Carey Olsen's Jersey investment funds team advised Gurr Johns, a global independent art advisory and appraisal group, and its affiliate, Gurr Johns Capital Credit Partners, on the launch of a new art lending fund for investors in the global art and collectibles market.

Established as a Jersey private fund, Gurr Johns Capital recently held its first close and has a fundraising target of $100m. The fund's specific focus is around creating bespoke financial solutions for individuals, galleries, companies and institutions for purposes such as releasing liquidity, making new acquisitions or bridging cash flow needs.

Working alongside onshore counsel Schulte Roth & Zabel, the Carey Olsen team advised on the structuring, establishment and regulatory aspects of the fund's launch. Partner Robert Milner led the effort and was assisted by associate Sally Smith.

Alessandro Fiorotto, managing director of Gurr Johns Capital, said: "The fund is a new and innovative concept within the art advisory space and it was extremely reassuring to know we had Robert and Sally on our side in order to provide us with the necessary experience, industry insight and professionalism required to structure and establish the fund."

Milner added: "It was great to work with the Gurr Johns Capital team on this exciting launch. The fund is unique and innovative in its purpose in that it is allowing investors to access an asset class that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Indeed, we are seeing plenty of activity in the funds sector around esoteric asset classes and it's pleasing to see Jersey's attractiveness in this space, particularly among innovative and dynamic first-time promoters."