Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP today announced the addition of four partners—Anne C. Choe, Justin L. Browder, Neesa Patel Sood and Bissie K. Bonner—in Washington, D.C. and New York, where they will focus on registered funds and regulatory and enforcement matters. “Simpson Thacher is the go-to advisor for alternative asset managers, many of whom view developing retail market products as central to their future growth plans,” said Alden Millard, Chair of Simpson Thacher’s Executive Committee. “Adding this exceptionally talented team—Anne, Justin, Neesa and Bissie—will enable us to meet this increasing client demand, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Simpson Thacher.” Anne, Justin, Neesa and Bissie advise investment managers, registered funds and private funds on a broad range of regulatory, enforcement and transactional matters across a panoply of fund structures and investment platforms. The team provides advice regarding the structuring, launch and day-to-day operations of funds and investment platforms, and provides corporate governance advice to investment advisers and boards. The group has deep experience advising on a wide range of complex regulatory matters involving pooled investment vehicles and investment advisers, including SEC examinations and enforcement matters. All four join from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. “Anne, Justin, Neesa and Bissie are acclaimed for their ability to develop cutting-edge strategies and regulatory solutions for asset managers looking to seize opportunities in the retail, private wealth and institutional markets,” said Rajib Chanda, Head of Simpson Thacher’s Registered Funds Practice. “Bringing on this talented group will enhance our preeminent Registered Funds Practice—now comprising nearly 25 partners—as they help clients develop market-leading products amidst increasingly complex regulatory oversight.” Anne added, “Simpson Thacher’s Registered Funds Practice is at the vanguard of the market. Beyond that, all of us have worked across from, and alongside, the Firm’s partners in various capacities over the years, and we deeply value the Firm’s collaborative and collegial culture. We’re very excited to join the team.” Simpson Thacher’s dynamic Registered Funds Practice encompasses the entirety of the retail investment business. Clients turn to Simpson Thacher to accomplish the unprecedented in the 1940 Act space and beyond, covering everything from product development and regulatory guidance to novel transactional matters. The team advises on retail fund formation across numerous asset classes, and in a broad range of fund structures, including interval funds, tender offer closed-end funds, BDCs, REITs, permanent and evergreen capital vehicles and others. The team also provides ongoing advice to retail fund clients on myriad transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions, capital markets offerings, restructurings, consolidations and other matters. From a regulatory perspective, the team provides sponsor and adviser clients with practical and creative solutions to complex regulatory, compliance and enforcement issues, including on SEC exams, inquiries and investigations and other enforcement proceedings. Supported by a bench that includes several former federal prosecutors and senior government officials from the SEC and DOJ, the team has extensive experience advising on emerging compliance and regulatory considerations. For more information, please click here.