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In this episode of The Legal Zeidgeist, Mathilde Stich unpacks the critical role of due diligence in the investment funds industry. With growing regulatory scrutiny and operational complexity, fund managers are under more pressure than ever to ensure robust due diligence processes are in place. Whether you're managing fund operations, compliance, or legal risk, this episode will help you sharpen your understanding of what good due diligence looks like in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode of The Legal Zeidgeist, we dive into one of the most consequential yet under-discussed developments in fund disclosure: the regulatory divergence between the UK’s proposed Product Summary and the EU’s PRIIPs Key Information Document (KID). As the UK continues to chart its post-Brexit course, asset managers are now facing two parallel and increasingly distinct disclosure regimes. But what exactly is changing in the UK, and how does it compare to the EU’s long-standing PRIIPs framework? Gemma Capelo and Jeet Doshi unpack the key differences between the UK’s Product Summary and the EU PRIIPs KID, explore the practical implications for firms marketing funds across both jurisdictions, and offer guidance on how asset managers can prepare for dual compliance even while the UK rules remain in draft form.

In this episode of The Legal Zeidgeist, Kate Horgan is joined by Alex Mercer, Head of Innovation at Zeidler Group, to explore how AI is transforming the delivery of legal services. Drawing on his background as a lawyer and his current role leading innovation, Alex offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Zeidler Group embeds large language models and AI into its legaltech solutions. Alex discusses the shift from traditional legal practice to legal engineering, the most impactful use cases of generative AI within compliance and legal operations, and how legal professionals can begin integrating AI into their work. He also shares his perspective on the future of legal innovation and what trends to watch as AI continues to evolve in the legal sector.

In this episode of The Legal Zeidgeist, Kate Horgan is joined by Patricia Nitschke and Shalu Sura from our Regulatory Services Division to demystify two essential services supporting global fund distribution: European Facilities Agent Services and Regulatory Cross-Border Registrations. Patricia provides a detailed overview of the Facilities Agent, its obligations and explaining why a centralised model is gaining traction among cost-conscious managers. She shares insights on local language requirements, regulatory duties, and how fund managers can streamline multi-jurisdictional operations. Shalu then unpacks the complexities of Cross-Border Registrations from navigating fragmented regulatory frameworks to managing ESG disclosure expectations. She offers practical advice for fund managers preparing to enter multiple markets, including how to anticipate timelines and stay compliant with ongoing obligations. Whether you're navigating your first UCITS registration or re-evaluating your cross-border setup, this episode offers sharp insights and actionable guidance.

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist, Kate Horgan sits down with Peter Sherwood, an Associate Solicitor in Zeidler Legal Services LLP, to discuss the latest developments in European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIFs). Peter provides an insightful overview of the ELTIF 2.0 reforms and the newly introduced Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS). Peter covers key changes such as the restrictions on derivatives, the importance of aligning the life cycles of ELTIFs with their underlying assets, and the criteria for determining minimum holding periods for redemptions. Peter also discusses the new requirements for redemption policies, liquidity management tools, and the management of liquid assets. 

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist, Kate Horgan is joined by Kwame Taylor, an Associate in Zeidler's ESG Legal Advisory Team, to explore the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). They discuss the recent comprehensive assessment of the SFDR framework, unpacking key findings from the summary report of open and targeted consultations. Kwame provides an overview of the SFDR's objectives, challenges in framework coherence, and mixed stakeholder views on disclosure requirements. 

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist podcast, the Overseas Fund Regime (OFR) takes centre stage again. In this 2-part special, Kate Horgan is joined by Robert Boyle, Solicitor and Partner at Zeidler Legal Services LLP, to dissect the key aspects of the OFR and its implications for fund marketing in the UK. In Part 2, join us as we examine whether a UK country supplement to the prospectus will be required and what its content will entail. Gain insights into the potential fees for registering under the OFR and whether a UK facilities agent will be necessary. Explore the key takeaways for fund professionals to effectively adapt to the OFR.

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist podcast, the Overseas Fund Regime (OFR) takes centre stage. In this 2 part special, Kate Horgan is joined by Robert Boyle, Solicitor and Partner at Zeidler Legal Services LLP to dissect the key aspects of the OFR and its implications for fund marketing in the UK. In part 1 as the industry prepares, discover the current methods of marketing UCITS into the UK, understand the intricacies of the OFR, and learn when and how to register a fund under this regime. 

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist podcast, we explore the latest insights and best practices for fund distribution and compliance. Kate Horgan, Business Development Manager, sits down with Patricia Nitschke, Associate in Zeidler’s Legal Services Division, to discuss the most recent regulatory updates affecting fund distribution worldwide. Patricia breaks down EU and global regulatory changes and their implications for fund managers and distributors. Discover valuable compliance tips and get a sneak peek into the new features of Zeidler’s Global Knowledge Hub. 

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist podcast, AIFMD II takes the centre stage. Kunal Grover, Head of Business Development is joined by Valentin Chantereau to dissect the key highlights of the amendments to AIFMD and what these updates hold for EU and non-EU AIFMs. As the industry braces for the new regime, discover the proactive steps fund managers need to navigate this new regulatory landscape, with Valentin's insights and guidance.

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist podcast, the focus is on the recent  UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) review examining how Authorised Fund Managers (AFMs)  are embedding the Guiding Principles in ESG and sustainable investment funds. Kate Horgan, Business Development Manager is joined by Kwame Taylor, Associate,  at  Zeidler Group to unpack how AFMs are navigating the landscape of ESG and sustainable investment funds through the lens of the Guiding Principles. Kwame shares his sustainable finance expertise to explore the implications, hurdles, and opportunities unveiled by the FCA's review, and what this means for the future of sustainable investing in the UK market.

In this brief but insightful episode of Legal Zeidgeist, we unpack the Central Bank of Ireland's recent final guidance on the Individual Accountability Framework. Kate Horgan, Business Development Manager, is joined by Daniel O'Leary, Associate, to unravel the Central Bank of Ireland's recent final guidance on the Individual Accountability Framework. Together, they delve into the pivotal significance of this guidance and dissect its profound implications for financial institutions. Beyond mere regulatory compliance, these guidelines pave the way for a fundamental shift in fostering responsibility and ethical conduct within the industry. The implementation of the Central Bank's Final Guidance signifies a transformative moment, poised to reshape accountability and standards in the Irish financial sector. Stay tuned for a concise yet comprehensive exploration of these crucial guidelines that are set to redefine the Irish financial landscape.

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist podcast,  the US regulatory landscape is unravelled. Kate Horgan, Business Development Manager at Zeidler Group, is joined by colleagues Madeline Gegg and Alex Mercer, Associates in Zeidler's Phoenix office to guide you  g through the maze of Federal, State, and Self-Regulatory Organizations. Navigating the regulatory landscape demands a comprehensive understanding of each entity's requirements and expectations.  Madeline and Alex demystify the complex regulatory system, outlining the SEC, CFTC, state variations, and entities like FINRA.  Gain insights into the complex US regulatory framework and uncover the strategies necessary for comprehensive compliance in the financial industry.

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist podcast, the focus is on Swiss Representative Services for foreign collective investment schemes.  Kate Horgan, Business Development Manager is joined by Josef El Semari and Michael Meier Directors at  Zeidler Group as they delve deep into the intricacies of the  Swiss regulatory landscape. Josef and Michael unveil the intricacies of Swiss Representative services, peeling back the layers to reveal how these professionals navigate the ever-evolving regulatory terrain. Sharing their expertise as they intricately map out the strategies employed by Swiss Reps, ensuring seamless compliance and fostering a conducive environment for foreign collective investment schemes.

In this episode of the Legal Zeidgeist podcast, Kunal Grover, Head of Business Development is joined by Arne Zeidler, CEO and Founder of Zeidler Group to discuss how US and non-European managers can seamlessly navigate the perceived complexity of regulations and roadblocks and instead raise assets successfully in Europe. Arne details a roadmap of a four-step ladder of entry points for non-EU managers to successfully enter the EU consisting of the pre-marketing regime, national private placement regime (NPPR), appointing a third-party management company and an establishment of a European base.