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Investment Funds

Whether launching a new vehicle, responding to regulatory change, or winding down an existing fund, our team brings clarity, efficiency, and jurisdictional expertise to every engagement. Our strength lies in our ability to integrate legal, regulatory, and commercial perspectives across traditional and emerging asset classes.

Advising on the full spectrum of investment fund structures, with a focus on Cayman Islands domiciled vehicles.

We represent fund managers, administrators, institutional investors, and international law firms in matters ranging from fund formation and structuring to compliance, governance, and liquidation. We are known for being responsive, commercial, and regulator-savvy—traits that matter when speed, credibility, and compliance are key. Fund managers and institutional investors trust Vale not only for our legal skill, but for our commitment to providing end-to-end support, whether in building something new or managing through complexity.
Fund Formation & Structuring

We support the launch of a wide variety of fund vehicles, including hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds, and hybrid structures.

  • Legal structuring and entity selection
  • Drafting offering documents, subscription agreements, and governing instruments
  • Coordinating with service providers, including administrators, auditors, and custodians
  • Registration with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), where applicable
  • Advising on exemptions, classifications, and regulatory pathways for new and innovative structures
  • Supporting the establishment of corporate joint ventures and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for co-investments, spinouts, and fund-linked operating businesses
Hedge Funds

We have extensive experience advising hedge fund managers and institutional investors on fund formation, operational structuring, trading strategies, and ongoing compliance. Our team provides tailored guidance to ensure hedge funds are established and managed in line with global best practice and Cayman Islands regulatory requirements.

  • Fund vehicle selection and structuring (exempted companies, partnerships, unit trusts)
  • Offering document preparation and disclosure obligations under the Mutual Funds Act
  • Subscription agreement compliance with AML/KYC requirements
  • Review and advice in respect of trading documentation to ensure enforceability and legal validity
  • Administrator, auditor, and custodian arrangements to support transparency and investor confidence
  • Side letter negotiation and investor rights management
  • Ongoing compliance with CIMA registration, audit, AML/KYC, and governance requirements
  • Integration of digital asset strategies within hedge fund structures under the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (VASP) where desired
Asset Management

We provide comprehensive legal and regulatory support to asset managers, guiding firms through every stage of formation, operation and cross-border growth.

  • Strategic Structuring: Advising on the creation, regulation and governance of asset management and advisory businesses.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with domestic and international financial regulations and reporting obligations.
  • Risk Management: Crafting policies, procedures and agreements for the operation of the business.
  • Cross-Border Transactions: Navigating complex legal frameworks for multinational asset management clients including coordinating compliance with diverse regimes, including EU directives, U.S. SEC regulations, and the SIBA framework in the Cayman Islands.
Digital Assets and Emerging Technologies

We support clients operating at the forefront of innovation by delivering clear, practical legal guidance across the rapidly evolving digital asset and emerging technology landscape.

  • Cryptocurrency & Blockchain: Guidance on compliance with evolving digital asset regulations, including securities law, AML/KYC requirements, and tax implications.
  • Smart Contracts and Decentralised Finance (DeFi) protocols: Drafting and reviewing commercial agreements to ensure enforceability and legal validity.
  • Digital Asset Protection: Advising on intellectual property rights, cybersecurity, and strategies to mitigate the risks facing digital wealth.
Ongoing Fund Counsel

We provide continuous legal and compliance support throughout the operational life of the fund.

  • Fund governance, director advisory, and board support
  • Amendments to constitutional documents or offering materials
  • Investor negotiations and side letter review
  • Regulatory updates, risk reviews, and compliance health checks
  • AML compliance and officer services
  • Economic substance and international tax reporting (FATCA/CRS)
  • Strategic support for funds investing in or issuing digital assets, including blockchain-based token offerings, fintech strategies, and virtual asset service provider (VASP) compliance
Private Equity & Venture Funds

We have deep experience advising private equity sponsors and venture fund managers on fund formation, capital structuring, deal execution, and exit planning. Our team works closely with clients on:

  • GP/LP structuring and waterfall modelling
  • Side letter management and key person provisions
  • Co-investment arrangements and carry vehicles
  • Portfolio company structuring and downstream acquisition support
  • Compliance with fund-level obligations across AML, governance, and substance
Regulatory Liaison & Remediation

Our team works closely with CIMA and other regulators to support inspections, responses to findings, and remediation programs. We are frequently retained by fund groups that require experienced assistance navigating complex or sensitive regulatory engagements.

Liquidation & De-registration

When it’s time to wind down, we manage all aspects of the deregistration and liquidation process, including:

  • Drafting and filing resolutions, notices, and statutory documents
  • Coordinating with liquidators and service providers
  • Ensuring compliance with local dissolution requirements and timelines
  • Liaising with regulators to confirm proper closure of the fund and associated entities

Vale Group is deeply embedded in the fund services ecosystem, with team members who have worked across fund law, administration, compliance, and governance. This gives us a comprehensive view of what funds need—from initial strategy to operational execution.

We are regularly engaged to assist with new fund launches, cross-border investments, innovative asset strategies (including blockchain and crypto), and evolving regulatory requirements. Whether acting as lead counsel or local advisor, we integrate seamlessly with onshore counsel and global service teams to deliver a consistent and coordinated result.

Shelley Do Vale
Shelley Do Vale

Shelley Do Vale

Shelley is the Managing Partner and Founder of Vale Law and Vale Compliance Solutions, bringing nearly 24 years of legal and regulatory experience to her leadership role.
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Santiago Mtnez-Carvajal
Santiago Mtnez-Carvajal

Santiago Mtnez-Carvajal

Santiago is a legal consultant with broad international experience and a strong academic foundation.
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Sean Scott
Sean Scott

Sean Scott

A legal consultant bringing more than 25 years of international legal and advisory experience to his practice across Australia, the USA, the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
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Expertise