Silke Bernard (Linklaters LLP): A Clear Vision For Tomorrow’s World
Silke Bernard, Linklaters' Global Head of Investment Funds, is a driving force in Luxembourg's dynamic funds industry and a strong representative of the country's importance in the global investment funds space. She is also an expert in the structuring of alternative investment funds across all asset classes. Her clients include most of the world’s leading financial sponsors. In addition, Silke has been one of the forerunners in the private wealth space, paving the way for a broader trend towards the democratization of alternative assets. She is sometimes called “Ms. ELTIF” for having prepared Luxembourg for the arrival and success of ELTIFs.
Silke has a particularly multinational profile. Born in Germany, married to a Frenchman and living in France while working in Luxembourg, she studied in Berlin and Lyon. “I was attracted by Luxembourg investment funds as one of the most exciting, fast-moving fields of law, which I can exercise in a truly international and multicultural environment,” Silke says. The aim of her work is to help clients navigate the ever-increasing complexities of alternative and traditional investment funds in a fast-moving world. Combining commercial understanding, pragmatic approaches and a real focus on solutions and efficiency, including through the use of legal tech and AI, is her sweet spot.
Offering deep global expertise
Silke is the Global Head of Investment Funds of the international law firm Linklaters. She is heading a team of more than 100 fund formation experts around the globe in what is seen by the markets as a deeply integrated funds practice. Her role in driving Linklaters’ global investment funds team reflects the huge importance of Luxembourg as one of the key international funds hubs.
Converging businesses
With a profound expertise in both traditional and institutional funds, Silke is one of the key Luxembourg funds experts who can leverage a deep knowledge of the full range of funds tools and products of Luxembourg. “I professionally grew up in the Luxembourg investment funds space and have built a real passion and expertise in this sphere. I am heavily and very actively involved in it with memberships and roles in almost all Luxembourg and European-wide industry organisations,” she says.
Private wealth
“One of the most exciting trends in recent years focused on the private wealth space, which has opened up and is moving into fields that were previously reserved to institutional investors only. This move has triggered a re-thinking of structures, operating models and remuneration models. Being part of this ground-breaking development is fascinating,” Silke says.
Innovation and solutions
Silke is part of Linklaters’ GenAI Steering Committee and is actively helping to drive the firm’s efforts to offer top-quality solutions that are enhanced by the use of legal tech and innovation. “I strongly believe that in the future the best lawyers will be those who leverage legal tech and tools to enhance scale, efficiency and quality of legal advice,” she says.
"Private capital is entering a new era with geopolitical changes, a new economic environment, and traditional categories and structures converging. Both institutional funds and private wealth products will have to adapt, and we are always at the forefront of finding solutions on a real-time basis and helping sponsors to navigate the pace of change."
©DR
SILKE BERNARD
Date of birth: 24 August 1975
Place of birth: Berlin
Nationality: German
Number of children: 3
Languages: German, French and English
Hobbies: Listening to classical music and reading
MY FAVOURITE
Cities: Lyon, London and New York
Places: Concert halls
Musicians: Beethoven and Shostakovich
Colour: Warm red
Important dates of your life:
The dates of birth of my children
COMPANY
Linklaters LLP
POSITION
Partner – National Practice Head and Global Head of Investment Funds
Other
Mum, active in charities and church activities