Funds - APAC

The CMS APAC funds team offers expert advice at every stage of the fund lifecycle – from licensing, planning and launch through governance, ops, restructuring and exit.

We work with both GPs and LPs on fund launches, investments and closings. We also advise on day-to-day operational matters and stand-alone transactions, co-investments and JVs. Our funds clients include global asset managers, institutional investors, funds of funds, first time fund managers, family offices and entrepreneurs. 

The funds industry is changing at unprecedented speed. The impact of technology, AI and the blockchain are challenging some of the until-now universally acknowledged truths of the fund management sector, creating both challenges and opportunities for market participants. We actively engage with our clients to help them embrace the opportunities and navigate the challenges. 
 
Similarly, Environmental, Social and Governance issues have leapt to the forefront of investors’ and managers’ minds in recent years, with the APAC region presenting particular challenges as the three pillars of ESG are adopted and embraced at varying speeds across the region. We are well-placed to take lessons learned from Europe and elsewhere and apply them to our clients’ businesses through an APAC lens.
 
We combine deep experience in the region with the commitment to learn, adapt and innovate with our clients. Whether you are a manager or an investor, a seasoned operator or are new to the market, the CMS Funds team in APAC can provide the support that you need, however you are involved in the funds sector. 

The CMS Global Funds Team comprises over 130 specialist funds lawyers, including sizeable teams in the following jurisdictions:

Other jurisdictions we are active in: Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Poland, Norway, Romania, Ukraine, US regulatory.

Find the latest CMS funds updates on LinkedIN

You can find relevant #CMSFunds LinkedIn content here.

Market recognition

"They have been mentors to us as well as legal advisers. Their advice is very pragmatic, they are easy to get in touch with and they are very hands-on."

Chambers

"In real estate in particular their fund work is very strong; they really tailor their work to their clients (…) there are no cookie-cutter solutions; they have the capability to work for clients who are doing something unique and unusual."

Chambers

"Matthew Nortcliff is 'a standout partner who delivers an excellent level of client service while being commercially sensitive to the wider transaction (…) Balancing efficiency, client focus, pragmatism and sound advice is often difficult, but Matthew does it exceptionally well.'"

Chambers
Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) Guide
Download the guide now
CMS Expert Guide to private placement of funds rules and law
Read the guide now
Impact of AI & Technology on the Funds sector
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Feed

23/05/2024
Back to Basics briefings - New briefing added!
CMS Funds Group Back to Basics briefings intend to provide high level insights regarding funds fundamentals, funds vehicles and operational considerations New briefings are published on a regular basis, covering a specific jurisdiction or topic, and providing basic essential technical explanations.
23/05/2024
Back to Basics briefings - New briefing added!
CMS Funds Group Back to Basics briefings intend to provide high level insights regarding funds fundamentals, funds vehicles and operational considerations New briefings are published on a regular basis, covering a specific jurisdiction or topic, and providing basic essential technical explanations.
04/03/2024
Popular investment vehicles in Singapore
Updated on May 2022 Investment vehicle Singapore Limited Part­ner­shipSinga­pore Variable Capital Company 1. Form Singapore Limited Partnership Limited Partnership Singapore Variable Capital Company Corporate...
Comparable
29/12/2023
UCITS passporting in Singapore
In Singapore, the rules governing the offers of funds or collective investment schemes (“CIS”) are set out in the Securities and Futures Act 2001 of Singapore (“SFA”) and its subsidiary regulations...
01/06/2022
CMS Next
What’s next? In a world of ever-ac­cel­er­at­ing change, staying ahead of the curve and knowing what’s next for your business or sector is essential. At CMS, we see ourselves not only as your legal advisers but also as your business partners. We work together with you to not only resolve current issues but to anticipate future challenges and innovate to meet them. With our latest publication, CMS Next, our experts will regularly offer you insights into and fresh perspectives on a range of issues that businesses have to deal with – from ESG agendas to restructuring after the pandemic or facing the digital transformation. We will also share with you more about the work that we are doing for our clients, helping them innovate, grow and mitigate risk. To be able to provide you with the best support, we immerse ourselves in your world to understand your legal needs and challenges. However, it is equally important that you know who we are and how we can work with you. So, we invite you to meet our experts and catch a glimpse of what is happening inside CMS. Enjoy reading this publication, which we will update regularly with new content. CMS Executive Team
25/01/2022
Investing in Web3: The future of VC funds?
This article is produced by CMS Holborn Asia, a Formal Law Alliance between CMS Singapore and Holborn Law LLC. What is Web3? Those familiar with the advent and development of decentralised ledger technology...
22/09/2021
Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) Guide
The Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) is a new corporate structure for investment funds constituted under the Variable Capital Companies Act, which took effect in January 2020. It is the first...
21/09/2021
Singapore and UK strengthen cooperation in financial services
Green finance and carbon markets Green finance has become increasingly significant as financial instruments and tools brighten the spotlight on sustainable products and production methods, as well as...
20/09/2021
Singapore VCC Guide
The Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) is a new corporate structure for investment funds constituted under the Variable Capital Companies Act, which took effect in January 2020. It is the first fund-specific entity to be launched in Singapore and it is intended to strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading Asian fund management centre. Over the past 20+ months the CMS Singapore funds team have taken the time to understand the legal and operational practicalities of launching, closing and operating a VCC fund, which go far beyond the VCC Act itself. As such, this guide reflects our team’s collective hands-on experience of the VCC gained over multiple VCC fund formation mandates. The purpose of this guide is therefore to provide an overview of the VCC and its key features, as well as of the VCC establishment process. It also addresses some of the VCC questions that have been frequently asked of us by both managers and investors alike.
23/08/2021
Removing a fund’s manager: what investors can learn from a PE Fund in Turmoil
This article is produced by CMS Holborn Asia, a Formal Law Alliance between CMS Singapore and Holborn Law LLC. It is extremely rare for investors in a private investment fund to terminate the fund manager...
02/08/2021
Tailwinds and Headwinds for Singapore’s Growth as an Asset Management Hub
This article is produced by CMS Holborn Asia, a Formal Law Alliance between CMS Singapore and Holborn Law LLC. Despite the onset of a global pandemic, 2020 was a good year for Singapore’s asset management...
01/07/2021
CMS Funds Market Study 2021
Periodically, CMS takes soundings on the state of the market from our funds-related clients. Given the unprecedented nature of the last 12 months we thought this was an opportune time to look back over...