Mourant > Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands > Firm Profile
Mourant Offices
PO BOX 1348, 94 SOLARIS AVENUE
CAMANA BAY
GRAND CAYMAN KY1-1108
Cayman Islands
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Mourant > The Legal 500 Rankings
Cayman Islands > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
Mourant works with a stellar lineup of leading asset managers and investment banks on a range of high-value fund finance and structured finance transactions, securitisations, and warehousings. Practice co-chair Hayden Isbister is a seasoned corporate and finance lawyer whose capabilities are most keenly concentrated on bankruptcies, CLOs, and private equity downstream transactions. Fellow co-chair Alexandra Woodcock is routinely sought out by numerous institutional lenders and fund sponsors for assistance with both financing and restructuring-based matters. Alex Last and Ramesh Maharaj are noted for their respective expertise in fund financing transactions and financial services M&A, while counsel Finn Howie is recommended for his capabilities in distressed debt restructurings.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Endeavour Mining
Work highlights
- Advised multi-asset gold producer, Endeavour Mining Corporation, in relation to a scheme of arrangement used to redomicile the jurisdiction of incorporation of the parent company of the Endeavour group from the Cayman Islands to England & Wales.
Cayman Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 2
Reputed for its ‘responsive and user-friendly’ manner, Mourant is regularly instructed by a sterling roster of commercial banks, financial services providers, and technology companies on high-value acquisitions, divestitures, and de-SPAC combinations. Corporate and finance head Hayden Isbister‘s ‘calm and measured‘ approach underpins the team’s strong reputation among clients, particularly on private equity downstream and financing transactions. Neal Lomax is a key port of call for the firm’s multinational corporate and international banking clientele, which turn to him for his capabilities in multi-billion-dollar corporate deals, most recently in the industrials space. The ‘hugely experienced‘ Ramesh Maharaj is praised by clients for his wide-ranging expertise, encompassing PE transactions, combinations and restructurings. Catherine Pham anchors the Cayman office’s Canadian desk and fintech group, while Alex Last is recommended for his knowledge of fund finance deals.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Very responsive and user-friendly. Sound commercial advice during a difficult and highly pressured transaction.’
‘Hayden Isbister was very calm and measured and delivered clear advice. Very approachable and available.’
‘I have a long working relationship with Ramesh Maharaj who I rate very highly; he is seasoned, hugely experienced on all offshore related matters, a great person to ideate with and work with.’
Key clients
Endeavour Mining
Wells Fargo
Work highlights
- Advised Endeavour Mining Corporation in relation to a scheme of arrangement used to re-domicile the jurisdiction of incorporation of the parent company of the Endeavour group from the Cayman Islands to England & Wales.
- Advised Wells Fargo in its capacity as the administrative agent and collateral agent on behalf of the senior lenders to Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
Cayman Islands > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Steered by fintech and digital currency specialist Nicholas Fox, Mourant is regularly engaged on a range of cross-border contentious matters, acting for a diverse roster of asset managers, public sector bodies, and fast-growth companies. Peter Hayden is a highly experienced commercial litigator who regularly appears before the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council on high-value cases. Hector Robinson KC is also a seasoned advocate before the Grand Court and Court of Appeal, with recent engagements including judicial review proceedings on behalf of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. Simon Dickson specialises in representing shareholders in fair value section 238 litigation, while Christopher Harlowe – who divides his time between the firm’s London and Cayman offices – focuses on cross-border restructuring and insolvency-related litigation. Jonathan Moffatt, who was promoted to partner in 2022, is a name to note for company law disputes and cross-jurisdictional liquidations.Practice head(s):
Nicholas Fox
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Mourant offers us an enviable mix of resources for support in disputes, be it in labour, contracts or regulatory matters.’
‘Hector Robinson KC is proficient with loads of practical sense.’
‘Knowledgeable, professional, efficient and insightful throughout.’
‘Chris Harlowe is an excellent communicator; extremely knowledgeable with a superior level of expertise. Approachable, trustworthy and continues to demonstrate professionalism and high levels of integrity.’
Key clients
Kingstown Capital Management LP
Enigma Diagnostics Limited
Oasis Management (Hong Kong)
Saxena Holdings LLC
Scully Royalty Ltd
DLA Piper US LLP
Captive Holdings, Inc.
OneTRADEx Ltd
Viscom Investments Limited
Fideicomiso
Cayman Islands Monetary Authority
PwC Corporate Finance & Recovery (Cayman) Limited
Primeo
Work highlights
- Instructed by Kingstown Capital Management, LP in relation to a s.238 petition concerning the merger between Fidelity National Financial, Inc. and FGL Holdings Ltd.
- Representing Fideicomiso in a just and equitable winding up petition against Madera, a mutual fund, on the grounds of lack of probity, oppression and the need for an investigation.
- Acting for the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority in defending judicial review proceedings brought by two of the largest trust and corporate service providers in the Cayman Islands.
Cayman Islands > Regulatory and compliance Tier 2
Mourant‘s cross-disciplinary practice advises a diverse roster of corporate and financial heavyweights on all manner of regulatory, compliance and governance issues. Steered by the dual-qualified (BVI and Cayman) Sara Galletly, the team has advised on a growing volume of enforcement matters, including AML and CFT regulatory inspections, CRS compliance, and economic substance requirements. Senior associate Alastair Lagrange‘s wide-ranging practice encompasses fintech and virtual asset matters.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Work highlights
- Review, updating and drafting AML/CFT/CPF/TFS policies and procedures for regulated Cayman Islands entities.
- Reviewed the activities of both new and existing clients against the economic substance (ES) legislation in order to classify their activities for compliance with the ES regime.
- Providing AML/CFT/CPF training sessions to the compliance personnel and directors of various US-based investment managers and regulated service providers in the Cayman Islands, including one large Cayman Islands insurance manager.
Cayman Islands > Investment funds Tier 3
Working closely with the firm’s finance and regulatory teams, Mourant‘s cross-disciplinary investment practice handles a steady stream of high-value formations and secondary transactions. Newly appointed funds head Catherine Pham is praised by clients for her capabilities in downstream transactions and fund structuring across a range of asset classes. Hayden Isbister, who regularly partners with onshore firms on matters involving private equity and hedge funds, is a key contact for US clients. Global investment fund co-chair Alex Last is well-versed in fund finance matters, while Neal Lomax‘s recent engagements include a number of multi-billion-dollar establishments and restructurings. Counsels Chris Nixon and Rhiannon Williams are also recommended. Gemma Cowan has left the practice.Practice head(s):
Catherine Pham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Draw on deep experience to deliver advice cogently and quickly.’
‘Catherine Pham is a well-kept secret – a lawyer’s lawyer and commercial to boot. A class act.’
‘Strong subject-matter expertise and very honest and pragmatic in their approach to solving matters.’
Key clients
First Republic Investment Management, Inc.
Sun Life Capital Management
Capital Dynamics
Work highlights
- Acted as Cayman counsel to form a venture capital fund-of-funds vehicle for First Republic Investment Management.
- Advised Sun Life Capital Management on the creation of its Cayman partnership, SLC Management Multi-Asset Credit Fund LP.
- Advised Capital Dynamics in connection with the launch of its Generation 2022 Fund.
Mourant > Firm Profile
The firm: Mourant is a leading global offshore law firm with expertise in BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey law. Through Mourant Governance Services we deliver a complementary range of fiduciary, administration and governance services.
Our clients include many of the world’s leading financial institutions, corporations, public organisations, private equity houses and investment funds, as well as ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. We routinely work in partnership with the most prestigious international legal and accountancy firms.
Types of work undertaken: Our Cayman Islands practice specialises in:
Banking and finance:The partners in our banking and finance team are highly respected experts in their field, and their practices span the full range of offshore banking and finance work. Our team regularly acts for lenders, borrowers, arrangers, issuers, managers, trustees and other finance parties, and advises 90 per cent of the world’s top 50 banks.
We’re renowned for our structured finance and securitisation work, and have a reputation for excelling in the most complex transactions involving offshore law.
We’re also regularly appointed as listing sponsor to securities listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange and The International Stock Exchange.
Corporate: We’re best known for our work on the most complex and demanding transactions – where clients tell us that the strength in depth and hands-on approach of our multi-jurisdictional partner team make all the difference.
Regulatory and governance: We provide highly commercial and focused legal advice in relation to the full range of offshore governance and regulatory requirements and issues.
Regulatory investigations often span the numerous jurisdictions in which our clients operate. We either manage and co-ordinate our clients’ issues ourselves, seamlessly across those jurisdictions, or we work alongside leading legal and accounting firms to manage matters through to conclusion. We also regularly advise on competition law and data protection law.
Funds: Mourant has an international reputation as one of the leading investment funds practices in the Cayman Islands. Our market-leading international team spans time-zones, and is known for the quality and quantity of complex work it handles globally across a wide range of alternative fund asset classes – traditionally real estate, private equity, credit and hedge funds.
We’re increasingly called upon to help launch offshore funds for investment in diverse technological areas including digital technology, cryptocurrencies, fintech, renewable energy, medical tech and bio-venture companies.
Insolvency and restructuring: Our insolvency and restructuring practice draws together banking, corporate, insolvency, investment funds, litigation, regulatory and restructuring expertise. It deploys carefully integrated, multi-disciplinary teams to work closely with leading professionals in the US, the UK and elsewhere. Mourant plays a leading role in the largest and most high-profile insolvency-related cases in the Cayman Islands, usually cross-border in practice requiring rapid and efficient coordinated advice. It advises on all aspects of complex corporate restructurings, providing pragmatic and workable solutions for its clients.
International trusts and private client: We provide exceptional trusts and private client services covering both contentious and non-contentious matters in all our jurisdictions. Our highly regarded international trusts and private client team includes some of the most renowned litigators and legal advisers in the offshore world. With this distinctive global perspective, we’re able to advise neutrally on the most appropriate jurisdiction in which to establish and administer wealth management structures. We work together without jurisdictional boundaries in our clients’ interests.
Litigation and dispute resolution: Our litigation team play a leading role in the largest and most high-profile disputes in the Cayman Islands and in international cross-border cases requiring rapid and efficient coordinated advice. Our litigation partners all have considerable experience and are highly regarded for their work. Our clients include major financial institutions, trust companies, regulators, public authorities, prosecutors and high-net-worth individuals.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing Partner | Jonathan Rigby | ||
| Managing Partner, Cayman | Hayden Isbister |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mr Simon Dickson | Simon is instructed by financial institutions in respect of the largest and most… | View Profile |
 | Nicholas Fox | I’m a Partner and the Local Practice Leader of the Litigation and… | View Profile |
|
| Nicholas Fox | I’m a Partner and the Local Practice Leader of the Litigation and… | View Profile |
 | Mr Christopher Harlowe | Christopher is a recognised expert in contentious and non-contentious insolvency, restructuring and recovery… | View Profile |
 | Mr Peter Hayden | Over the last 13 years Peter has acted in many of the largest and… | View Profile |
 | Finn Howie | I’m Counsel in our Cayman Islands Corporate and Finance practice, specialising in… | View Profile |
 | Mr Hayden Isbister | Hayden has significant experience advising a broad range of clients on the… | View Profile |
 | Alastair Lagrange | I’m a Senior Associate in our Cayman Islands specialist regulatory team. | View Profile |
 | Mr Alex Last | Alex frequently advises many of the world’s leading private fund sponsors on… | View Profile |
 | Mr Neal Lomax | Neal has extensive experience advising clients on the establishment and restructuring of… | View Profile |
 | Mr Ramesh Maharaj | Ramesh advises on corporate transactions relating to Cayman Islands entities (companies, partnerships, LLCs),… | View Profile |
 | Jonathan Moffatt | I am a Partner in our Cayman litigation practice, specialising in commercial… | View Profile |
 | Catherine Pham | I’m a Partner and the Practice Leader of our Corporate team in… | View Profile |
 | Hector Robinson | I am a Partner in our Cayman Islands litigation practice group. | View Profile |
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| Hector Robinson | I am a Partner in our Cayman Islands litigation practice group. | View Profile |
 | Rhiannon Williams | I’m Counsel in our Cayman Corporate and Finance practice. | View Profile |
 | Ms Alexandra Woodcock | Alexandra frequently advises many of the world’s leading finance institutions and private… | View Profile |