R. Leelavathi Naidu is a Partner with IC Universal Legal and oversees the firm’s Private and Public Funds, Asset Management and Regulatory practice at its Mumbai office.

She has advised various domestic fund managers on formation and registration of alternative investment funds (including private equity funds, hedge funds, venture capital funds, debt funds and so on), and drafting, and negotiation of associated documentation. She also assists in structuring of the India focused offshore funds including funds in GIFT City and other jurisdictions. She also has wide experience in advising investment advisers, portfolio managers, mutual funds on registrations, reporting and documentation.

She is also very active on advocacy for various regulatory matters and works along side various associations and intermediaries.

Prior to her stint with ICUL, Ms. Naidu was Vice-President at Avendus Capital leading their Compliance function for the asset management services including offshore funds, AIFs and PMS. Prior to that she held leadership position in legal-compliance departments of IIFL Asset Management, IDFC Asset Management and Principal PNB Asset Management.

She holds Masters in Commerce degree from University of Mumbai, Company Secretary from Institute of Company Secretaries of India and Bachelor in laws from KC Law College Mumbai. She is also a Certified Anti Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS).

She was recognized as one of the ‘Top 40 under 40’ Alternative Investment Professionals in India by the Association of International Wealth Management of India (2020). She was also recognized as ’40 under 40’ compliance professionals at Compliance 10/10 (2020) and as one of ‘Top Women in Finance’ in 2023.