Kirstene is best known for her reputation in advising on regulated funds and being a "go to" person when difficult issues arise. Having never been pigeon holed in a narrow area however, Kirstene retains an exceptional overview of the regulatory environment for asset managers and their product ranges. She continues to provide strategic advice to leading players in the marketplace, and to participate in UK regulatory developments for fund regulation.
Her expertise is acknowledged by UK and international legal directories, including being named as one of the Top 30 world leading practitioners in investment funds in EuroMoney's Expert Guides, Best of the Best 2018 (Global) and as a leading practitioner in its Women in Business Law Expert Guide 2021. Kirstene is one of only 19 women leaders in the UK named in IFLR 1000’s Women Leaders 2021, an elite cohort of leading female transactional experts in local markets globally. She is ranked as a leading lawyer by IFLR 1000 (2021), the Guide to the world's leading financial law firms in respect of financial services, investment funds and investment management.
Kirstene is a past Co-Chair of the International Bar Association's (IBA’s) LPD Investment Funds Committee. She is a member of the Organising Committee (and past Chair) for the IBA's Globalisation of Investment Funds Conference which, in its 32nd year, will be held in New York in May 2022, at which Kirstene will chair a panel on "Liquidity challenges for open ended funds and new solutions".
Other recent speaking commitments have included, for the Fund Boards Council, being a member of the panel "Exploring the role of the Depositary in supporting Fund Boards" at their Bootcamp in April 2021; and for the Investment Association, being a member of the panel for their iNED Briefing: "What next for value assessments" in June 2021.
Kirstene was a member of the FCA's Legal Experts Group on the implementation of AIFMD. Currently she is a member of the Investment Association's Legal Working Group on the Direct 2 Fund initiative. She is a Member of the Lexis PSL Financial Services Consulting Editorial Board. Also Kirstene is a co-opted member of the International Bar Association's Audit Committee (regarding investment matters).
In addition to her role as a partner at Fieldfisher LLP, Kirstene is a non executive director of three of Columbia Threadneedle's UK OEICs and of Allianz Global Investors UK Limited.
What others say…
Praised for her deep knowledge of authorised funds, UCITS and AIFMD. She is very knowledgeable, generous with her time and very efficient. She provides very good advice that is in plain English and easy to understand.
Has a combination of skills, network and experience which few of her competitors can rival.
Kirstene has deep experience and expertise in this area, and understands the policy and behind the scenes changes that resulted in the relevant legislation.
