Belasko launches in Luxembourg

Belasko is delighted to announce the next phase of its international fund servicing growth programme having received approval from the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (“CSSF”) to become a professional of the financial sector (“PSF”).

 

The new status will enable Belasko to expand its delivery of next generation funds services to  Private Capital funds structures and related corporate vehicles utilizing Luxembourg.  Belasko’s offer leverages the Group’s core strengths supporting Real Estate, Private Equity and Private Debt managers with leading technology and a tailored service.  Belasko Luxembourg is led by Graham Parry-Dew and John Russell, who successfully completed the application process and have recruited a  team of experienced transfer agency specialists, company secretarial professionals and accountants for our existing and growing client base

Speaking about the granting of the licence, Graham Parry-Dew said “this is a key milestone in the growth of Belasko Luxembourg and enables us to continue to support our Group clients with their Luxembourg structures.  We have a built a great team of hard-working individuals with a clear focus on client service, ably supported by our Group technology platform and processes.”

Paul Lawrence, CEO of Belasko, added “Luxembourg is a key strategic focus for us, and this news cements our commitment to be in the right locations for our clients to meet their requirements for a reliable, next generation partner to support them with complex fund and corporate administration.  Graham and John have hand-picked a team that understand the importance of client service delivery and we look forward to building our presence in this key European financial centre”.

The Belasko Group operates across 4 strategic locations servicing over $7bn of assets with approximately 85 staff.

Senior hires to lead entry into Luxembourg

We are very pleased to announce the appointments of Graham Parry-Dew as Managing Director and John Russell as Director of Belasko’s new Luxembourg entity.

Graham has over 30 years of experience within the funds business working for large banks and fund services companies where he has held executive positions providing leadership through complex regulatory change. In recent years he has been heavily involved in AIFMD regulatory and service delivery aspects for leading fund promoters investing in all asset classes commonly held in Alternative Investment Funds.

John has over 12 years of experience in banking and with a leading fund services company. He has led teams delivering the full range of services required for Luxembourg AIFs and their associated structures. John is highly experienced in building robust teams and operating platforms. John will lead the operational teams and be responsible for client service delivery.

Commenting on their appointment, Paul Lawrence, Belasko’s CEO said “Graham and John join us at an opportune time during our development. Luxembourg, as the largest fund domicile outside the US and is a key geography for the future strategy of our business. Over the next few months they will be expanding and reinforcing the team to ensure that Belasko Luxembourg is perfectly positioned to deliver best in class services to the Luxembourg Alternative Investment Funds market”.

 

Graham Parry-Dew

Graham joined Belasko in 2020. He is a British national and has been resident in Luxembourg since 1991.

Graham has over 30 years’ experience in banking and the funds industry, predominantly with funds investing in alternative asset classes, with a major focus on AIFMD regulation, preparation, and subsequent service delivery.
He has worked for respected institutions within this time and in the last ten years has held senior management or authorised manager positions with global banks and specialist fiduciary and fund administration businesses. Graham acts as M.D, – Country Head leading the Belasko Luxembourg operation.”

John Russell

John joined Belasko in January 2021 as a Director in our Luxembourg office and is responsible for central administration operations.

John has over 13 years’ investment fund industry experience in Luxembourg. He previously held the position of Director of Client Services – Private Equity at a leading fund administrator, managing several teams of accountants, corporate lawyers as well as the Investor Services team, providing central administration services to both regulated and unregulated Alternative Investment structures.

In addition to leading operational teams, John also served on the board of a limited number of CSSF regulated vehicles. John previously held the role of supervisor on the alternatives desk of a global bank. John holds a BA (hons) in Public Administration from the University of Limerick, Ireland. John is an avid music fan, and also enjoys mountain biking, cooking, and travelling with his wife and two young daughters.