Rising Stars

Banking and finance in Guernsey

Appleby

Appleby‘s ‘exceptionally commercial’ team specialises in funds and debt financing, supporting both borrowers and lenders with a variety of finance transactions while also advising on the setup of NAV, GP and co-investor facilities. The practice is also noted for its subscription finance work, as well as providing regulatory support for multi-jurisdictional transactions. Leading the group are Jeremy Berchem, noted for his expertise in bond issuances and debt instruments, as well as associated restructuring matters, and Stuart Tyler, who focuses on debt and acquisition financing.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Berchem; Stuart Tyler


Testimonials

‘Small, partner led team with tremendous deal experience, providing strong commercial advice.’

‘User friendly and accessible – I can reach the partner whenever I need to and I know their advice will be pragmatic and practical.’

‘This firm really goes the extra mile in terms of assisting with urgent complex transactions where often pragmatic solutions are needed whilst still protecting fully the effectiveness of the documents and the bank’s position. The firm’s teams in other offshore jurisdictions are also very responsive and often key in assisting us.’

‘Jeremy Berchem, always available, responsive and second to none in terms of knowledge. Always willing to talk through a situation and suggest alternative approaches and resolutions, often with tight timelines involved.’

‘Exceptionally commercial, understand that a deal is not just about the legals, give sensible advice and stick to fee quotes. Just a lot better than the others.’

‘Quality legal advice delivered without fuss but with lots of common sense and understanding of our goals.’

‘People that are responsive and always on hand to support with value add queries, providing relevant legal guidance without any pushback.’

Key clients

Bank Julius Baer


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Barclays Bank Plc


Deutsche Bank


Goldacre Ventures Limited


HSBC Group


ICG Real Estate Debt Investments S.a r.l


Investec Group


JPMorgan Chase Bank


Lineage Logistics Holdings LLC


Lloyds Banking Group


LondonMetric Property Plc


Manhattan Loft Gardens Limited


National Westminster Bank


Noé Group


ReAssure Limited


Santander UK plc


Silicon Valley Bank


Société Générale


States of Guernsey


Suntera Global


The Royal Bank of Scotland Group


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Wells Fargo


Work highlights


  • Advised the States of Guernsey on putting in place a bilateral £100m facility with Lloyds Bank, replacing the existing £250m syndicated facility.
  • Advised Investec Bank on 16 fund finance and property finance transactions in 2022.
  • Advised the private bank division of HSBC Bank, Guernsey branch, on over 15 transactions concerning lending to high-net-worth-individuals.

Carey Olsen

Lenders and borrowers come to Carey Olsen for assistance with a range of financing arrangements for Guernsey-domiciled funds, including acquisition, real estate and asset finance. The firm also offers extensive experience in advising companies on TISE listings. The practice is headed by Andrew Boyce, a closed and open-ended investment funds structuring specialist who also assists with credit and structured finance products. Funds group head Ben Morgan is well versed in alternative fund formation, as is Annette Alexander, who also advises funds on TISE listings and related compliance matters. Tom Carey focuses his practice on corporate transactions and is also noted for his listings work and knowledge of permanent capital vehicles issues. David Crosland rounds out the roster of key names.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Boyce


Other key lawyers:

Ben Morgan; Annette Alexander; Tom Carey; David Crosland


Testimonials

‘Knowledge of the legal market and framework, proactive, highly responsive and engaging.’

‘It is the top team in Guernsey in terms of experience and depth. Likely to remain so due to really exceptional response times. Our broader group deal with law firms around the world and is always complimentary about Carey Olsen.’

‘We work with Annette Alexander’s team almost exclusively and would prefer not to deal with anyone else. Annette is super responsive, which makes all the difference.’

Key clients

Ninety One Securitisation S.A


AnaCap Financial Partners


AI Verventa Topco (Guernsey) Limited


Permira European CLO Manager LLP


Work highlights


  • Assisted Anacap with an English law-governed facility agreement to be provided to one of its portfolio investments, Nestor Holding, by JPMorgan, with several Guernsey entities acting as guarantors.
  • Advised Ninety One Securitisation on the admission to listing of up to €400m unsecured revolving profit participating notes due 2036 on the Official List of The International Stock Exchange.
  • Assisted Providus CLO VII Designated Activity Company with the closing of the Providus VII, whereby the client issued the CLO notes in a collateralised loan obligation transaction managed by Permira European CLO Manager and arranged by Barclays Bank.

Mourant

Mourant provides ‘clear, concise and commercial’ advice in relation to a range of financing and refinancing arrangements, with particular expertise in negotiating real estate financing deals. The firm also occupies a unique niche in the cruise and container shipping financing space, assisting with amendments to existing facilities and novel vessel funding agreements, while also supporting clients with insolvency-related restructuring measures. John Rochester took over leadership of the practice from financial regulation specialist Helen Wyatt in February 2022, focusing on offshore finance and BVI law. John Lewis is noted for his fund financing and restructuring practice, while Frances Watson advises on financial regulations, restructuring and finance matters. Alana Gillies Ridout‘s practice focuses on real estate financing.

Practice head(s):

John Rochester


Other key lawyers:

John Lewis; Frances Watson; Helen Wyatt; Alana Gillies Ridout; Gary Hall


Testimonials

‘Very responsive.’

‘The Mourant team is very knowledgeable. Their advice is clear, concise and commercial. They also have diverse lawyers in senior roles and are generally a pleasure to work with.’

‘Alana Gillies Ridout is a fantastic lawyer. She is my go-to lawyer for all Guernsey law-related matters. She understands client concerns and finds creative solutions to solve some of their most complex issues. She is very responsive and a delight to work with.’

Key clients

Allied Irish Banks plc


Al Rayan Bank plc


Alcentra


Ancala


Bank Julius Baer


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Bank of Scotland


Barclays


BNP Paribas


Brockton Capital


Brookfield


British Arab Commercial Bank plc


CITI


Deutsche Bank


Deutsche Pfanddbriefbank


DRC UK Whole Loan Fund


East West Bank


EFG Private Bank


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development


FirstRand Bank Limited


Goldman Sachs


HSBC Bank plc


ICICI


ICBC


Infrared


Investec Bank plc


SG Kleinwort Hambros


Lloyds Bank plc


Morgan Stanley


Nationwide Building Society


NatWest


Natixis


NewRiver Retail


Nordea Bank AB


Rabobank


Resource Capital Fund


Rothschild Bank International Limited


RBS


Santander


Work highlights


  • Advised Zetland Capital on the restructuring of its group (including four GPUTs) and subsequent financing of an existing portfolio of UK real estate, as well as negotiating a facility agreement and security package related to a £46m facility.
  • Instructed as the Guernsey lender counsel on a $20m term loan facility provided to AIM-listed Shanta Gold, to finance capital expenditure across mining operations in central Africa.
  • Advised SG Kleinwort Hambros Bank on all aspects of Guernsey law in connection with the transfer of its banking business intra-group in Guernsey.

Ogier

Described by one client as ‘practical in its approach,’ the team at Ogier assists clients with a range of financing matters, notably acquisition, real estate and fund financing, as well as restructuring and enforcement issues. Christopher Jones co-leads the practice, advising on cross-border finance transactions, including those which require Sharia compliance; high yield bonds; and regulatory matters. Paul Chanter acts as the group’s other co-lead, and is particularly noted for advising on leveraged finance matters. Consultant Michaela Jesson advises on secured lending in addition to a range of finance structures, while Matthew Macfarlane, promoted to managing associate in February 2023, advises on multi-jurisdictional financing facilities.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Jones; Paul Chanter


Other key lawyers:

Michaela Jesson; Matthew Macfarlane


Testimonials

‘Market leaders in all aspects of offshore law.’

‘Speed of response, delivery to tight timelines and general market knowledge and acumen.’

‘Ogier is responsive and practical in its approach. They have good client handling skills and are willing to support client initiatives.’

‘The team are extremely engaged and proactive in offering commercial advice. They are also cognisant of our work flows and deadlines – honouring the latter, even when a quick turnaround is needed.’

‘Paul Chanter is extremely engaged and client relationship-focused, providing commercial and practical advice.’

‘Very responsive and take great care even with small pieces of work.’

Key clients

HSBC Bank plc


Silicon Valley Bank


Apollo Management International LLP


MetLife Investment Management


Caledonia Investments plc


M&G Investment Management Limited


International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA)


The International Securities Lending Association (ICMA)


Mid Europa


Australia and New Zealand Banking Group


Apax Partners LLP


LaSalle Investment Management


H.I.G. Capital International Advisors


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP


Grandcity Property Limited


Adler Real Estate AG


United Overseas Bank Limited


Topland Vintage Finance Ltd


Hayfin Capital Management LLP


Nordea Bank Abp


Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised a large US bank on a $2.1bn capital call revolving credit made available to a major private investment firm.
  • Advised a syndicate of investment banks on a €450m high-yield bond issuance by a Luxembourg investment company and the entry into a €75m super senior revolving credit facility.
  • Advised a syndicate of lenders on the $600m revolving loan facility to a government-owned finance institution.

Babbé LLP

Babbé LLP advises clients on a broad range of banking and finance matters, including real estate, securities and structured finance, as well as multi-jurisdictional financing arrangements, including those that necessitate Sharia-compliant structures. Leading the team is Tristan Ozanne, who assists lenders and borrowers with cross-border real estate and secured finance deals. Counsel Ann Halliday regularly advises on the drafting and negotiation of LMA documents. Associate Amy Parker joined the firm from a financial services company in June 2022, and focuses on securities transactions, in addition to corporate governance and dispute resolution.

Practice head(s):

Tristan Ozanne


Other key lawyers:

Ann Halliday; Amy Parker


Testimonials

‘A friendly team that is willing to help, providing clear, timely and thoughtful advice and transactional assistance.’

‘Tristan Ozanne is solid, reliable and dependable.’

‘Tristan Ozanne has a personable approach; his advice is clear and targeted to the client’s objectives. Tristan has also been open to collaboration where appropriate and I would not hesitate to recommend his services.’

Bedell Cristin

Focusing primarily on lenders, Bedell Cristin‘s team advises both banks and alternative lenders on real estate, infrastructure and Islamic finance transactions. Notably, the firm has also had success in enforcing securities and has acted for clients in regard to insolvency-related matters. The firm’s managing partner Kate Ovenden leads the practice, assisting with real estate financing as well as advising on the issuing and enforcement of securities. Dylan Latimer‘s practice is centred on real estate and aviation finance, with further experience in subscription line facilities.

Practice head(s):

Kate Ovenden


Other key lawyers:

Dylan Latimer


Testimonials

‘Kate Ovenden can pre-empt any potential delays to a transaction from the start and will nip them in the bud – her team follow her lead and she sets a “let’s get this done” tone throughout.’

‘Very commercial, client-centric and responsive.’

‘Kate Ovenden is an excellent lawyer, hones in on the issues and is very pragmatic.’

‘Good connectivity across jurisdictional borders, working well with other service providers/lawyers.’

‘They think through/debate problems with a view to finding workable solutions.’

Key clients

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited


National Westminster Bank plc


Santander UK plc


Barclays Bank plc


The Royal Bank of Scotland plc


Oryx Real Estate Partners (UK) Limited


Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Oryx Real Estate Partners (UK) on the refinancing of its investment in the flagship commercial building at 3 Bunhill Row, London.

Collas Crill

Collas Crill offers its clients multi-faceted banking and finance expertise, advising funds and family offices on financing matters in addition to its core specialisms of real estate and Sharia-compliant financing. Wayne Atkinson heads the practice, supporting lenders and borrowers involved in major commercial real estate transactions. Simon Heggs‘ broad practice encompasses real estate and fund financing, while Ben Le Page, promoted to senior associate in August 2022, is noted for his lender-side work, with further expertise in Islamic finance. Senior associate Ian Petherbridge joined the team from Eversheds Sutherland’s Durban office in March 2022, strengthening the firm’s project finance offering.

Practice head(s):

Wayne Atkinson


Other key lawyers:

Simon Heggs; Ben Le Page; Ian Petherbridge


Testimonials

‘Great people to work with. Very strong and pragmatic in relation to their involvement on our financing matters – we feel that we are working with our offshore counsel as part of a team (which is why we keep working with them).’

‘Collas Crill remains our go-to firm for credit matters.’

‘Simon Heggs understands the needs of our business well and is a safe pair of hands.’

Key clients

The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited


IP Global Ltd


Riyad Bank (London Branch)


Northern Trust


HSBC UK Bank Plc


Lloyds Bank


ADIB (UK) Ltd


QIB (UK) plc


Rothschild & Co Wealth Management Limited


N. M. Rothschild & Sons Ltd


A.S.K Partners


Barclays Bank plc


Santander UK plc


Channel Islands Property Fund Limited


Al Rayan Bank


Silicon Valley Bank


Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Limited


OakNorth Bank plc


Work highlights


  • Advised the mandated lead arrangers for a consortium of banks on amending and restating a multi-billion pound permanent facility agreement to The Channel Tunnel Group and France-Manche.
  • Advised an Australian bank on a $150m syndicated infrastructure facility agreement provided to managed Guernsey investment funds.
  • Advised a Guernsey property investment fund on a £160m syndicated facility arranged by Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, for the redevelopment of a South West London retail park.

Ferbrache & Farrell LLP

Ferbrache & Farrell LLP’s ‘dynamic, thorough and responsive’ team advises on a range of banking and finance matters, with particular strength in supporting borrowers engaged in transactions based solely in Guernsey. Gavin Farrell leads the team, specialising in matters concerning funds and asset management. Counsel Helen McGeoch advises on a range of banking and finance transactions, while senior associate Stuart Nash’s practice is focused on the real estate and healthcare sectors. Associate Joshua Black is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Farrell


Other key lawyers:

Helen McGeoch; Stuart Nash; Joshua Black


Testimonials

‘A fairly small corporate and banking team that does the same work as the larger Guernsey firms. The team is very responsive.’

‘Helen McGeogh has always been very knowledgeable and quick to respond.’

‘Gavin Farrell and Stuart Nash, very responsive and competent team.’

‘A small but very user-friendly legal team led by Gavin Farrell, a leading and highly experienced Guernsey advocate. A great alternative to some of the larger Guernsey firms.’

‘Flexible and extremely responsive. Always willing to help and available. I regularly recommend members of the team to others.’

‘The team was willing, pragmatic, available when we needed them and most importantly very understanding of our uncertainty and changing requirements. Their approach to us as an organisation was first class and in terms of billing they charged us exactly what they quoted – although I suspect our ever-changing needs resulted in them working much longer and harder than they budgeted!’

‘The team is dynamic, thorough and responsive. They provide quality and accurate advice and services in a timely manner.’

‘Gavin Farrell was straight to the point, not trying to charge the highest fees possible, but was concerned about us getting the right setup to complete our request. He was also very reactive as we changed the scope of the mandate, and immediately proposed several options that could be implemented while prudently assessing the risks related to each new request. Gavin Farrell has a good network in Guernsey and is able to propose plug and play solutions that work.’

Key clients

Global Net Lease


HitecVision


Internet Fusion Group


Lakestar


Norvestor


Tenn Capital


White Star Capital


Work highlights


  • Assisting HitecVision with various banking and finance matters and corporate acquisitions.
  • Advising Lakestar on the establishment of funds, closings, and ongoing issues relating to existing funds.

Walkers

Walkers‘ cross-Channel Island banking and finance practice offers support to lenders and borrowers involved in real estate and asset financing, with a wealth of experience advising on transactions concerning aircraft. Fund financing is a further area of expertise, with practice co-head Zoë Hallam advising lenders on NAV and hybrid facilities. Hallam's counterpart Kim Paiva is noted for her real estate, acquisition and asset financing practice. Senior counsel Alex Wickens advises on real estate deals, with special expertise in deals which require Islamic finance structures. The arrivals of associates Tiny Musesengwa, from a trust company, and Kgotso Matjila, from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, in April and August 2022, respectively, has further added to the team’s strengths.

Practice head(s):

Zoë Hallam; Kim Paiva


Other key lawyers:

Alex Wickens; Tiny Musesengwa; Kgotso Matjila


Testimonials

‘The individual team members are very prompt in their responses and a pleasure to deal with. Kim Paiva is the go-to person for any technical queries on the matters of Guernsey aviation law and practice relating to the operation of the Guernsey aircraft registry.’

‘An extremely responsive, partner-led service. Willing to go the extra mile to get a transaction over the line, even with very tight time pressures. As lead counsel on many transactions where we work with Walkers Guernsey, this makes our job much easier too, knowing that the Guernsey aspects are fully under control!’

‘Alex Wickens is our “go-to” counsel for all offshore Guernsey law matters. He takes a commercial approach to transactions and offers proactive solutions to complex issues as they arise.’

‘Kim Paiva is very accessible and commercial. In my previous dealings with other firms in Guernsey I have struggled with responsiveness, non-commercial advice and difficulty in getting out a product that is useful to my client. Kim, however, is the opposite of this and working with her and her team is always a positive experience.’

‘Lovely and personable team, which respond quickly and with practical solutions.’

‘Kim Paiva is extremely capable and helpful and willing to go the extra mile.’

‘We really enjoy working with the team in Guernsey. They are quick to provide advice and deliver documentation. They are commercial and proactive. They are my preferred firm in Guernsey for support work on transactions. They also stick to their fee quotes unless the scope of work changes, which is much appreciated.’

‘Kim Paiva and Alex Wickens are both excellent to work with. They are responsive and fast and very pleasant to deal with.’

Key clients

Investec Bank


Rocket Properties


Falko Regional Aircraft Limited


Equitix


ACIA Aero


Nordic Aviation Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised Investec Bank on the Guernsey aspects relevant to a master facilities agreement with ACIA Aero Leasing APAC.
  • Advised the Equitix group of companies on the financing of, and the acquisition of a further stake in, the 1200MW offshore wind farm Hornsea 1.
  • Assisted Falko Regional Aircraft with the registration of three Embraer ERJ190-100LR aircraft on the Guernsey Aircraft Register (2-REG) in connection with mortgages in place between Wells Fargo Trust Company, National Association (as mortgagor) and Wilmington Trust Company (as mortgagee).