In the evolving fund finance market, lenders are constantly assessing ways to mitigate risk and enhance credit support in order to provide for the smooth operation of subscription-based credit facilities. One such credit...more
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Subscription credit facilities rely on the obligations of investors to a private investment fund (“Fund”) to contribute their capital commitments to the Fund when called. From a subscription credit...more
Executive Summary - Over the last several years, a need has arisen in the fund finance market, which caters to private equity, venture capital, family offices, and other investment funds (“Funds”) and their sponsors, for...more
The credit agreement for a subscription credit facility will list several conditions precedent that are required prior to the credit agreement becoming effective and/or the first extension of credit occurring thereunder....more
Executive Summary - Net Asset Value (“NAV”) credit facilities are a tool that borrowers may use to access financing based on the value of their underlying investment portfolio. The users of these facilities are generally...more
We have said it before – the “credit cornerstone” of a subscription credit facility is the limited partnership agreement (the “LPA”) – it is the primary contract, together with any side letters, governing the relationship...more
Section 23A and Super 23A can create additional complications for lenders in the fund finance market. Intended to protect the stability of financial institutions by restricting transactions with affiliates, Section 23A and...more
In this article we look at the lender's right to challenge a sponsor’s valuation of their investments in the context of a NAV-backed financing. This right to challenge is a relatively recent development in these transactions,...more
In the private equity secondaries market, financing is often used to facilitate the purchase of portfolios of interests in private equity funds. These transactions require lenders to underwrite the value of assets that the...more
Guaranties are a common feature in fund finance transactions. Particularly in NAV loans, upstream and affiliate (or “sideways”) guaranties are used. Below we discuss some of the context for the use of these types of...more
For our eighth installment in the FFF Sovereign Immunity Series, we consider the doctrine of sovereign immunity in England & Wales. We begin with our usual disclaimer that sovereign immunity is a complex legal and tax...more
The 2023 edition of the Fund Finance Association’s annual conference was again filled with interesting insights from a wide range of industry participants and leaders. The panel titled “Market Evolution & Industry...more
Following on Mike Mascia’s Closing Remarks delivered to young Fund Finance professionals at last month’s FFA University 1.0, I wanted to take things back to the basics for those who are just starting their careers in fund...more
When we think about parties to a subscription credit facility (the “Facility”), all eyes are generally on the fund and the general partner (the “GP”), but the investment manager (the “Manager”) is also a party to watch. For...more
In the days leading up to the closing of a credit facility, it is not uncommon for the administrative agent to ask each lender a simple question, “do you need a note?” For many lenders, the response is in the affirmative, but...more