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François Brais, Partner | Managing Partner, Québec Region

François Brais

Partner | Managing Partner, Québec Region Fasken
We are more powerful rowing in unison than alone to the beat of our own drum. Teamwork is at the forefront of what we do and how we do it.
Jurisdiction Québec, 1998
Language(s) French, English
Office(s) Montréal
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Overview

François Brais is the firm’s Managing Partner for the Québec Region. He oversees all strategic activities and heads a team of over 300 lawyers. François brings a very current perspective to the industry, focusing on cooperation, developing the next generation and fostering continuing education. His approach aims at ensuring Fasken’s client service excellence and the efficiency of our processes, such as by keeping abreast of the latest technological developments and through agile innovation. His personal values, which are centred on inclusion and equal opportunity, make him an exceptional leader.

Before he took on his current role as Managing Partner, François developed a business law practice focused on the investment management industry. He advised fund and asset managers on establishing new investment funds and ensuring compliance with securities laws and regulations. François also assisted clients with mergers and acquisitions of investment management firms, supporting them at every stage of the process.

François is one of the few lawyers in Canada recognized for his extensive experience in investment funds and asset management (or similar categories) by Lexpert, Chambers Canada, Best Lawyers and Who’s Who Legal Canada. He has been recognized by Thomson Reuters as a Stand-out Lawyer in 2023 (formerly known as Acritas Star™ lawyer).

Achievements

Client Work

  • Shakepay Inc. becomes the first Quebec-based crypto asset trading platform to be registered as a restricted dealer in Canada, [Deal - Shakepay Inc.], Following clarifications published by regulators as to the requirements applicable to crypto asset trading platforms (CTPs) operating in Canada, Shakepay Inc. decided to seek registration.
  • Fiera Capital Establishes Partnership with StonePine Asset Management, [Deal - Fiera Capital Corporation], Partnership with StonePine Asset Management.
  • Walter Global Asset Management partners with LFIS Capital, a leading European quantitative asset management firm, [Deal - Walter Global Asset Management], Montreal-based Walter Global Asset Management concludes cross-continental investment purchasing significant minority stake in LFIS Capital.
  • Fiera Capital and Fiera Investments sell retail mutual funds to Canoe Financial, [Deal - Fiera Capital]
  • Walter Global Asset Management announces new partnership with Validus Risk Management Ltd., a leading European financial risk firm, [Deal - Gestion actifs mondial Walter], Montreal-based Walter Global Asset Management concludes second cross-continental partnership.
  • Fiera Capital completes acquisition of Natixis' Canadian operations and funds, [Case - Fiera Capital]
  • Fiera Capital Corporation sells its retail mutual funds to Canoe Financial LP, [Deal - Fiera Capital Corporation]
  • Fiera Capital Corporation completes the previously announced acquisition of CGOV Asset Management, [Deal - Fiera Capital Corporation]
  • Raymond James to acquire MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier creating Canada's leading independent investment dealer, [Deal - MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier Inc.]

Career & Education

Education

  • LLB Université de Montréal
  • B Comm University of Ottawa

Community involvement

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Member of the Board of Directors Fasken 2020 to present
  • Member of the Board of Directors Finance Montreal 2019 to present
  • Former Member, Board and Corporate Secretary Cercle finance du Québec
  • Former President, Governance Committee Conseil des fonds d’investissement du Québec
  • Member Québec Bar Association
  • Former Member, Regulatory Watch Committee Conseil des fonds d’investissement du Québec
  • Founding Member, Board of Governors Conseil des fonds d’investissement du Québec

Knowledge

Events

News

Publications

  • Chambers Investment Funds 2019: Canada, 12/31/2019
  • IIROC Proposes Additional Changes to the Dealer Member Plain Language Rule Book, 4/6/2017
  • The CSA Move Forward on Consultations Regarding the Discontinuation of Embedded Commissions, 3/6/2017
Article IIROC Proposes Additional Changes to the Dealer Member Plain Language Rule Book TIMELY disclosure
Article The CSA Move Forward on Consultations Regarding the Discontinuation of Embedded Commissions TIMELY disclosure

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