Shaun Reader

Mr. Reader’s extensive experience includes assisting sovereign wealth funds throughout the investment cycle, from the formation, development and establishment of a nation’s sovereign wealth fund to all stages of its investment activities. His experience working with the sovereign wealth funds in various jurisdictions provides useful insights on best practices tailored to the unique circumstances facing sovereign wealth funds. During the development stage, Mr. Reader regularly advises governments and central banks on their plans to form a sovereign wealth fund, including drafting or commenting on the establishing legislation; organizing the governance and reporting structures for its investment management operations; addressing tax and regulatory considerations; and developing the mandate and asset protection systems, all in light of their application of the Santiago Principles. Mr. Reader often presents his perspective at seminars, trainings and conferences around the globe, regularly working with the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (the “IFSWF”) on workshops and specific topics targeted toward IFSWF members.

Mr. Reader also regularly represents investment managers in the private sector, screening, structuring and forming investment funds, including those related to private equity funds, hedge funds, real estate funds, Shari’ah compliant funds and venture capital funds formed in, and regulated under the laws of, the United States as well as non-U.S. jurisdictions. Mr. Reader has a unique understanding and experience with Shari’ah-compliant financial products and structures, assisting with the development and implementation of complex structures to accommodate investment in various asset classes, including real estate in the United States. Financial institutions, investment managers, family offices, high-net-worth individuals and funds value his breadth of experience in fund formation and structuring and throughout the life cycle of a fund and all stages of its investment management.

He has conducted regular due diligence on potential investments into alternative investment vehicles and advised on and negotiating the terms, rights and obligations for investments in, and the operation and management of, investment funds from the perspective of both investors and managers. Mr. Reader also develops structural solutions and other arrangements to accommodate various business, legal, tax and regulatory considerations.

Mr. Reader is notable for his success in negotiating substantial investments on behalf of sovereign wealth funds to accommodate their specific legal, tax and legislative needs.

Mr. Reader’s practice features in-depth knowledge of the major international securities and regulatory regimes applicable to investment managers and fund sponsors. These include U.S. securities, investment adviser, investment company, foreign direct investment and foreign corrupt practices regulations, and the EU Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), in addition to the securities law, private placement regimes and foreign direct investment regulations in numerous jurisdictions around the world.