Smith Hamilton was founded in 2014 as a boutique firm focused on corporate and commercial law, with expertise in fund management and advising senior executives, shareholders and entrepreneurs.
In 2023, the firm became part of MEUM Group, a multidisciplinary platform supporting ultra-high-net-worth individuals, their families and their businesses. During this period, our practice broadened significantly to include family, private client, education, charities and regulatory work, employment, and dispute resolution.
The law firm is now building on that growth to operate independently once again under the Smith Hamilton name. This transition reflects a natural progression in our growth and allows us to focus fully on delivering an integrated legal service under a single specialist brand, while retaining the expanded expertise developed over recent years.
For our clients, it remains very much business as usual – the same team, the same relationships, and an even broader depth of capability.
Funds, Charities & Regulation
Advising funds, charities and regulated organisations on formation, governance and ongoing regulatory obligations.
Smith Hamilton advises funds, charities and regulated organisations on formation, governance and ongoing regulatory obligations. We support clients with structuring, compliance and fiduciary matters, and provide steady, experienced guidance on regulatory engagement, investigations and enforcement issues.
Key Figure
Rupert Cecil
Charities & Philanthropy Advisor
Our Funds, Charities & Regulation Services
Fund Formation and Structuring
Regulatory Advice and Compliance
Governance and Fiduciary Duties
Charity Formation and Administration
Trustee and Board Advisory
Philanthropic Structuring
Ongoing Regulatory Support
Investigations and Enforcement Matters
We advise on the creation and structuring of private funds and investment vehicles, ensuring they are efficient, compliant and aligned with the sponsor’s commercial objectives.
- Establishing fund and investment vehicle structures
- Advising on legal, regulatory and governance requirements
- Preparing fund documentation and operational frameworks
- Coordinating with tax, corporate and regulatory advisers
- Supporting specialist or bespoke investment strategies
We help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks, providing clear guidance to ensure ongoing compliance and effective risk management.
- Advising on FCA-related obligations and regulatory regimes
- Conducting compliance reviews and risk assessments
- Preparing regulatory filings and documentation
- Supporting responses to regulatory correspondence
- Designing and implementing compliance frameworks
We assist organisations, funds and fiduciaries in meeting their governance obligations and managing risk responsibly and transparently.
- Advising on director, trustee and fiduciary responsibilities
- Designing governance frameworks and reporting structures
- Assessing conflicts of interest and decision-making processes
- Supporting oversight, accountability and risk management
- Reviewing governance compliance and best-practice alignment
We guide individuals, families and organisations through the formation, registration and ongoing management of charities.
- Establishing charitable entities and drafting governing documents
- Advising on regulatory and compliance requirements
- Supporting charity registration and structuring
- Providing ongoing administrative and governance assistance
- Advising on operational and strategic charity management
We support trustees and boards with practical, strategic advice to help them fulfil their legal duties and manage their organisations effectively.
- Advising on trustee responsibilities and liabilities
- Supporting board governance and decision-making
- Reviewing governance policies and frameworks
- Assisting with conflicts, risk management and oversight
- Providing ongoing advisory support to boards and committees
We advise individuals, families and private groups on structuring philanthropic initiatives that align with their values, objectives and regulatory obligations.
- Designing philanthropic and charitable giving structures
- Advising on tax-efficient philanthropic strategies
- Establishing foundations, trusts or donor-advised entities
- Ensuring compliance with charity and regulatory frameworks
- Supporting cross-border philanthropic activities
We provide continuous regulatory and compliance guidance to help organisations operate confidently and meet their long-term obligations.
- Monitoring regulatory developments and assessing impact
- Managing ongoing reporting and compliance requirements
- Preparing policy updates and governance reviews
- Advising on internal controls and risk management
- Providing retained advisory support across regulatory matters
We assist clients facing regulatory investigation, scrutiny or enforcement action, offering clear guidance and strategic risk management.
- Advising on regulatory investigations and information requests
- Managing responses to regulators and enforcement bodies
- Conducting internal investigations and reviews
- Assessing exposure, risk and potential outcomes
- Negotiating resolutions and guiding crisis management
Our Team
Who We Act For
Our clients value clear advice, commercial judgement and a calm, steady hand during complex transactions.