Rising Stars

Banking, finance and capital markets in British Virgin Islands

Conyers

With expertise across the energy, telecoms, financial services and real estate development sectors, Conyers stands out in the BVI banking and finance market for advising a deep roster of blue-chip international clients on highly complex finance and capital market transactions. Head of the practice Robert Briant is noted for his expertise in big-ticket M&A deals, joint ventures and investment vehicles, while Anton Goldstein’s broad practice includes capital markets mandates, finance work, investment fund matters and PE issues. The ‘highly commercial and pragmaticRachael Pape has recently acted on several prominent finance and capital markets transactions in the BVI, and also regularly advises on cross-border regulations; she was promoted to the partnership in mid-2023. Counsel Nicholas Kuria is sought out by technology, media and telecoms, financial services and insurance clients.

Practice head(s):

Robert Briant


Other key lawyers:

Anton Goldstein; Rachael Pape; Nicholas Kuria


Testimonials

‘The team showed that they have a great depth and breadth of experience in security enforcement in the BVI and were up to date on the latest practical and legal issues that our client would face.’

‘Both Rachael Pape and Anton Goldstein were very responsive and gave clear advice.’

‘The matter that I worked with the Conyers team on was done rapidly, professionally and to a high standard.’

‘Rachael Pape was very user friendly, provided an excellent interface for the client, and was highly commercial and pragmatic.’

Key clients

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.


Stoneway Capital Ltd. noteholders


SIBA Energy Corporation


Establishment Labs Holdings Inc.


Work highlights


  • Acted as BVI counsel to an ad hoc group of holders of Stoneway Capital Corporation’s 2027 senior secured notes in relation to its $900m restructuring.
  • Acted as BVI and Cayman counsel to Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings in relation to its $5.2bn acquisition by Rand Parent and the issue by Rand of $850m senior secured notes.
  • Acted as BVI counsel to SIBA Energy Corporation in relation to its DOP4.1bn (c. $75m) project financing.

Harneys

Led by Philip Graham, Harneys‘ banking and finance team routinely handles offshore credit and security legal matters related to debt financing issues, and provides comprehensive advice on debt restructurings, property, development and acquisition financings, international debt issuances, asset-based lending matters, SPACs and other equity capital markets transactions. Managing partner of the BVI office Tanya Cassie-Parker is noted for her specialism in aircraft finance and ship finance mandates, while Michelle Frett-Mathavious‘ wide-ranging practice spans syndicated finance, structured debt and asset finance matters, bond and note issuances, property finance transactions in Asia and Europe, and Islamic finance work. Joshua Mangeot focuses on complex cross-border transactions and the implementation of the BVI economic substance requirements, while Rhonda Brown is a key name at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Philip Graham


Other key lawyers:

Tanya Cassie-Parker; Michelle Frett-Mathavious; Joshua Mangeot; Rhonda Brown


Key clients

SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.Ş. (STEAŞ)


Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC


BMR Energy


Capri Holdings Limited


Kaisa Group Holdings


WISeKey SA


Work highlights


  • Acted as BVI counsel for Citigroup Global Markets and J.P. Morgan Securities in connection with the issuance by The Central America Bottling Corporation, Beliv Holdco and CBC Holdco of up to $1.1bn in aggregate principal amount of 5.250% senior guaranteed sustainability-linked notes due 2029.
  • Advised Aura Minerals Inc. on its entry into a binding Scheme Implementation Deed with Big River Gold Limited, pursuant to which a subsidiary of Aura will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of Big River by way of a scheme of arrangement.
  • Advised Capri Holdings Limited on entering into a credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank as administrative agent, which refinanced its existing senior unsecured revolving credit facility.

Maples Group

Housing a solid team of experienced banking and finance lawyers, Maples Group maintains a leading position in the BVI market, routinely handling a range of high-quality and complex finance transactions spanning general banking, equity and debt capital markets work, private equity backed deals, cross-border restructurings and asset and project finance work, especially in the aircraft and shipping areas. Focusing on North America and Europe, group head Richard May has particular knowledge of the natural resources and project and asset finance sectors, while Ruairi Bourke‘s capabilities are notably concentrated on M&A, joint ventures, and venture capital fundraisings. Finance specialist Christopher Newton is noted for his expertise in onshore and offshore restructuring transactions, including schemes of arrangement, plans of arrangement and company creditor arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Richard May


Other key lawyers:

Ruairi Bourke; Christopher Newton


Key clients

ANGKASA-X HOLDINGS CORP


Biohaven Group


China Evergrande Group


Critical Metals Corp.


EQT AB and Baring Private Equity Asia Limited


Nordic Aviation Capital


Wang & Lee Group


Vahanna Tech Edge Acquisition I Corp


Work highlights


  • Advised Biohaven on its offer and take-private acquisition by Pfizer for a bid price of $11.6bn.
  • Advised China Evergrande Group in respect of the BVI aspects of its global restructuring.
  • Acted for both EQT and BPEA, in relation to EQT’s €6.8bn acquisition of Hong Kong-based BPEA.

Ogier

Ogier‘s banking and finance practice stands out for its capabilities in handling complex finance matters including traditional bank financing work, financial restructurings, and public capital markets work. The team includes head of corporate Michael Killourhy, who is noted for his expertise in equity capital markets issues, public and private M&A, as well as fintech and digital asset matters; and fellow co-head Ray Wearmouth, who is recognised as a seasoned transactional lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Ray Wearmouth; Michael Killourhy


Testimonials

‘The Ogier team takes a particularly proactive approach to collaborating, which is greatly appreciated.’

‘A good practice, my first option if seeking advice in BVI.’

‘Michael Killourhy is very good to deal with. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge and manages transactions very well.’

Key clients

Colliers International Group Inc.


Constellation Oil Services Holding S.A.


East Stone Acquisition Corporation


Founder SPAC


Goldman Sachs Bank USA


HSBC Bank PLC


Nam Tai Property Inc.


Oxbridge Re.


Work highlights


  • Acted for HSBC bank on the $2.18bn refinancing facilities provided to Nord Anglia Education.
  • Acted for East Stone on its $2.5bn merger with electric vehicle manufacturer ICONIQ Holding Limited.
  • Acted for Colliers Group on its latest financing facilities.

Walkers BVI

Jointly led by BVI managing partner Matthew Cowman and cross-border finance transactions specialist Omonike Robinson-Pickering, Walkers BVI‘s team is sought out by a varied client base, including fintech businesses, for advice on general bank financings, leasing issues, securitisations, M&A restructurings and joint ventures, as well as debt, equity and asset-backed securities work. The group's asset finance expertise is also highlighted, with particular knowledge of private vessel and aircraft matters. Senior associate Lauren Williamson focuses on banking and finance transactions, corporate restructurings and M&A work.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Cowman; Omonike Robinson-Pickering


Other key lawyers:

Lauren Williamson


Testimonials

‘Walkers have a very skilled and qualified team, client oriented service, and with fast response to any inquiry.’

‘Matthew Cowman is by far the best lawyer I had worked in the BVI. He is diligent, gives great advice and works fast with excellent work product.’

Key clients

The Central America Bottling Corporation


NCL Corporation


Work highlights


  • Acted as a counsel to NCL Corporation Ltd, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, on issuing up to $1bn of senior secured notes guaranteed by certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including its BVI entity.
  • Represented The Central America Bottling Corporation in the first US dollar-denominated Sustainability-Linked Bond by a bottling company in the Americas.

Appleby

Appleby fields a robust cross-departmental team of specialists, who routinely handle high-profile multi-jurisdictional matters and advise borrowers and lenders on blockchain, cryptocurrency, digital asset and fintech mandates. Another strong focus of the practice is on international asset finance transactions, particularly in the aviation and shipping industries. Managing partner Jeffrey Kirk is also global head of the Islamic finance practice group, while Andrew Jowett’s expertise lies the mining, oil and gas, energy and natural resources sectors. Shana Simmonds is also a key name in the practice with expertise in secured and structured financings and private equity transactions, acting for a range of global and domestic financial institutions and securities providers.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Kirk


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Jowett; David Clark; Shana Simmonds


Testimonials

‘The team is very reliable, provides prompt responses to questions and is able to keep track of their deliverables as required. High quality talent all around.’

Key clients

Constellation Oil Services Holding S.A.


Madison Pacific


Wells Fargo Bank, National Association


Deutsche Bank AG


Nebari Partners LLC


First Republic Bank


Apollo Capital Management L.P.


CIFI LATAM, S.A.


Gramercy Sporting Goods Holdings LLC and Banco Santander Peru, S.A.


Orion Resources Partners (USA) LP


First Quantum


Work highlights


  • Advised lenders on a $2bn debt restructuring involving Constellation Oil Services Holding SA and the wider Constellation Group.
  • Advised an ad hoc committee of senior secured noteholders in relation to the deleveraging and reorganisation of commodities trader Noble Group, including the transition of ownership of a significant part of Noble to the noteholders.
  • Acting as BVI and Bermuda counsel for Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in connection with a $400m revolving credit facility.

Carey Olsen

Carey Olsen fields an experienced banking and finance team, which is routinely instructed by lenders and borrowers for advice on asset finance, real estate finance and refinancing transactions. Managing partner Clinton Hempel is noted for his engagement in cross-border joint ventures, M&A, corporate reorganisations and stock exchange listings. Elizabeth Killeen’s broad practice spans cross-border debt and equity financings, IPOs, aircraft financings, economic substance advice, and licence applications and virtual assets; while real estate and acquisition finance expert Katrina Lindsay is also highly recommended at counsel level. Fellow counsel Jude Hodge is another key name for secured and structured financings as well as data protection and digital asset work.

Practice head(s):

Clinton Hempel


Other key lawyers:

Elizabeth Killeen; Katrina Lindsay; Jude Hodge


Testimonials

‘Katrina Lindsay is excellent, responsive and makes things easy.’

Key clients

Blackstone Real Estate Services LLC


VCI Global


Work highlights


  • Advised Blackstone Real Estate Services LLC on the BVI law aspects of the $200m senior and mezzanine loan facilities provided to the co-owners of the Peninsula Papagayo resort, on the northern shoreline of Costa Rica.
  • Advised VCI Global Limited, a BVI business company, in respect of its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Capital Market in the US.

Collas Crill

Praised as a ‘very versatile practice’, Collas Crill houses a robust team equipped to advise international banks and financial services companies on all aspects of asset and real estate finance issues, debt restructurings and insolvencies, and shipping finance work. Ellie Crespi heads up the practice and is noted for being a ‘secured lending specialist’, while associate Annabel Bishop, who 'provides excellent support', notably focuses on cross-jurisdictional matters. Greg Boyd recently joined the team from Harneys, adding expertise in capital raising rounds and IPOs. Aliki Skelton-Lettsome is a further key name to note at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Ellie Crespi


Other key lawyers:

Annabel Bishop; Greg Boyd; Aliki Skelton-Lettsome


Testimonials

‘A very versatile practice, able to provide a wide-range Cayman and BVI law support.’

‘Ellie Crespi is very dedicated and responsive to requests upon short notice, very collaborative, and flexible on issues when dealing with Asian clients.’

‘Managing Partner Ellie Crespi has recently been joined by Greg Boyd as a partner in the Corporate and Finance team in the BVI office. They make a serious, experienced and switched-on team that easily rivals any of the bigger offshore firms’ BVI banking and finance teams. Despite being a small team they have excellent support at associate level.’

‘Ellie Crespi is a very strong banking and finance lawyer, and a secured lending specialist. The time she spent onshore sets her apart from many of her competitors. Greg Boyd is an excellent hire, a lawyer who is genuinely interested in both the law and his clients’ commercial interests. Their associate Annabel Bishop provides excellent support. They are all user-friendly, high on practicality and commercial know-how, and low on ego.’

Key clients

Cohort Capital


Highway Holdings Limited


Partners for Growth


Velox Arbitrage Fund


Vector Capital


Site Technology, UAE


Exponential Age Asset Management


Shanghai Pudong Development Bank


China Merchant Bank


China Development Bank


Thomson Hine (New York, Georgia)


AFRA (Panama)


Alcogal (Panama)


Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee


Bank of America


BSG Valentine


Citco


Dajani & Associates


Extell Capital Partners LLC


Goldman Sachs


HSBC


Investec


M1 Real Estate


Morgan & Morgan (Panama)


Morgan Stanley


Scotiabank


Smythe & Greenwood


Shimonov & Co


TMF Group


Trident Trust


Zodiac Maritime


Work highlights


  • Advised lender, China Merchant Bank Co. Ltd, New York branch, in respect of a RMB1.25bn facility to Hello Group Inc. , the NASDAQ-listed provider of mobile based social, dating and entertainment services in China.
  • Provided amendment, assignment, restatement and security advice in connection with numerous ship financings for Zodiac Maritime exceeding $900m.
  • Advised a San Francisco-based private speciality lending company in relation to a multi-million-dollar facility to a Dubai home financing business.

Mourant

Mourant‘s BVI practice fields a global team able to advise a deep roster of financial institutions, global corporates, fund managers and professional service providers on a wide range of cross-border financial and capital markets transactions. Local practice chair Ian Montgomery is noted for handling complex transactions spanning the real estate, financial services, energy and fintech, crypto and technology sectors. Counsel Marianne Wilson is another key name in the real estate finance and fund finance sectors, and also handles M&A, joint ventures and group reorganisations, while senior associate Martyn Heyes focuses on share and debt offerings, capital raisings, shareholder arrangements and corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Ian Montgomery


Other key lawyers:

Marianne Wilson; Martyn Heyes


Key clients

Montage Gold Corp.


Work highlights


  • Advised Montage Gold Corp. in connection with its $15m fundraising through an underwritten offering of securities.