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Bertrand Beauchesne Appointed Group Finance Director at Deminor

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

Deminor announced that Bertrand Beauchesne has been appointed as Group Finance Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial management and strategic planning across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. 

Prior to joining Deminor, Beauchesne spent over eight years at Dorier Group in Singapore, having served as the company’s Group Finance Director and Board Director, co-ordinating and supporting all operations in South East Asia and Japan. His impressive career also includes six years at MCI Group overseeing strategy and regional coordination for APAC, 16 months at The Stakeholder Company as Finance Director, and over four years as Finance Director for the Remote Site Division at ADEN Group

Beauchesne expressed his enthusiasm at taking on the new role at Deminor, saying: “I am excited to join Deminor and look forward to contributing to the company's continued success by leveraging my experience in financial management and strategic planning. Deminor’s dedication to excellence and innovation aligns with my professional philosophy, and I look forward to driving our financial and strategic goals.”

Deminor’s CEO, Erik Bomans also provided the following comment on Beauchesne’s appointment: "We are delighted to welcome Bertrand Beauchesne as our new Group Finance Director. Bertrand's appointment reflects our commitment to further strengthen Deminor's financial governance and operational capabilities. His proven track record in financial leadership and strategic planning makes him an excellent addition to our team as we continue to expand our global presence."

Litigation Lending Appoints Leo Argy and Maximilian Heffernan as Investment Managers

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

In a series of posts, Litigation Lending announced the new appointments of Leo Argy and Maximilian Heffernan, who are both joining the funder as Investment Managers.

Argy brings over 25 years’ experience in the legal sector to his new role at Litigation Lending, having begun his career as a solicitor in 1997, going on to become the Managing Solicitor-Director at Argy & Associates Lawyers between 2001 and 2021. Argy joins Litigation Lending having most recently served as Manager of Litigation and Recoveries at Hollard Insurance Australia for the past three years. 

Heffernan also boasts an impressive career in the legal sector, both in the public and private sector, having started as a paralegal at Clayton Utz before serving as an Associate at the Federal Court of Australia. Since then, Heffernan has worked as a solicitor at Hicksons Lawyers, and most recently spent nearly six years as a Senior Lawyer at Australian Government Solicitor in the Civil Claims team.

An LFJ Conversation with Ondrej Tylecek, Partner and Head of Investments, LitFin

By John Freund and 4 others |

Ondrej is Partner and Head of Investments at LitFin, which he joined shortly after its foundation. He is particularly responsible for the legal agenda, investments, and business relations. Prior to LitFin, he gained professional experience as a lawyer focusing on transactions and corporate law and as an investor in the private sector. Ondrej graduated in law from Masaryk University (Czech Republic) and Brussels School of Competition (Belgium).

Below is our LFJ Conversation with Ondrej Tylecek: 

LitFin has become one of the most prominent litigation funders in the continental EU for follow-on group litigations. Can you take us through the company's growth process - how were you able to effectively scale your business?

I think the key to our success is that, unlike other funders, LitFin is a vertically integrated structure. With that being said, we’re not just deploying the capital into cases brought to us on a silver plate, but we’re actively building the cases from the bottom, going the extra mile, which other players on the market typically don’t. For example, we’re creating personalized onboarding strategies and trying to keep an individual client approach at all times, not relying on third parties doing the work for us, because we want to be sure that the best quality is secured at all times. Also, unlike other litigation funders, we’re not paid managers who take a management fee every year, but we have the ‘funders mentality’ because together with our investors, LitFin’s partners have their own money at stake. That’s what sets us apart, and that’s why we have extra motivation to succeed on the market.

How challenging was it to educate the continental EU market on litigation funding? And what have you noticed in regard to the market's understanding and acceptance of litigation funding as the sector has evolved?

At first it was challenging indeed, because lots of clients could not imagine that such a great service with which we approached them could even exist. Not spending a cent on a court proceeding and only share when the case was successful? That must be a scam then! Nevertheless, I think that we went quite far from there, and nowadays prospective clients typically are aware of the industry and the benefits it brings to them. As litigation funding in Europe matures, besides pricing, the clients typically look into the funder’s track record, legal representation, and overall trustworthiness.

What are LitFin's plans for growth - both regionally / jurisdictionally, and also in terms of product offerings?

Most importantly, due to our rapid growth, LitFin is actively seeking an additional strategic partner to solidify its position as a leading EU litigation funder specializing in follow-on group litigations arising from competition law infringements. With that regard, we are already in discussions with several top-tier potential new business partners in the USA and locally. Our conservative target is to raise EUR 100 million within the next six to nine months to allow us to seize even more opportunities in the litigation finance space and expand our current portfolio, which already exceeds EUR 4 billion in claim value funded with a success rate over 90%.

From a regional perspective, 2024 was a breakthrough year for us in France and the Benelux region, where we successfully funded cases and strengthened our local presence. Our expansion in these markets has been driven by new colleagues from France, led by Juraj Siska, who joined us from the European Commission and who now serves at LitFin as the Director for France & Benelux. Building on this momentum, our focus for this year is on Spain and Italy, where we are already active and see strong potential for further growth.

Regarding product offerings, we remain committed to our core activities in the distressed sector in Central Europe. Beyond that, we have some exciting new products in development, which we prefer to not disclose at this stage. However, regardless of expansion plans, our top priority remains delivering bespoke, high-quality litigation funding solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.

What are LitFin's plans for growth - both regionally / jurisdictionally, and also in terms of product offerings? Last year you have established the first regulated fund (SICAV) in CEE (and one of the first in continental Europe) focused purely on the litigation funding industry. How have investors responded to the fund's launch, and do you foresee additional fund launches in the future?

The investors responded very well, even though we focused on the Czech and Slovak region only and the fundraising period was short. Primarily, we were able to successfully test an interest in this new, uncorrelated asset class and are happy that investors, both institutions and individuals, perceive litigation funding as an interesting and valued addition to their investment portfolios. Regarding the SICAV fund, we’ll be launching a new evergreen sub-fund called ‘Credit’ with a target return of 13% p.a., which will allow qualified investors to be part of our success story without time limitations on the entry.

How are the recent regulatory frameworks such as the Voss Report impacting the funding industry? Do you see industry regulation as a risk for litigation funders going forward?

As one of Europe’s leading litigation funders, LitFin obviously closely monitors regulatory developments like the Voss Report. While it has raised concerns about potential industry regulation, we believe much of the criticism within the report misrepresents the realities of litigation finance. The report suggests excessive funder control over cases and a lack of transparency, but in practice, funders do not dictate legal strategy—claimants and their legal teams remain in charge. Moreover, existing contractual safeguards and ethical obligations already ensure accountability and fairness.

From my perspective, the biggest issue with the Voss Report is that it overlooks the essential role litigation funding plays in access to justice. Many businesses and consumers would be unable to challenge well-resourced defendants without financial backing. As Omni Bridgeway’s Wieger Wielinga rightly pointed out in a recent LFJ interview, ensuring a level playing field in litigation requires financial equality between counterparties, making litigation funding essential. Creating an artificial barrier would ultimately benefit large corporations at the expense of fairness.

We do not see regulation as an existential threat to the industry. If regulation is introduced, we expect it to focus on transparency rather than prohibition, ensuring credibility while allowing the market to function effectively. Markets like the UK and Australia have thriving litigation funding sectors under clear regulatory frameworks, and we expect Europe to follow a similar path. For reputable funders like LitFin, well-structured regulation could actually be beneficial, reinforcing trust in the industry and attracting institutional investors.

Community Spotlights

Community Spotlight: Dane Lund, Managing Director, Juris Capital

By John Freund and 4 others |

Dane Lund has built a career at the intersection of law and finance, bringing a distinctive blend of legal acumen and financial expertise to the evolving world of litigation funding. He began his professional journey after graduating from Harvard Law School as a litigation associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in 2012, where he gained firsthand experience navigating complex commercial disputes and understanding the strategic nuances that drive legal outcomes.

Eager to broaden his perspective, Dane transitioned into investment banking, joining the Financial Sponsors Group at Barclays. There, he developed a rigorous foundation in evaluating risk, structuring deals, and analyzing the dynamics of capital markets—skills that would later prove invaluable in the realm of legal finance.

Following his time at Barclays, Dane pursued investment roles focused on equities, private debt, and legal finance, deepening his expertise across both traditional and alternative asset classes. This diverse background positioned him perfectly for the litigation finance space, where legal strategy and capital management intersect. In 2024, he joined Juris Capital as Managing Director, where he helps shape the firm’s approach to funding commercial litigation.

At the core of Dane’s investment philosophy is a simple yet powerful belief: “Patient capital wins.”

For Dane, this isn’t just a tagline—it’s the guiding principle. Litigation is inherently unpredictable, often requiring strategic persistence and disciplined, long-term thinking to achieve the best outcomes. In an industry where quick returns are rare, Dane emphasizes that success comes from having the foresight to invest thoughtfully and the patience to see cases through to their full potential.

“We’re experiencing a sea change in how law is practiced,” says Dane. “Legal finance isn’t just a funding mechanism—it’s a catalyst for innovation within the legal sector.”

Company Name and Description: Juris Capital provides funding for commercial litigation claims. The firm collaborates with businesses and law firms to support the financial aspects of pursuing complex legal matters. Dane notes that Juris’s approach is shaped by its understanding of legal processes and the financial considerations involved in managing long-term investments. Its focus spans a variety of case types, including breach of contract disputes, corporate governance issues, and antitrust matters.

Website: https://www.juriscapitalcorp.com/

Founded: 2009

Headquarters: Chicago

Member Quote: “Legal finance is expanding beyond traditional litigation into areas like legal tech, contingent risk management, and law firm operations. It’s not just about funding cases anymore—it’s about unlocking value in legal assets that were previously considered illiquid or inaccessible. That’s where the future lies.”

Past Event

Spotlight on AI and Technology

If you're in legal finance, litigation funding, or legal tech, this discussion provides insider insights into how AI is reshaping the industry. Learn from real-world examples, emerging trends, and the strategic role of AI in legal decision-making. Key Discussion Points Include:
  • AI-Powered Underwriting & Case Selection: AI helps funders assess legal risk, improve case selection, and predict litigation outcomes with greater accuracy.
  • Enhancing Efficiency in Litigation Finance: From scanning thousands of lawsuits to streamlining due diligence, AI is saving time and improving case success rates.
  • Predicting Settlements & Case Duration: AI models are increasingly used to analyze historical data and forecast lawsuit duration, a critical factor for funders.
  • AI vs. Human Expertise: AI is a tool to complement—rather than replace—legal expertise, ensuring better investment decisions and case strategies.
  • The Future of AI in Litigation: Will we see fully AI-driven litigation funding? 
Listen to Replay

Burford CEO Condemns UK Government’s ‘Failure to Act’ on PACCAR

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

As LFJ reported last week, the Court of Appeal has decided to hear arguments over the validity of litigation funding agreements that use a multiple of the sum invested. As we suggested, this decision has emboldened funders who are dismayed at the government’s delays in enacting a legislative fix for PACCAR.

In a piece for the Financial Times, Christopher Bogart, co-founder and chief executive of Burford Capital, takes aim at the UK government’s “failure to act” in providing a solution for the litigation funding industry following the Supreme Court’s PACCAR ruling. Bogart argues that whilst the Prime Minister has repeatedly spoken about the need for the country to attract investment, the delay in acting on this issue “threatens to create an environment in which businesses and their money leave the UK to the detriment of the economy and workforce.”

In what is perhaps the most startling admission, and a thinly veiled challenge to the government, Bogart states that Burford “is reconsidering whether London is a preferred dispute resolution centre.” Whilst this appears to be a warning of what could occur, Bogart reports that “the lingering uncertainty and the government’s silence has caused the company to begin migrating some dispute resolution activity away from London.”

In his explanation of the challenges the UK funding market faces, Bogart highlights the industry trends post-PACCAR and points out that there has been a 75 per cent decrease in funding activity in the UK since the Supreme Court’s ruling. Burford’s CEO also points to the 23 per cent drop in group claims in 2024, which he attributes to the “uncertainty in the market.”

Without naming the specific cases, Bogart appears to reference the recent move by “opportunistic defendants” to challenge certain litigation funding agreements in class actions. Urging the government to provide a legislative solution sooner rather than later, Bogart argues that the alternative is a situation where the UK will face growing competition from abroad as “funders will look elsewhere to less risky options.”

Indian Government Minister: No Plans for Regulation of Litigation Funding

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

Outside of the prime litigation funding markets of the US, UK and Australia, developments from burgeoning markets are often few and far between. However, a new ministerial statement from the Indian government suggests that India has the potential to be a significant growth market for legal funding.

An article in Bar and Bench provides a useful insight into the litigation funding landscape in India, as it highlights a recent statement by a government minister that indicates there are currently no plans to implement new regulations governing third-party funding. 

Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State of the Ministry of Law & Justice, was responding to a parliamentary question about the issue of legal funding and said:

“At present, there is no proposal under consideration of the Government for establishment of a legal and regulatory framework to facilitate Third Party Funding of litigation in the country and further, no examination of the potential of Third Party Litigation Funding as a means to address high litigation costs and pendency of cases has been carried out by the Government.”

As the Bar and Bench article notes, this is yet another encouraging sign for the Indian litigation funding industry which has been growing since a 2018 Supreme Court decision recognised the validity of third-party litigation funding. 

Omni Bridgeway Funding New Zealand Class Action Against Johnson & Johnson

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

For consumers who were unwittingly deceived by falsely advertised products, a well-funded class action remains one of the few options available for these individuals to seek justice and compensation.

Reporting by The Post covers a new class action filed in the High Court of New Zealand, which is being brought against Johnson & Johnson over the alleged sale of ineffective cold and flu medications. The lawsuit alleges that Johnson & Johnson manufactured cold and flu products containing Penylephrine, which some medical studies have found is not an effective oral treatment for nasal congestion. Eligibility for the class action includes consumers in New Zealand who purchased one of the 17 identified Codral, Sudafed or Benadryl branded products between 2005 and 2025.

The class action has been brought by Australian law firm JGA Saddler, with litigation funding provided by Omni Bridgeway. This is the second such lawsuit brought against Johnson & Johnson by this team, with JGA and Omni having worked together to bring a similar class action against the pharmaceutical giant in 2024.

Rebecca Jancauskas, director at JGA Saddler, argues that “Johnson & Johnson has misled the public and they need to be held accountable for their actions.” Furthermore, Jancauskas suggests that there may be a larger pool of affected customers in New Zealand than Australia, explaining that between 2011 and 2024 “there was no other alternative for consumers in New Zealand suffering from sinus symptoms or allergy symptoms or cold and flu symptoms.”

Additional information on the class action can be found on Omni Bridgeway’s website.

Victory Park Capital Expands Legal Credit Team, Welcomes Hugo Lestiboudois as Principal

By Harry Moran and 4 others |

Victory Park Capital (“VPC”), a global alternative investment firm specializing in private credit, today announced that Hugo Lestiboudois has joined the firm as Principal. Mr. Lestiboudois, who brings over 10 years of experience in developing and operating legal finance strategies, will work alongside Richard Levy, VPC CEO, CIO & Founder, and Chad Clamage, Managing Director, to advance the firm’s legal credit strategy.

“We welcome Hugo to the firm with great excitement,” said Levy. “I am confident that his experience will help us unlock further momentum in the rapidly expanding market for legal investing and address the growing demand for innovative funding solutions.”

VPC’s legal credit team, comprised of veteran litigators, legal finance investors, and seasoned private credit professionals, takes an asset-backed lending approach to the legal asset class, emphasizing downside protection and current income streams. With its deep expertise and extensive industry relationships, VPC is well-positioned to capitalize on market inefficiencies and pursue opportunities across the full spectrum of legal asset types and structures.

“I am thrilled to join the VPC team and help further scale the legal credit strategy,” Lestiboudois said. “With a highly diversified portfolio of asset-backed legal assets and robust risk management controls, VPC’s disciplined and innovative approach creates resilience against market volatility and enables us to excel in the legal credit market.”

Previously, Mr. Lestiboudois was a principal at Syz Capital where he oversaw the firm’s legal finance strategies. Prior to that, Mr. Lestiboudois led the Illiquid Investments Desk at IVO Capital Partners where he focused on European distressed and structured credit transactions. Earlier in his career, Mr. Lestiboudois focused on asset-backed financing in his role at AgFe and held analyst positions at Capital Management and BlackRock.

About Victory Park Capital

Victory Park Capital Advisors, LLC (“VPC” or the “Firm”) is a global alternative asset manager that specializes in private asset-backed credit. In addition, the Firm offers comprehensive structured financing and capital markets solutions through its affiliate platform, Triumph Capital Markets. The Firm was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Chicago. In 2024, VPC became a majority-owned affiliate of Janus Henderson Group. The Firm leverages the broader resources of Janus Henderson’s 2,000+ employees across offices in 24 cities worldwide. VPC is a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. For more information, please visit www.victoryparkcapital.com.