Experience

Toroso Investments

• United States
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• General Counsel

  • Feb 2022 - Present



Pellegrino, LLC

• Managing Member

  • Apr 2008 - Feb 2022

  In 2008, formed Pellegrino, LLC, a boutique law practice focused on serving the investment management industry. Provide legal advice to investment advisers, money managers, investment companies, their boards of directors/trustees, and financial industry service providers. I have also supported a wide range of investment products, including separate accounts, unified managed accounts, mutual funds, closed-end funds, mutual fund wrap products, and cash portals. Extensive… Show more In 2008, formed Pellegrino, LLC, a boutique law practice focused on serving the investment management industry. Provide legal advice to investment advisers, money managers, investment companies, their boards of directors/trustees, and financial industry service providers. I have also supported a wide range of investment products, including separate accounts, unified managed accounts, mutual funds, closed-end funds, mutual fund wrap products, and cash portals. Extensive experience negotiating outsourcing agreements with industry leaders in the mutual fund, banking, brokerage and related services industries. Provide advice with respect to Form ADV disclosure, registration statements, proxy statements and tender offer materials. In addition, Pellegrino, LLC provides advice with respect to regulatory examinations. Pellegrino, LLC will perform Rule 38(a)-1 and Rule 206(4)-7 compliance program reviews, as well as advertising and marketing material reviews. Show less



ADVISORport

• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Legal Officer

  • Jun 2004 - Apr 2008

  Provided comprehensive legal guidance to ADVISORport, Inc. (now, Lockwood), an SEC registered investment adviser that offers managed account platform services, and unified managed account, separate account, and mutual fund wrap advisory products. Negotiated numerous agreements, including advisory and sub-advisory agreements, model provider agreements and platform access agreements. Reviewed firm’s Form ADV, Compliance Manual, and advertising materials.



PNC

• United States
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Counsel

  • Jun 2001 - Apr 2008

  Advised PFPC's (now, a BNY Mellon company) transfer agency, fund accounting, regulatory administration, and custody divisions. Provided guidance for Section 529 programs; analyzed applicable provisions of Internal Revenue Code, securities laws (including MSRB rules), state laws, and program requirements. Served as primary legal counsel to PFPC’s mutual fund wrap processing, integrated banking transaction services (e.g., debit card, ACH, checking, and electronic bill payment services), and… Show more Advised PFPC's (now, a BNY Mellon company) transfer agency, fund accounting, regulatory administration, and custody divisions. Provided guidance for Section 529 programs; analyzed applicable provisions of Internal Revenue Code, securities laws (including MSRB rules), state laws, and program requirements. Served as primary legal counsel to PFPC’s mutual fund wrap processing, integrated banking transaction services (e.g., debit card, ACH, checking, and electronic bill payment services), and blue sky divisions. Coordinated all litigation related to debit card and check fraud. Worked on general corporate matters, and provided legal guidance to PNC’s Compliance, Regulatory Operations and Risk Management groups. Drafted and negotiated numerous agreements with industry leaders, including, transfer agency, fund accounting and administration, custody, blue sky, mutual fund wrap, 529 program recordkeeping, integrated banking services, advisory and ADVISORport platform access agreements. Show less



Macquarie Group

• Australia
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Counsel, Asst. VP, Asst. Secretary

  • 1998 - 2001

  Advised Delaware Investments’ mutual funds and operating companies. Negotiated advisory agreements and investment guidelines for domestic and international separate accounts. Drafted and negotiated numerous agreements, including sub-transfer agency, product participation, technology, repurchase, and futures agreements. Reviewed mutual fund registration statements, advertising materials and shareholder reports. Prepared Board memoranda and resolutions. Oversaw matters regarding… Show more Advised Delaware Investments’ mutual funds and operating companies. Negotiated advisory agreements and investment guidelines for domestic and international separate accounts. Drafted and negotiated numerous agreements, including sub-transfer agency, product participation, technology, repurchase, and futures agreements. Reviewed mutual fund registration statements, advertising materials and shareholder reports. Prepared Board memoranda and resolutions. Oversaw matters regarding collateralized bond obligations and prepared materials for participation by mutual funds in private placement transactions. Projects included: establishing offshore mutual funds and a domestic long-short hedge fund; coordinating tender offers for closed-end funds and shareholder meetings for open-end funds. Prepared materials for multiple mutual fund mergers and liquidations, and coordinated legal efforts for the State of Hawaii’s Section 529 College Savings Plan. Show less



Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

• United States
• Law Practice
• 700 & Above Employee

• Associate

  • 1996 - 1998

  Provided advice to registered investment companies and, to a limited extent, venture capital funds on business law and federal securities law matters. Drafted registration statements, proxy statements and prepared Board materials. Projects included: preparing exemptive applications; organizing investment companies, multiple-class structures and master feeder funds; and reorganizing investment companies.



Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

• United States
• Legal Services
• 400 - 500 Employee

• Associate

  • 1993 - 1996

  Provided advice to registered investment companies on business law and federal securities law matters. Drafted registration statements, reviewed advertising materials and shareholder reports. Prepared Board materials and Rule 24f-2 notices. Prepared exemptive applications and organized investment companies, multiple-class structures and master feeder funds.