Dechert Boosts Global Fund Formation Capability with Paris Hire

Dechert LLP has added to its market-leading global funds team with the strategic hire of Cyril Fiat as a national partner in Paris. Mr. Fiat, an experienced private fund formation lawyer who has most recently worked as in-house counsel for the World Bank Pension Fund in Washington DC, will complement the firm’s 200 lawyer-strong investment funds capability in France and internationally.

With over 12 years of experience in fund structuring and fund raising, as well as advising in relation to institutional investors’ investments in private funds and bespoke investment structures, Mr. Fiat is unique in the Paris market for encompassing the global, institutional investor and general partner perspective from his time at the World Bank in Washington DC. His practice will bolster the firm’s current funds capability in Paris, working closely with partners including Sabina Comis, who he previously worked with at another international law firm.

"Cyril’s fund formation track record in private practice, in addition to the expertise he has gained during his recent posting at the World Bank, will strengthen our global funds team," said Gus Black, global co-chair of Dechert’s financial services group.

Alain Decombe, deputy chair for international operations and managing partner of Dechert’s Paris office added, "Paris is a key market in the funds space and Cyril’s significant experience will enhance our ability to offer strategic advice on clients’ most important matters."

"This opportunity will allow me to practise alongside some of the most high-profile funds practitioners both on the ground in Paris as well as internationally in Dechert’s market-leading global funds group," commented Cyril Fiat.

Mr. Fiat received his Master’s in Business Law from Paris Dauphine – Paris IX University. Before the World Bank, he spent more than 9 years working for other major international law firms based in Paris, advising clients on fund formation. He speaks fluent English and French.

Dechert’s financial services group was the first and is the leading funds team to span the key European funds domiciles of UK, Luxembourg, Ireland, France and Germany, as well as the U.S., Middle East and Asia. Dechert advises across the full range of fund structures, particularly focusing on alternative funds, private equity and private debt, hedge, exchange traded funds and UCITS. The firm represents 23 of the world’s top 25 largest global asset management firms and 41 of the top 50 private debt firms.

About Dechert

Dechert is a leading global law firm with 26 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.