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Chris Gardner

Partner

Chris Gardner is a partner in Dechert LLP’s Financial Services and Investment Management group. He specializes in the structuring and establishment of private funds across a range of asset classes, particularly liquid and illiquid debt and credit, hybrid, real estate, and private equity. A leading practitioner in his field, Chris is consistently recognized for his expertise in credit funds and private funds by both Chambers UK and The Legal 500. Email: christopher.gardner@dechert.com

Articles by author

Governance-by-design for private markets: from funds to platforms

In this article, the authors diagnose a governance paradox in private markets: as operating models shift from fund-by-fund deployment to platform-level management, decision-making authority is centralised while fiduciary obligations remain fragmented across legally separate vehicles. Governance frameworks designed for episodic, vehicle-level decisions are structurally exposed to ad hoc retrofits that may not reliably balance competing investor interests.

22 MAY 2026