Investment Funds

Dennis Stanley Woloshyn

Cayman Islands Funds Cayman Islands Fund Structuring for Hedge Funds, Private Equity, and Family Offices

The Cayman Islands remains the premier jurisdiction for hedge funds, private equity vehicles, and family office investment structures. Globally recognized for its tax neutrality, robust legal system, and efficient regulatory environment, Cayman offers a strategic platform for sophisticated investment managers and institutional investors alike.

With more than 13,000 regulated open-ended funds and 16,000 closed-ended funds, the jurisdiction has earned a dominant position in global fund formation. Its proximity to North America, stable British governance, and final appellate jurisdiction to the Privy Council in England make it a preferred choice for fund domiciliation.

Regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), the jurisdiction supports a flexible range of legal vehicles, including:
• Exempted Companies (commonly used for hedge funds)
• Segregated Portfolio Companies (SPCs) for multi-strategy platforms
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) for modern governance models
• Exempted Limited Partnerships (ELPs) for private equity and venture capital
• Unit Trusts for family offices and certain Asia-Pacific investors

Dennis Stanley Woloshyn (Ryan) was called to the Cayman Islands Bar in 2007 and practiced with Conyers, advising leading fund managers, PE sponsors, and institutional investors on fund formation and structuring.

As a former Adjunct Professor of Company and Business Law at the University College of the Cayman Islands, Dennis combines technical knowledge with practical insight into Cayman’s legal and regulatory framework.

He provides strategic guidance on fund and holding structures and can connect clients with experienced Cayman counsel to handle offering documents, registration, and compliance.

Whether you're launching a hedge fund, forming a PE vehicle, or structuring generational wealth through a family office, Dennis offers trusted, experienced support.

Let’s talk about how a Cayman structure can strengthen your investment platform.

DIFC Fund Structuring & Advisory

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offers a flexible and globally recognized platform for structuring a wide range of investment funds. Key fund types available under the DIFC regulatory regime include:
• Public Funds
• Exempt Funds
• Qualified Investor Funds
• Umbrella Funds
• Real Estate Funds & REITs (Public and Private)
• Master/Feeder Funds
• Islamic Funds
• Private Equity & Venture Capital Funds
• Hedge Funds

When establishing a fund in the DIFC, managers may choose from a variety of legal structures, such as:
• Investment Company
• Investment Partnership
• Investment Trust
• Protected Cell Company (PCC)
• Incorporated Cell Company (ICC)

Dennis S. Woloshyn (Ryan) is a globally ranked advisor who practiced in the DIFC for over 12 years. He offers strategic guidance to fund managers and promoters on:
• Structuring open-ended and closed-ended funds
• Establishing fund management businesses in the DIFC
• Cross-border fund distribution and regulatory strategy
• Marketing and promotion of securities in the UAE and internationally
• Creating Prescribed Companies to ring-fence liability and hold fund assets

Whether you are launching a fund, expanding your presence in the DIFC, or seeking clarity on international marketing rules, Dennis can help you build the right foundation. He can also connect you with trusted legal counsel to assist with offering documents and regulatory approvals.

Let’s discuss how to move your fund strategy forward.

ADGM Fund Structuring & Advisory

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has emerged as a leading offshore financial centre in the Middle East, offering a flexible and internationally aligned regulatory regime for the formation of alternative investment funds. Positioned as a competitive alternative to the DIFC, ADGM continues to attract fund managers, venture capital firms, and institutional sponsors seeking a robust and business-friendly jurisdiction.

Dennis S. Woloshyn (Ryan) served as Regional Director of Corporate Solutions, MENA for the Apex Group, operating from within the ADGM. He advises clients on the structuring of both closed-ended and open-ended funds, and on establishing venture capital undertakings and fund platforms under the ADGM regime.

The ADGM framework permits a range of fund types, including:
• Public Funds
• Exempt Funds
• Qualified Investor Funds (QIFs)
• Umbrella Funds with multiple sub-funds
• Master/Feeder Fund Structures

ADGM fund managers benefit from a choice of fund vehicles, such as:
• Open-ended or closed-ended Investment Companies
• Limited Partnerships
• Investment Trusts
• Protected Cell Companies (PCCs)
• Incorporated Cell Companies (ICCs)

To support operational and liability segregation needs, the ADGM also allows for:
• Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for asset holding or ring-fencing
• Limited Companies, including Restricted Scope Companies (RSCs), offering reduced disclosure obligations

Whether you're structuring a feeder fund, building a sub-fund strategy under an umbrella vehicle, or seeking clarity on the regulatory environment in the UAE, Dennis offers practical, cross-jurisdictional guidance grounded in industry experience.

Let’s connect to explore how the ADGM can support your investment goals.