Colin Sharpsmith is a partner in the London office of Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. Colin’s practice covers all areas of financial services regulation, with a focus on regulations affecting alternative investment funds, fund managers and investment advisers.
Colin has a particular interest in the rules relating to remuneration of staff in financial services businesses, and was a member of the AIMA working group in relation to the FSA’s first Remuneration Code.
Experience
Representative Matters
While at Kirkland, Colin has been involved in the following matters:
Apex Fund Management, a Genstar portfolio company, on its acquisition of the FundRock Group.
Tokio Marine HCC on its acquisition of GCube.
TDR Capital and its portfolio company, Stonegate Pub Company, on the £1.27 billion recommended cash offer for Ei Group.
Prior to joining Kirkland, Colin’s matters included:
Providing perimeter advice to new-entrants to the UK market on the scope and impact of financial services regulations on their business under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (‘FSMA’) and relevant European Regulations, including:
AIFMD;
MiFID II;
PRIIPs;
MAR; and
Consumer Credit and Mortgage Credit Regulations.
Advising and assisting the compliance and legal functions of asset managers, brokers and banks in relation to their terms of business, policies and procedures, and providing training to staff on relevant requirements.
Advising on and assisting in relation to change in control applications to the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and other regulators in relation to acquisitions and disposals of interests in regulated businesses.
Advising on registrations of new funds and fund marketing notifications and requirements.
Advising on application of asset stripping rules in relation to funds investing in EU companies.
Advising on new authorizations and variations of permission.
Advising in relation to complaints and allegations of rule breaches and regulatory investigations.
Prior Experience
Dechert LLP
Senior Associate (2017–2018)
Withers LLP
Associate (2014–2017, 2010–2012)
Trainee Solicitor (2008–2010)
Travers Smith LLP
Associate (2012–2014)
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Memberships & Affiliations
Financial Services Lawyers Association
Credentials
Admissions & Qualifications
2010, Admitted to Practice as a Solicitor of England and Wales
Languages
Italian
Education
Inns of Court School of LawLegal Practice Course2007
Inns of Court School of LawGraduate Diploma in Law2006
Royal Holloway, University of LondonM.A., Medieval History2005
Royal Holloway, University of LondonB.A., History2004