Vernita Tsang named general counsel at Fengate Asset Management

Fengate Asset Management has announced that Vernita Tsang has been appointed general counsel, effective Sept. 8, following a detailed internal process to replace retired general counsel, Heather Crawford.

“Her extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable across all aspects of our business, including our focus on consistently delivering the very best service and results for our clients,” said Lou Serafini Jr., president and chief executive officer at Fengate, in a news release.

Tsang is experienced with project-financed transactions, investment funds, investor closings and asset management. Since joining Fengate in 2016, she has offered legal advice, solutions and leadership to the alternative investment management company’s executive and business lines, including by assisting with complex infrastructure transactions and public-private partnerships.

At Fengate, Tsang has served as vice president, legal and as a director and officer on many project boards, including its Environmental Social Governance Committee and its Equity Belonging Inclusion and Diversity Think Tank. She has promoted team culture, training and mentorship both within the company and within the industry.

“Vernita is widely respected by her colleagues and industry peers as a leader, mentor and champion and, over the years, she has emerged as a rare talent combining her technical knowledge with an ability to create partnerships with the legal leaders and business leaders across a broad range of sectors,” said the news release.

Tsang worked for eight years at Infrastructure Ontario, where she served as a director in the Transaction Legal group, as senior legal counsel and as legal counsel. She assisted clients regarding all aspects of major civil, social and transit infrastructure projects delivered through a public-private partnership model. She started her legal career in the real estate group of McCarthy Tétrault LLP, where she has been an associate, articling student and summer student.

Tsang obtained her JD from the University of Ottawa in 2004.

Fengate has under management $5.3 billion in capital commitments focusing on infrastructure, private equity and real estate strategies. It has offices in Toronto and Oakville in Ontario and in Houston, Texas.