Expertise
Barry O'Connor is a partner in the Asset Management and Investment Funds Group at Matheson. He practices financial services law and advises many of the world's leading financial institutions, investment banks, asset management companies, broker-dealers and corporations carrying on business through Irish domiciled investment funds (ICAVs, investment companies, unit trusts, CCFs and ILPs) and Irish domiciled management companies (UCITS and AIFMs).
Barry has extensive experience advising on the launch of UCITS and AIFs (stand-alone funds, umbrellas and third party manager platforms) across the full range of strategies, including plain vanilla strategies, hedge fund strategies, structured UCITS, fund of funds, money market funds, ETFs and master-feeders, and on their ongoing servicing (including the launch and termination of sub-funds, a change of service providers and listing on the Irish Stock Exchange). He is also experienced in more complex issues arising in the course of the life of a UCITS or AIF, including obtaining Central Bank approval for innovative fund mechanics and structures.
Barry’s experience highlights include advising:
- The first AIFM to be authorised in Europe.
- On innovate reverse distribution mechanisms in money market funds.
- On the incorporation of private equity fund structures into plcs and ICAVs.
- On innovate investment strategies, including hedge fund seeding funds and renewable energy infrastructure funds.
- On the use of Irish s110 and non-Irish domiciled subsidiaries.
- On cross-border and domestic UCITS mergers.
“Approachable, commercial and pragmatic. Timely access. Well respected and liked by the business. Problem-solver.”
IFLR1000 33rd edition 2023
"He is an outstanding and excellent lawyer who is very professional, responsive and knowledgeable in his area. He is also very approachable and friendly to deal with. He has certainly gained our trust and respect over the years of great service he has provided to our organisation. "
IFLR 1000 2022
"He is an excellent and professional lawyer. Friendly to deal with and responsive to emails. Extremely knowledgeable in this area. Very highly regarded throughout our organisation."
IFLR 1000 2022
“Barry is extremely responsive and he and the Matheson team provide us with clear and timely advice on a broad range of investment funds and related issues. His assistance with topical money market fund-related issues is particularly valued.”
IFLR 1000 2021
Barry O'Connor is recommended.
European Legal 500 2020
Barry O'Connor provides "practical, solutions-focused advice and is very responsive."
European Legal 500 2020
“Go-to guy on UCITS. He has what we like about Matheson – he is extremely responsive and knowledgeable.”
Chambers Europe 2018
Admitted as a solicitor in Ireland
University College Dublin, Post Graduate Diploma in International Financial Services Law
Trinity College Dublin, LLB