Jon Hanifan joins Akin Gump to lead European Hedge Fund Tax Advisory Team

Jon Hanifan has joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld to lead its European hedge fund tax advisory team. He joined the firm today from Ernst & Young, where he was a director in the hedge fund tax practice.

Jon will work closely with the investment management practice, which was recently joined by partners Tim Pearce and Ian Meade in London, and with Jonathan Ivinson, tax partner in Akin Gump’s London and Geneva offices.

Jon specialises in the provision of tax advisory services to hedge fund clients, including the tax implications of structuring new businesses, restructurings, international expansion or relocation, and mergers and acquisitions.

Stuart Leblang, co-head of Akin Gump’s tax practice, commented: “Jon has extensive experience advising hedge funds and their investment managers on the full range of tax issues affecting their businesses. With our expanding presence in London, Jon will provide critical tax support to our hedge fund clients in the U.K. and elsewhere in Europe.”

David Billings, who heads the investment management practice in London, added: “Having a very strong tax advisory practice to add to our strong funds capability in London will benefit our clients both in London and elsewhere. We are pleased to continue to enhance our offering to clients and are delighted that Jon has joined us.”

Jon Hanifan also commented: “Akin Gump’s funds team is highly respected around the world. The opportunity to join the team and to help further expand the growing practice’s capability across the funds sector is a challenge I am hugely looking forward to.”