<![CDATA[FundOpsHQ]]>FundOpsHQ features conversations with fund operations professionals including CFOs, controllers, fund accountants, and service providers across the investment management industry.

Episodes address the operational aspects of managing investment funds: reporting processes, audit preparation, technology decisions, compliance considerations, and the day-to-day challenges of fund administration.

Guests share practical insights from their direct experience working with hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure funds.

The podcast serves professionals at all stages of their careers, from those building foundational knowledge to experienced practitioners seeking perspectives from peers across the industry.

]]>fundopshq.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:55:27 GMTWed, 10 Dec 2025 19:40:59 GMT60Danny Bloomstine<p>FundOpsHQ features conversations with fund operations professionals including CFOs, controllers, fund accountants, and service providers across the investment management industry.</p><p></p><p>Episodes address the operational aspects of managing investment funds: reporting processes, audit preparation, technology decisions, compliance considerations, and the day-to-day challenges of fund administration.</p><p></p><p>Guests share practical insights from their direct experience working with hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure funds.</p><p></p><p>The podcast serves professionals at all stages of their careers, from those building foundational knowledge to experienced practitioners seeking perspectives from peers across the industry.</p>episodicDanny Bloomstinedbloomstine@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Javad Mostofizadeh, WilmerHale: What GPs Get Wrong About Side Letters, Fees & Compliance]]>-- Summary --

Danny Bloomstine interviews Javad Mostofizadeh, a partner at Wilmer Hale, about the intricacies of fund formation law, particularly in the venture capital and private equity sectors. Javad shares insights on the role of fund formation lawyers, the importance of side letters, and the complexities of SEC registration. He also discusses management fee waivers, the significance of LPACs, and offers advice for emerging fund managers. The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies involved in navigating the legal landscape of investment funds.

-- Takeaways --

Fund formation lawyers do more than just create fund documents.

Side letters can complicate fund agreements but are essential for investor relations.

Engaging lawyers early can prevent legal pitfalls during fund launches.

Management fee waivers can provide tax advantages but come with risks.

LPACs help manage investor consent and conflicts of interest.

The SEC has specific rules that can impact fund operations.

Emerging managers should keep fund structures simple to avoid complexity.

Understanding tax implications is crucial for fund managers.

The European waterfall structure is becoming more common in fund distributions.

Career success in fund formation law requires a blend of legal knowledge and practical experience.

-- Chapters --

00:00 Introduction to Fund Formation Law

01:01 The Role of a Fund Formation Lawyer

03:16 Understanding Side Letters in Fund Formation

10:08 Negotiating Side Letters: Timing and Strategy

16:29 Advice for Emerging Fund Managers

18:13 SEC Registration and Obligations for Investment Funds

23:32 Management Fee Waivers and Their Implications

32:48 Career Advice in Fund Formation Law

]]>2ad58432-4f49-423e-b716-f6e144126174Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:06:18 GMT<p>-- Summary -- </p><p></p><p>Danny Bloomstine interviews Javad Mostofizadeh, a partner at Wilmer Hale, about the intricacies of fund formation law, particularly in the venture capital and private equity sectors. Javad shares insights on the role of fund formation lawyers, the importance of side letters, and the complexities of SEC registration. He also discusses management fee waivers, the significance of LPACs, and offers advice for emerging fund managers. The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies involved in navigating the legal landscape of investment funds.</p><p></p><p></p><p>-- Takeaways --</p><p></p><p>Fund formation lawyers do more than just create fund documents.</p><p></p><p>Side letters can complicate fund agreements but are essential for investor relations.</p><p></p><p>Engaging lawyers early can prevent legal pitfalls during fund launches.</p><p></p><p>Management fee waivers can provide tax advantages but come with risks.</p><p></p><p>LPACs help manage investor consent and conflicts of interest.</p><p></p><p>The SEC has specific rules that can impact fund operations.</p><p>Emerging managers should keep fund structures simple to avoid complexity.</p><p></p><p>Understanding tax implications is crucial for fund managers.</p><p></p><p>The European waterfall structure is becoming more common in fund distributions.</p><p></p><p>Career success in fund formation law requires a blend of legal knowledge and practical experience.</p><p></p><p>-- Chapters --</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Fund Formation Law</p><p>01:01 The Role of a Fund Formation Lawyer</p><p>03:16 Understanding Side Letters in Fund Formation</p><p>10:08 Negotiating Side Letters: Timing and Strategy</p><p>16:29 Advice for Emerging Fund Managers</p><p>18:13 SEC Registration and Obligations for Investment Funds</p><p>23:32 Management Fee Waivers and Their Implications</p><p>32:48 Career Advice in Fund Formation Law</p>no00:41:32Javad Mostofizadeh, WilmerHale: What GPs Get Wrong About Side Letters, Fees & Compliancefull<![CDATA[Adam Tope, DLA Piper - Fund Formation, GP & LP Led Secondaries, & Emerging Manager Advice]]>In this conversation, Adam Tope, a partner at DLA Piper, shares insights into the world of secondaries transactions, fund formation, and the challenges faced by emerging managers. He discusses the complexities of GP-led versus LP-led transactions, the operational intricacies involved, and the evolving trends in the secondaries market. Adam also highlights the importance of track record attribution for new fund managers, the significance of keeping fund structures simple, and the role of technology in streamlining fund management processes. He emphasizes the need for aspiring fund lawyers to understand the financial aspects of fund management and the importance of building relationships with LPs.

Takeaways

Secondary transactions provide liquidity for funds.

GP-led transactions are more complex than LP-led ones.

Emerging managers often lack direct relationships with LPs.

Track record attribution is a significant hurdle for new managers.

Simplicity in fund structuring aids in fundraising.

Operating partners can enhance fund management but may face scrutiny.

Fund expenses are often misunderstood by new managers.

Technology is streamlining the fund management process.

Reading financial news is crucial for understanding the market.

Understanding SEC regulations is vital for fund managers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Secondaries Transactions

02:37 Understanding GP-Led vs LP-Led Transactions

05:15 Operational Complexity in Secondary Transactions

08:21 Trends in the Secondaries Market

10:45 Challenges for New Fund Managers

13:36 Track Record Attribution for Emerging Managers

16:20 Fund Structuring and Terms Negotiation

19:01 The Role of Operating Partners

21:55 Timeline for Fund Launch and Documentation

24:32 Team Structure in Fund Formation

27:00 Technology in Fund Management

29:34 Entrepreneurial Background and Its Impact

31:57 Understanding Fund Expenses

34:50 Advice for Aspiring Fund Lawyers

]]>46d18813-af52-4332-a327-30af99523267Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:05:38 GMT<p>In this conversation, Adam Tope, a partner at DLA Piper, shares insights into the world of secondaries transactions, fund formation, and the challenges faced by emerging managers. He discusses the complexities of GP-led versus LP-led transactions, the operational intricacies involved, and the evolving trends in the secondaries market. Adam also highlights the importance of track record attribution for new fund managers, the significance of keeping fund structures simple, and the role of technology in streamlining fund management processes. He emphasizes the need for aspiring fund lawyers to understand the financial aspects of fund management and the importance of building relationships with LPs.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><p></p><p>Secondary transactions provide liquidity for funds.</p><p>GP-led transactions are more complex than LP-led ones.</p><p>Emerging managers often lack direct relationships with LPs.</p><p>Track record attribution is a significant hurdle for new managers.</p><p>Simplicity in fund structuring aids in fundraising.</p><p>Operating partners can enhance fund management but may face scrutiny.</p><p>Fund expenses are often misunderstood by new managers.</p><p>Technology is streamlining the fund management process.</p><p>Reading financial news is crucial for understanding the market.</p><p>Understanding SEC regulations is vital for fund managers.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Secondaries Transactions</p><p>02:37 Understanding GP-Led vs LP-Led Transactions</p><p>05:15 Operational Complexity in Secondary Transactions</p><p>08:21 Trends in the Secondaries Market</p><p>10:45 Challenges for New Fund Managers</p><p>13:36 Track Record Attribution for Emerging Managers</p><p>16:20 Fund Structuring and Terms Negotiation</p><p>19:01 The Role of Operating Partners</p><p>21:55 Timeline for Fund Launch and Documentation</p><p>24:32 Team Structure in Fund Formation</p><p>27:00 Technology in Fund Management</p><p>29:34 Entrepreneurial Background and Its Impact</p><p>31:57 Understanding Fund Expenses</p><p>34:50 Advice for Aspiring Fund Lawyers</p>no00:39:34Adam Tope, DLA Piper - Fund Formation, GP & LP Led Secondaries, & Emerging Manager Advicefull<![CDATA[Neil ODonnell & Mehak Rashid, Legal Scale: Simplicity Can Save Emerging Managers Costly Mistakes]]>In this conversation, Danny Bloomstine speaks with Neil O'Donnell and Mehak Rashid, Managing Partners at LegalScale LLP, about the intricacies of launching a fund, the role of venture debt, and the transition from large law firms to boutique practices. They discuss the importance of simplicity in fund structures, the dynamics of investor incentives, and the significance of maintaining a strong professional network. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of venture debt and the critical factors that influence successful financing strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to LegalScale LLP and Fund Launching

03:31 Understanding Fund Structures and Investor Incentives

08:27 Exploring Venture Debt: Definition and Use Cases

15:40 Success Stories in Venture Debt Financing

20:05 Navigating Covenants and Market Changes in Venture Debt

24:38 Transitioning from Big Law to Boutique Firms

28:02 Advice for Emerging Fund Managers

31:45 Building a Professional Network and Relationships

]]>772b6ab8-8e6d-431a-b10f-fe1ffefdebf4Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:06:12 GMT<p>In this conversation, Danny Bloomstine speaks with Neil O'Donnell and Mehak Rashid, Managing Partners at LegalScale LLP, about the intricacies of launching a fund, the role of venture debt, and the transition from large law firms to boutique practices. They discuss the importance of simplicity in fund structures, the dynamics of investor incentives, and the significance of maintaining a strong professional network. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of venture debt and the critical factors that influence successful financing strategies.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to LegalScale LLP and Fund Launching</p><p>03:31 Understanding Fund Structures and Investor Incentives</p><p>08:27 Exploring Venture Debt: Definition and Use Cases</p><p>15:40 Success Stories in Venture Debt Financing</p><p>20:05 Navigating Covenants and Market Changes in Venture Debt</p><p>24:38 Transitioning from Big Law to Boutique Firms</p><p>28:02 Advice for Emerging Fund Managers</p><p>31:45 Building a Professional Network and Relationships</p>no00:35:13Neil ODonnell & Mehak Rashid, Legal Scale: Simplicity Can Save Emerging Managers Costly Mistakesfull<![CDATA[Nick Maroules, BDO: Inside Fund Auditing, LP Transparency & ILPA Reporting]]>Danny Bloomstine interviews Nick Maroules, a leader in asset management at BDO USA. They discuss Nick's journey in the industry, the pivotal role of auditors in fund management, the complexities of different fund types, and the evolving expectations of limited partners regarding transparency and reporting. The conversation also touches on regulatory impacts, the importance of ILPA templates for standardized reporting, and practical advice for aspiring professionals in the field.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Asset Management and Auditing

02:20 The Role of Auditors in Fund Management

04:40 Team Structure and Engagement in Auditing

07:24 Complexity in Fund Types and Auditing Challenges

09:46 Evolving LP Expectations and Transparency

12:33 Regulatory Impact on Auditing Practices

15:03 ILPA Templates and Standardized Reporting

17:23 Performance Templates and Their Importance

20:07 Advice for Early Career Professionals in Finance

]]>7e7f78fe-c5a1-4205-8af4-187d98280598Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:59:02 GMT<p>Danny Bloomstine interviews Nick Maroules, a leader in asset management at BDO USA. They discuss Nick's journey in the industry, the pivotal role of auditors in fund management, the complexities of different fund types, and the evolving expectations of limited partners regarding transparency and reporting. The conversation also touches on regulatory impacts, the importance of ILPA templates for standardized reporting, and practical advice for aspiring professionals in the field.</p><p><br />Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Asset Management and Auditing</p><p>02:20 The Role of Auditors in Fund Management</p><p>04:40 Team Structure and Engagement in Auditing</p><p>07:24 Complexity in Fund Types and Auditing Challenges</p><p>09:46 Evolving LP Expectations and Transparency</p><p>12:33 Regulatory Impact on Auditing Practices</p><p>15:03 ILPA Templates and Standardized Reporting</p><p>17:23 Performance Templates and Their Importance</p><p>20:07 Advice for Early Career Professionals in Finance</p><p></p>no00:25:58Nick Maroules, BDO: Inside Fund Auditing, LP Transparency & ILPA Reportingfull<![CDATA[How Fund Valuations Actually Work w. Monica Blocker, Houlihan Capital]]>Keywords

valuation, financial advisory, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, crypto funds, independent valuation, compliance, asset management, investment banking

Summary

In this conversation, Danny Bloomstine interviews Monica Blocker, Director of Business Development at Houlihan Capital. They discuss the role of independent valuation firms in the financial advisory landscape, particularly for hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital. Monica explains the complexities of valuing illiquid assets, the importance of compliance, and the unique challenges posed by crypto assets. The conversation also touches on the significance of fairness opinions in continuation vehicles and the evolving expectations from LPs regarding independent valuations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Houlihan Capital and Monica Blocker

02:33 Client Engagement Lifecycle in Valuation Services

03:55 Understanding Level 1, 2, and 3 Valuations

05:42 Pros and Cons of Independent Valuation Firms

09:56 Valuing Crypto Assets vs Traditional Securities

12:15 Valuation Approaches for Level 3 Assets

14:34 Common Mistakes in Valuation Practices

17:54 Information Rights and Their Impact on Valuation

21:41 Fairness Opinions for Continuation Vehicles

24:15 The Evolving Role of Independent Valuation Providers

]]>f81a5b53-7cd5-4cd3-9ad8-d8d4395610a1Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:29:25 GMT<p>Keywords</p><p>valuation, financial advisory, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, crypto funds, independent valuation, compliance, asset management, investment banking</p><p></p><p>Summary</p><p>In this conversation, Danny Bloomstine interviews Monica Blocker, Director of Business Development at Houlihan Capital. They discuss the role of independent valuation firms in the financial advisory landscape, particularly for hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital. Monica explains the complexities of valuing illiquid assets, the importance of compliance, and the unique challenges posed by crypto assets. The conversation also touches on the significance of fairness opinions in continuation vehicles and the evolving expectations from LPs regarding independent valuations.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Houlihan Capital and Monica Blocker</p><p>02:33 Client Engagement Lifecycle in Valuation Services</p><p>03:55 Understanding Level 1, 2, and 3 Valuations</p><p>05:42 Pros and Cons of Independent Valuation Firms</p><p>09:56 Valuing Crypto Assets vs Traditional Securities</p><p>12:15 Valuation Approaches for Level 3 Assets</p><p>14:34 Common Mistakes in Valuation Practices</p><p>17:54 Information Rights and Their Impact on Valuation</p><p>21:41 Fairness Opinions for Continuation Vehicles</p><p>24:15 The Evolving Role of Independent Valuation Providers</p><p></p>no00:26:09How Fund Valuations Actually Work w. Monica Blocker, Houlihan Capitalfull<![CDATA[Navigating Real Estate Challenges with AI with PwC's Marcel Kanngiesser]]>The conversation covers the introduction to PwC's Real Estate Consulting Practice, the client base and services offered, the scope of projects and engagements, an example of a client engagement, the transition from assurance and audit to consulting, the impact of global experience on work approach, the role of Chief of Staff at PwC, AI in real estate and value creation opportunities, and career advice for early professionals.

Takeaways

  • Real Estate Consulting Practice
  • Client Base and Services
  • AI in Real Estate
  • Chief of Staff Role
  • Global Citizen and Career Advice

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to PwC's Real Estate Consulting Practice
  • 09:31 Example of a Client Engagement
  • 19:30 Transition from Assurance and Audit to Consulting
  • 27:59 Role of Chief of Staff at PwC
  • 34:46 AI in Real Estate and Value Creation Opportunities
  • 41:49 Career Advice for Early Professionals
]]>543cc679-1a4e-4c3a-a3f7-702444d97916Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:34:55 GMT<p>The conversation covers the introduction to PwC's Real Estate Consulting Practice, the client base and services offered, the scope of projects and engagements, an example of a client engagement, the transition from assurance and audit to consulting, the impact of global experience on work approach, the role of Chief of Staff at PwC, AI in real estate and value creation opportunities, and career advice for early professionals.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Real Estate Consulting Practice</li><li>Client Base and Services</li><li>AI in Real Estate</li><li>Chief of Staff Role</li><li>Global Citizen and Career Advice</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to PwC's Real Estate Consulting Practice</li><li>09:31 Example of a Client Engagement</li><li>19:30 Transition from Assurance and Audit to Consulting</li><li>27:59 Role of Chief of Staff at PwC</li><li>34:46 AI in Real Estate and Value Creation Opportunities</li><li>41:49 Career Advice for Early Professionals</li></ul>no00:35:53Navigating Real Estate Challenges with AI with PwC's Marcel Kanngiesserfull