On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the Fund Finance Association hosted the annual FFA European University, followed by an evening drinks reception in London.
Across the two days, the online sessions delved into fund finance fundamentals, including the LPA, side letters, subscription agreements and the mechanics of a subscription facility, in addition to exploring more complex matters such as creative fund finance structuring, multi-sourced/layered debt solutions and NAV facilities.
For many juniors, like myself, the sessions proved to be invaluable. With speakers from fund finance, fund formation and overseas counsel, it was a unique opportunity to understand the complexities of a funds transaction from varying perspectives. In addition, speakers from banks and financial institutions such as Helen Griffiths (Investec), Dirk Kaiser (Wells Fargo Bank), George Cherry (Citi), Emad Shahin (17Capital) and James York (NatWest Markets PLC), helped contextualise much of the training, as they shared with us their commercial considerations.
It is therefore no surprise that students took every opportunity to participate with engaging questions. It was a brilliant two days and a great platform to learn from and network with peers.