Law firm Philip Lee has announced a strategic partnership with Aquest Advisory to deliver its new financial services and investment funds offering.

The new practice will offer legal advise on a wider range of matters relevant to the financial services industry, including asset management, investment funds, fund service providers, investment firms, payment services, fintech, digital assets, crypto asset service providers, EIIS and intermediaries.

The venture is expected to enhance the Dublin-based firm's ability to address the requirements of clients both within Ireland and internationally.

It is estimated that the Irish funds industry, combining Irish-domiciled and foreign-domiciled funds administered in Ireland, is worth in excess of €5tn.

Jonathan Kelly, managing partner of Philip Lee, commented: “The launch of our Financial Services and Investment Funds practice is a natural progression for the firm as we continue to grow and diversify.

"Ireland is a global hub for investment funds and financial services and we are excited to support our clients in navigating this dynamic and highly regulated environment.”

The financial services and investment funds team will be led by Daniel Lawlor of Aquest Advisory.

Lawlor has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services regulation and compliance, gained first in private practice and then as a securities regulator for seven years in the Central Bank of Ireland, where he was head of the funds policy team.

Lawlor will continue as managing director of Aquest Advisory, which offers training, advisory and preparatory services for the Irish financial services industry.

“This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team that delivers practical, commercially focused advice to clients navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape," said Lawlor.

"I look forward to working alongside Philip Lee to support their clients’ ambitions with clarity, insight and integrity.”

Photo: (l-r) Jonathan Kelly and Daniel Lawlor. (Pic: Paul Sherwood)