Delio and Sarfati & Associates
Delio provides the technological and structuring frameworks that underpin the creation and management of private market investment vehicles with a broad range of use cases and applications. Embarking on any investment journey means needing a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks, compliance intricacies, and strategic foresight. When building and deploying investment vehicles, Delio works with Sarfati & Associates (S&A) to provide legal advice and assistance.
We sat down with Frank Sarfati, Founder and Principal, to delve into his firm’s journey, its collaboration with Delio, and the ever-evolving landscape of private markets legal solutions.
Who are Sarfati & Associates?
S&A is a firm of legal advisors offering expert guidance in securitisation and structured products. Founded in 2010, the firm offers legal expertise across France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Frank has a background in investment banking and sheds light on S&A’s journey. “Our core practice revolves around securitisation and structured products, primarily within financial capital markets,” he explains.
In 2015, the team was bolstered by the addition of Irene Epskamp who is now Managing Partner. This expansion paved the way for S&A to solidify its position as a trusted advisor in the legal arena. With a wealth of experience in the banking industry, Frank and his team have facilitated deals totalling over facilitated billions of Euros worth of transactions since 2015.
How did the partnership with Delio come about?
Collaboratively, S&A and Delio craft bespoke solutions aimed at addressing the dynamic requirements of their clients. “Since 2019/2020, we’ve been working closely with Delio to craft financial products for distribution to investors and financial funds,” Frank explains.
This entails providing advice, crafting paperwork and documentation, and offering support in transaction management to both the Delio team and their clients.
How do you find working digitally with Delio’s technology?
Delio offers cutting-edge technology to enhance the efficiency of processes and operational workflows, optimising activity within private markets. Our structuring solutions are seamlessly integrated into this framework, leveraging digital tools for tasks such as document uploads, storage, and e-signatures. Frank comments “in this regard, we have saved a lot of time.”
In an era defined by digital innovation, Frank emphasises the importance of adaptation in the face of digital transformation, “we have to adapt and learn how to utilise technology effectively. It’s not a question of whether we like it, this is what’s happening. However, you do need to be aware of the security of the technology you’re using”.
Delio and Sarfati & Associates have recently launched a RAIF vehicle as part of the Delio Structuring product suite, how have you found that process?
“Our recent launch of a fund via the Reserved Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF) vehicle has been a valuable experience for us,” comments Frank. Given the multitude of stakeholders involved in the RAIF process, it understandably requires a significant investment of knowledge and effort to manage the necessary structure and framework. “Building collaborative relationships with our partners was paramount, and we navigated this process diligently,” adds Frank.
He explained that “partnering with a reputable firm like Delio is instrumental in streamlining our efforts and reinforcing a solid framework. The RAIF boasts a robust structure that caters to the specific demands of our discerning clientele.”
How do you find working with Delio?
“As they say, a firm is only as good as its clients and for us, Delio is a fantastic client” comments Frank, “Working with Delio is one of our best professional experiences.”
