8 July 2025 9.15am – 10.15am + Add to calendar Training Webinar

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The materials are available to AREF members via the secure Members Area of our website. Please click here or the blue button to log-in and view


The Fundamentals Training Series, sponsored by Aztec is designed to enhance the understanding of real estate funds through six focused sessions tailored to different aspects of fund management.

Second Session: "Introduction to Fund Regulation & Structures"

This second session of the series, "Introduction to Fund Regulation & Structures" will take place via webinar on Tuesday 8 July 2025. This session is exclusively for professionals working at AREF's Fund and Investor member firms and provides a foundational understanding of real estate fund management.

Session Overview:

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape and fund structures that are key to real estate fund management. This session is designed for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the regulatory requirements that govern real estate funds, as well as the various fund structures that are commonly used in the industry.

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the AIFMD (Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive) and other regulatory frameworks that impact the operation of real estate funds, as well as the key considerations when selecting the appropriate fund structure. The session will cover a range of fund structures, including open-ended and closed-ended funds, joint ventures, club investments, and segregated mandates. We’ll also touch on how different structures align with investment strategies, tax implications, and regulatory requirements.

Key topics to be covered include:
✔ Overview of AIFMD and key regulatory considerations
✔ Fund structures: open-ended vs closed-ended, joint ventures, club investments, and segregated mandates
✔ The relationship between fund structures and investment strategies
✔ Regulatory reporting and compliance requirements
✔ Tax considerations in fund structuring
✔ The role of fund managers and their obligations

This session will be led by experts from the legal, regulatory, and fund management sectors, providing real-world insights into the regulatory frameworks and structural options available to real estate funds.

Who should attend?

The session is ideal for professionals new to the industry or those looking for a refresher, it’s particularly relevant for asset managers, investors, capital-raising professionals, and those in supporting roles. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the regulatory environment.
Trainers:

This session will be led by:

  • Will Lawrence, Partner, CMS
  • Paul Dennis-Jones, Fund Manager, Waypoint Asset Management

Webinar Details:

    Date: Tuesday 8 July 2025
    Time: 09:15am – 10:15am
    Cost: Free for AREF member firms

Cost & Booking:

This event is FREE and open to all staff from AREF Fund & Investor member firms only.  We are sorry this is not open to Affiliate members* (view our list of members here). 

Please note, this training session is NOT for Affiliate Members.  It is for those working in Fund Management Houses and Investor Firms only. 

Members can click here and log-in to book or click the blue button:


Trainer Biographies

Will Lawrence

Will Lawrence

Partner, Funds and Indirect Real Assets, CMS UK

Will joined CMS (formerly Nabarro) in 2014 and is a Partner in their Funds and Indirect Real Assets team in London. Will advises fund managers, asset managers and investors on a wide range of fund formation, joint venture and M&A matters.

whos who me

Paul Dennis-Jones

Fund Manager, Waypoint Asset Management

I assist Waypoint with business strategy, new product development and capital raising with a focus on the residential sector having previously built a £2.5bn business from scratch over 13 years at PGIM Real Estate.

I have over 30 years’ property experience and prior to PGIM Real Estate I worked at UBS Global Asset Management, PwC and CBRE Investment Management. My experience spans the areas of direct investment, fund management, strategy and product development, capital raising, joint venture and finance structures and development across all mainstream and alternative property types and risk profiles. I’m a Chartered Surveyor and CFA Charter holder.

Enquiries

Please email us at [email protected].