A fund manager typically spends most of its time not only contemplating how to maximize returns for investors, but also navigating the array of compliance and regulatory concerns involved in running a private fund. Because the manager is so caught up in thinking about these daily considerations, it may lose sight of the multitude of issues that arise when it comes time to wind down that same fund. If the manager exercises some foresight regarding the fund’s eventual wind-down and puts proper procedures in place, however, the whole process can be both smoother and less fraught with legal and regulatory risks. In a recent interview with the Hedge Fund Law Report, Michael C. Neus, senior fellow in residence with the Program on Corporate Compliance and Enforcement at New York University School of Law and former managing partner and general counsel of Perry Capital, LLC, shared his detailed insights about the various considerations caused by winding down a fund. For additional commentary from Neus, see “Practical Solutions to Some of the Harder Fiduciary Duty and Other Legal Questions Raised by Side Letters” (Feb. 21, 2013). This first article in a two-part series presents Neus’ thoughts on the factors leading to the decision to wind down a fund, which personnel should lead that process and how it should be disclosed to investors and service providers. The second article will explore what types of fees and expenses investors should be charged during the wind-down, as well as how managers can maximize the value of illiquid assets during a liquidation. For more on winding down funds, see “Practical Tips for Fund Managers to Mitigate Litigation Risk From Regulators, Investors and Vendors When Winding Down Funds” (Oct. 27, 2016).