Our Services

Worldwide experience. Boutique execution.
Fund Formation & Structuring – HK, Cayman & BVI

At Shirley Choi & Co, we provide comprehensive legal support for the formation and structuring of investment funds across key jurisdictions including Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Our team advises asset managers, family offices, and institutional investors on selecting the optimal fund vehicle and jurisdiction to meet their commercial, regulatory, and tax objectives.

Hong Kong Private Fund Formation

Hong Kong’s fund regime has evolved rapidly, offering robust and flexible structures for private capital. Our firm is at the forefront of this transformation, advising on:

  • Open-ended Fund Companies (OFCs) – SFC-registered corporate funds with flexible redemption features
  • Limited Partnership Funds (LPFs) – Private fund vehicles ideal for PE, VC, and hedge fund strategies

Our team has acted for numerous fund sponsors and managers in launching Hong Kong-domiciled funds, and we are frequently engaged to advise on fund domiciliation, restructuring, investor onboarding, and regulatory audits.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands remain the global leader for offshore fund vehicles. We work closely with Cayman counsel and service providers to deliver seamless fund launches, including:

  • Exempted Companies for Standalone Structure – Widely used for hedge funds and mutual funds
  • Segregated Portfolio Companies (SPCs) – For multi-strategy platforms
  • Exempted Limited Partnerships – Common for private equity and venture capital funds
  • Registration under the Mutual Funds Act and Private Funds Act – Including regulatory filings and ongoing compliance

Our firm has advised on Cayman fund launches, including master-feeder structures, umbrella funds, and co-investment vehicles. We understand the nuances of Cayman law and how to align offshore structures with Hong Kong operations and investor expectations.

BVI

The British Virgin Islands offer a flexible and cost-effective environment for offshore fund formation. We advise on a range of fund types regulated under the Securities and Investment Business Act (SIBA), including:

  • Incubator Funds – Tailored for emerging managers testing strategies, with minimal initial compliance.
  • Approved Funds – A streamlined option for small-scale funds with no more than 20 investors and assets under US$100 million, offering simplified setup and ongoing obligations.
  • Professional Funds – Designed for sophisticated investors, with lighter regulatory requirements and fast-track approval.
  • Private Funds – Limited to 50 investors or offered on a private basis, ideal for closely held structures.

We guide clients through BVI Financial Services Commission requirements and We work closely with BVI counsel.

Litigation Services for Investment Funds

We act for fund managers, investors, and trustees in high-stakes disputes involving:

  • Breach of fiduciary duties and mismanagement of fund assets
  • Redemption disputes and investor claims
  • Enforcement of security interests and share charges
  • Cross-border fund litigation and asset recovery
  • Disputes arising from fund formation, governance, and exit strategies

Our team is equipped to navigate the intricacies of fund structures including OFCs, LPFs, and offshore vehicles, ensuring our clients’ interests are protected in both local and international forums.

SFC-Licensed Entity Compliance

We advise licensed corporations and responsible officers on their obligations under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) and related SFC codes and guidelines. Our services include:

  • Licensing applications and variation of license conditions
  • Ongoing compliance with AML/CFT, conduct, and disclosure requirements
  • Internal control reviews and regulatory health checks
  • Responding to SFC inquiries, investigations, and enforcement actions
  • Drafting and reviewing compliance manuals, policies, and procedures

We understand the regulatory expectations placed on market participants and provide practical, risk-sensitive solutions to help our clients maintain full compliance while achieving their business objectives.

Why Choose Us

  • Lawyers with practical experience from law firms in Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and United Kingdom
  • Multilingual team fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin
  • Flexible fee structures with transparent engagement terms
  • Responsive, partner-level attention throughout every transaction
  • Commitment to commercial practicality and long-term relationships
  • Agile execution across borders, timelines, and fund types