiwiSaver and superannuation, while ‘vastly experienced, technically sound and very responsive’ associate Emma Dale is recommended for her expertise on funds and superannuation matters.

DLA Piper New Zealand remains a popular choice among clients thanks to its ‘deep knowledge in funds management and superannuation’, and its ability to combine ‘excellent technical skill’ with a ‘pragmatic’ approach. With significant transactional and regulatory expertise, the practice leverages the capabilities of the firm’s litigation, tax and employment teams to provide clients a comprehensive service. The team is jointly led by Wellington-based partners Alasdair McBeth and Rachel Taylor. McBeth specialises in new and innovative investment products and start-ups, and strategic issues, while Taylor is a key port of call for fund managers, listed companies and public issuers, trustees and other corporates, providing specialist advice on the design of new products. The ‘excellent’ Tom Barnes was promoted to the partnership in July 2023 and is praised for his ‘understanding of the funds management regulatory environment’.

Praised for its ‘depth of knowledge’ and ‘incredibly pragmatic’ approach, MinterEllisonRuddWatts houses a well-regarded transactional and regulatory financial services and investment funds practice. The team acts for a diverse roster of clients and fields an excellent reputation for its work in the fintech and cryptocurrency spaces, publishing extensively and acting for leading businesses in these fields. The team is jointly led by Auckland-based partners Lloyd Kavanagh and Jeremy Muir. Kavanagh, highlighted by a client as ‘the leading investment funds lawyer in New Zealand’, acts for clients on investment funds, financial services regulation and corporate governance, while Muir is noted for his focus on the fintech sector.

Bell Gully stands out as a strong choice for a diverse range of clients, including domestic banks, fund managers, trustee companies, superannuation schemes, listed property funds and investment platforms, which turn to the team for its wide-ranging capabilities in fund formation and transactional and advisory work. The team is spearheaded by Haydn Wong in the Auckland office, and is a key port of call for a variety of New Zealand’s largest fund managers and supervisors on fund management, KiwiSaver, superannuation and insurance matters. The Wellington office is home to Amon Nunns, who is routinely engaged in complex transactions. Katie Dow is noted for her specialism in managed funds products and financial services law.

Dentons New Zealand houses a ‘very supportive and capable team’, noted for its expertise in managed funds, superannuation and assisting offshore funds in relation to New Zealand investments. Counting public entities, fund managers and banks among its key clients, the team is known for its work with clients in the fintech area, with a particular focus on digital financial advice. The practice is jointly steered by Wellington-based partners Catriona Grover and David Ireland. Grover specialises in investment funds, including KiwiSaver, managed funds and superannuation schemes, while Ireland, noted for his ‘excellent technical advice’, is regularly engaged by both large and boutique providers of investment funds and investment management services. Senior associate Mark Schroder has extensive experience in funds management and financial services law.

Russell McVeagh‘s funds management practice is frequently instructed by fund managers, trustees, financial advisers, custodians and employers on a host of regulatory and transactional mandates. The team possesses the capabilities to advise on the establishment, operation, restructure and wind up of funds and investment schemes, and to assist clients in the development and design of schemes. In the Auckland office, practice head Dan Jones is noted for his experience advising clients on a broad range of issues facing managed and sovereign funds. Special counsel Sarah McQueen is recommended for her specialist knowledge in managed funds, superannuation and insurance law.

Anthony Harper draws considerable praise from clients, which turn to the ‘very capable and efficient’ team for its ‘commercially aware and strong knowledge in the New Zealand financial regulatory space’. Property-related investment funds is the flagship component of the team’s work, and it is regularly instructed by boutique providers as well as new market entrants. The practice is spearheaded by Auckland-based partner Nick Summerfield, who advises on all areas of financial services law, covering investment funds, insurance, capital markets, investment management services and financial service provider regulation.

Based across the Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown offices, Lane Neave‘s ‘very client-driven’ team has demonstrable experience in structuring and establishing managed investment schemes. Following the departure of Claire Evans, who left the firm alongside Joelle Grace, new partner hire Aaron Pickett takes on the role as practice head. Pickett is noted for his expertise in private M&A, joint ventures, private equity investments and matters related to start-ups. Andrew Comer also joins the ranks. Carlo Wan specialises in all aspects of financial services, financial markets and regulatory matters.

PwC Legal New Zealand draws on a wide range of services to provide ‘comprehensive and well-rounded solutions that cover various aspects of its client’s investment strategies'. Highlighted for its ‘responsive, proactive, personable and commercially astute’ approach, the team is frequently instructed by multinationals, investment managers, supervisors and start-ups from a wide range of sectors. The Christchurch office is home to new partner arrivals Claire Evans and Joelle Grace, who both join from Lane Neave. Evans, praised for her ‘unparalleled experience’ and ‘strong technical knowledge in M&A and investment funds’, is active in limited partnership and investment fund matters, while Grace, noted as a ‘strong operator’, is recommended for her work in M&A, business advisory and corporate governance matters. Auckland-based practitioner Tom Logan is also noted.