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Jonathan Halwagi, Partner | Fund Formation

Jonathan Halwagi

Partner Fasken
Asset management is an industry in constant movement. My goal is to assist clients in harnessing new ideas while maintaining their footing in an ever shifting regulatory environment.
Jurisdiction Québec, 2004 | Ontario, 2002
Language(s) French, English
Office(s) Montréal
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Overview

Jonathan Halwagi provides counsel in the areas of asset management and investment funds. His practice focuses on the establishment of fund structures with an emphasis on alternative asset management (including private equity, venture capital, infrastructure and lending).

He also regularly acts for Canadian and international asset managers, assisting them with their compliance with applicable Canadian securities laws and regulations. Jonathan assists asset managers in their dealings with Canadian regulators and counsels them on acquisitions, joint ventures and mergers.

Before joining Fasken, Jonathan practised with a leading United Kingdom law firm in its investment funds group.

Jonathan is recognised by Lexpert®, Best Lawyers® and Thomson Reuters (previously Acritas Star™) in the areas of Investment Funds and Asset management.  Jonathan was also awarded the Lexology’s 2020 Client Choice™ Award for Private Funds.

Achievements

  • Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in Private Equity and Corporate Commercial Law, Lexpert 2026
  • Recognized by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in Investment Funds & Asset Management, Lexpert 2024 to 2026
  • Recognized as a Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer (formerly known as Acritas Star™ lawyer), Thomson Reuters stand-out lawyers 2023 to 2026
  • Recognized in the area of Private Funds Law by the Best Lawyers in Canada, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2020 to 2026
  • Recognized in Mutual Funds Law in Montreal, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023 to 2026
  • Recognized as Recommended in Private Funds - Formation 2025, Lexology Index 2025
  • Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in Capital Equity, Lexpert 2024

Experience

  • Indigenous Gaming Partners completes acquisition of PURE Canadian Gaming from ONCAP, [Deal - Indigenous Gaming Partners Inc.], Newly established gaming company acquires premier regulated casino operator from one of Canada’s leading private equity firms.
  • Top Down Ventures Ltd. announces first close of US$25 million Top Down Founders Fund I, [Deal - Top Down Ventures Ltd.], Top Down Ventures Ltd. establishes its first venture capital fund.
  • BDG–Appalaches (General Partner) Inc. raises more than C$240 million in the first closing of BDG - Appalaches Fund III, L.P. and BDG - Appalaches Fund III (Intl), L.P., [Deal - BDG–Appalaches (General Partner) Inc.], BDG–Appalaches (General Partner) Inc. establishes new private equity funds.
  • Capital Norea Inc. raised C$300 million in the first closing of Capital Norea II, L.P., [Deal - Capital Norea Inc], Capital Norea Inc. establishes a new private equity fund.
  • 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.
  • Pomerleau Capital Inc. launches the PCap Infrastructure & Renewables Fund L.P., [Deal - Pomerleau Capital inc.], The infrastructure fund has $80 million in commitments.
  • Diagram Corporation launches Diagram Opportunity Fund I L.P., a private equity fund with over $120 million in commitments, [Deal - Diagram Corporation], Diagram Opportunity Fund I L.P. is a private equity fund with over $120 million in commitments.
  • National Bank SME Growth Fund, L.P. a fund created in partnership with the Québec government, with a capitalization of $200 million to drive Québec's economic recovery, [Deal - National Bank Private Investments], The National Bank SME Growth Fund is up and running with an initial capitalization of $200 million.
  • Fasken advises W Investments Group Inc. in the launch of W Investments Group L.P., a private equity fund with $120 million in commitments., [Deal - W Investments Group Inc], The fund’s objective is to create a diversified platform that reflects aggressive, yet healthy, wealth management with a long-term investment horizon. The platform makes investments in private companies, real estate or infrastructure projects, fixed income products and alternative investments. U...

Career & Education

Education

  • LL.B. (Common Law), Summa Cum Laude University of Ottawa
  • LLB, Civil Law University of Montreal

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Member, Québec Bar (since 2004)
  • Member, Law Society of Upper Canada (since 2002)

Knowledge

  • The Chambers 2025 Guide to Investment Funds in Canada, 8/13/2025
  • Fiduciary Duties and Private Equity LPAs: What Have Courts Said?, 5/4/2023
  • Dealmaking in the Downturn, 2/9/2023
  • CSA Proposes Amendments to NI 31-103 to Enhance Protection of Older and Vulnerable Clients, 7/17/2020
  • Final Amendments to National Instrument 31-103 Implementing the First Phase of Client Focused Reforms, 10/21/2019

Events

  • Lunch and Learn on the final amendments to Regulation 31-103 • Client Focused Reforms - What are we to do now?, 12/3/2019
  • 2018 Annual Securities Seminar, 2/14/2018
  • Restructuring and merging investment funds, 11/4/2015
  • Conference Luncheon on the Amendments to National Instrument 45-106 effective May 5 2015, 4/16/2015

News

  • The Globe and Mail quotes Jonathan Halwagi in an article on distressed debt funds, 10/7/2020
  • Finance et Investissement quotes Jonathan Halwagi in an article on emerging managers, 6/1/2018
  • La Presse+ quotes Christian Jacques and Jonathan Halwagi in an article on crowdfunding, 7/16/2014

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Dealmaking in the Downturn, 1/12/2023
  • Réformes axées sur le client – nouvelles obligations découlant du projet de modifications au Règlement 31-103, 9/14/2018
Speaker Réformes axées sur le client – nouvelles obligations découlant du projet de modifications au Règlement 31-103