Appleby is one of the leading teams covering both insurance and reinsurance on the Isle of Man, especially regarding cross-border work involving jurisdictions such as Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands. The team is known for its work in regulatory compliance, establishment, book transfers, restructuring, and insurance disputes. Additionally, the pensions team offers cross-Crown Dependency advice in both Jersey and Guernsey. Practice head Juan Thornley leads on complex transactional work in the financial services sector. Garry Manley specialises in the sale and acquisition of insurance companies, as well as covering insurance regulatory matters, while counsel Michelle Brook deals with high-profile acquisitions.
Insurance and pensions in Isle Of Man
Appleby
Practice head(s):
Juan Thornley
Other key lawyers:
Garry Manley; Michelle Brook
Testimonials
‘Appleby are consistent in their ability to support our business. They are committed, prepared and knowledgeable. They have excellent availability and ability to meet our business timelines. Appleby keep their experts appraised of industry changes including attending conferences so we can rely on their guidance. They have a network in other jurisdictions which allows them to respond to more complex cross-border/international queries.’
‘Garry Manley and Michelle Brook both have excellent people skills and their approach is calm and considered. They are experienced and highlight where the other’s experience may be beneficial to a situation under discussion.’
Key clients
Quilter plc
Monument Re
International Financial Group Limited
Work highlights
- Acted as Isle of Man counsel to Quilter plc on the £483m sale of its international life insurance business.
- Advised Monument Re Limited on its acquisition of Charles Taylor Group’s Isle of Man operations, including LCL International Life Assurance Company Limited.
- Advised IFGL, the owner of the RL360, Friends Provident International and Ardan brands, on a deal in which international private equity firm Cinven will become its majority investor.
Cains
Cains advises on the full spectrum of cross-border insurance and reinsurance matters, ranging from regulatory issues to high-value transactions. The team also has a strong litigation team at hand to deal with controversial matters. Tristan Head is a key contact regarding corporate finance transactional work such as IPOs, captive insurance structuring matters, and public/private bonds. Jonathan Latham is noted for specialising exclusively in insurance law and regulatory matters, including multi-jurisdictional reorganisations. Director Lindsey Bermingham focuses on regulatory and anti-money laundering advice for insurance clients, while Scott Leonard-Morgan deals with insurance transactional matters and regulatory work.
Practice head(s):
Tristan Head; Jonathan Leatham; Scott Leonard-Morgan; Lindsey Bermingham
Testimonials
‘The business needed support in an unfamiliar jurisdiction and on work that was outside our remit. Jonathan Latham and Cains were able to support with a detailed note to assist the business navigate the complex legal and regulatory regime.’
‘A team that can provide a full service offering for insurance business.’
‘Jonathan Latham has detailed insurance knowledge. Scott Leonard-Morgan gives sound and practical commercial legal input. Lindsey Bermingham is an expert in schemes of transfer.’
‘I have found Cains to be a firm that responds very well to the questions that I have raised.’
‘Jonathan Latham’s service is excellent. Timely responses and quality work.’
‘I consider Cains to be a top end Isle of Man firm, that always provide quality, credible advice in a manner that leaves you reassured you have reached the best conclusion.’
‘I have primarily worked with Jonathan Latham. Jonathan conducts himself with an exceptional professional manner, is personable and unassuming all supported by reassuring, relevant legal knowledge of our industry.’
Key clients
Cinven
Marco Capital
Work highlights
- Acted for Cinven in relation to its acquisition of International Financial Group Limited.
- Acted for Marco Capital on its acquisition of VA Insurance Services Limited from Thomas Cook Group Treasury (in liquidation)
DQ
DQ is considered by some clients as the 'first point of contact for legal and regulatory advice' regarding pensions matters, as well as advising both local and international clients on the full range of insurance and pensions matters. Additionally, the team is able to represent clients in insurance litigation. Director and practice head Annemarie Hughes is a highly-regarded pensions specialist, while Andrew Harding is noted for his expertise in financial services regulation, acting on behalf of insurers.
Practice head(s):
Annemarie Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Harding
Testimonials
‘Easy to speak to in respect of all matters relating to pensions work. An excellent understanding of the core products and requirements for industry. Willingness to listen to alternative points of view to ensure work is completed to the exact requirements of the client.’
‘Annemarie Hughes is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the client gets what is needed. She is happy to engage with Government and other regulators to meet client expectations.’
‘The area I work in is fairly specialised and niche on the Isle of Man and as such I need to rely on a limited number of legal advisors when required. DQ have consistently helped me meet what can be very demanding and time critical needs over the years which has helped us retain existing and obtain new clients.’
‘My primary contact is always on hand when I need something and appreciates that I often have very demanding needs prompted by my clients. Despite having to have to drop things to support me, there is a never a complaint about having to do so.’
‘DQ are my first point of contact for legal and regulatory advice. They understand the Isle of Man environment and, importantly, how this interfaces with other jurisdictions, in our case the UK.’
Work highlights
- Advised Atla Group on the acquisition of pensions provider Fedelta Pensions Limited.
Keystone Law
Keystone Law provides a full service offering regarding pensions and insurance matters, including the establishment of domestic and international pensions; pension scheme wind-ups, buy-ins, and buy-outs; and international and domestic regulatory and tax matters. Ben Hughes is a key contact regarding pensions and benefits matters, particularly both private and public occupational pension schemes. William Margot supports Hughes on corporate and insurance matters, especially involving international retirement benefit schemes.
Other key lawyers:
Ben Hughes; William Margot
Key clients
Boal & Co (Pensions) Limited
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited Staff Pension Fund
British Regional Airlines Group Pension Scheme (re Flybe insolvency)
Murex
Public Sector Pensions Authority
Atla (formerly Fedelta) and Tynwald Pensions Limited (also now Atla)
Isle of Man Bank Pension Fund and Isle of Man Bank Widows and Orphans Fund
Sovereign Trust (Guernsey) Limited
Bank of Ireland / LawDeb Pension Trustees
Work highlights
- Instructed by Murex in the establishment of the Murex Beirut Centre Retirement Plan.
- Achieved on behalf of British Regional Airlines Group Pension Scheme (“BRAL Scheme”) an insured buy-in with the Pension Insurance Corporation development for the members of the BRAL Scheme.
- Advised the Isle of Man Bank Pension Fund and Isle of Man Bank Widows and Orphans Fund on the completion of the merger of the IOM Funds into a Jersey sited occupational pension scheme to form a c.£850m scheme.
Simcocks
Simcocks is particularly strong advising clients on life insurance, reinsurance, and managing captive insurance companies. It also covers regulatory and compliance matters, portfolio transfers, and re-domiciliation arrangements. The team also covers matters such as IPA authorisation, scheme mergers, and buy-outs and buy-ins. David Spencer has niche specialisms in marine mutual insurance, transfer of insurance businesses, and amalgamation schemes. Phil Games
is a key contact regarding offshore and international pensions. Consultant Elizabeth Simpson is also highly regarded.
Practice head(s):
David Spencer; Phil Games
Other key lawyers:
Elizabeth Simpson
Testimonials
‘Elizabeth Simpson is very strong and capable. She is direct, bears everything in mind, and gives a holistic view of issues.’