Practice

Funds

Fund formation in the DIFC and ADGM. Structuring, DFSA and FSRA authorisation, QIFs, and the new VCC regime for managers, sponsors, and family offices.

The Firm advises fund managers, sponsors and family offices on fund formation in the DIFC, and on the equivalent regime in ADGM. Our fund formation DIFC practice covers the choice of structure, the authorisation process, and the fund’s governance once launched.

We advise on Qualified Investor Fund structures, the DIFC’s Variable Capital Company regime, and the comparison between DIFC and ADGM as a matter of course, rather than defaulting to a single jurisdiction. Our regulatory work extends to DFSA and FSRA authorised fund managers on the perimeter of their permissions, not only at formation but as their business evolves.

We continue to advise funds we have formed on regulatory, governance and investor matters as they mature.

To discuss a matter in confidence, contact the firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions on fund formation in the DIFC and ADGM.

Setting up a DIFC fund involves choosing the right structure and authorisation route with the DFSA, and preparing the documentation that route requires. We advise fund managers on the appropriate structure for their strategy and investor base, and manage the process through to launch.

A QIF is a fund structure available where the fund is offered only to investors meeting defined qualification criteria, operating under a lighter regulatory regime than a fund offered more broadly. We advise on whether a proposed fund qualifies, and establish it accordingly.

A VCC is a corporate fund structure that can issue and redeem shares at net asset value. We advise on whether a VCC suits a proposed structure.

Neither is inherently better; the right choice depends on the fund manager’s circumstances, target investors and strategy. We advise on this comparison directly, rather than defaulting to one jurisdiction.

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