Mourant

Mourant, a law firm-led professional services business, has advised Acumen on all Guernsey legal aspects of the formation  of its new Guernsey impact fund – the Hardest to Reach (H2R) initiative – its first-of-a-kind blended finance strategy which aims to activate markets for clean and inclusive energy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Acumen is a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working to break the cycle of poverty. This latest initiative, which has secured US$246.5 million in approved and committed capital, aims to achieve positive social and climate impact, while also generating financial returns for investors through supporting off-grid solar distribution into sub-Saharan Africa's underserved markets – helping achieve energy access for all. A diverse set of public and private institutions, including the Green Climate Fund, International Finance Corporation, Shinhan Bank, British International Investment, Soros Economic Development Fund, Nordic Development Fund, Signify Foundation, and ImpactAssets, joined forces to be part of this next chapter for the H2R initiative. Launched at COP28 in 2023, H2R represents Acumen's most ambitious energy effort to date. The initiative aims to reach nearly 70 million people across 17 countries, including 50 million first-time energy users in areas with some of the lowest electrification rates in the world. The Mourant team was led by Guernsey investment funds specialist, Frances Watson (Partner), supported by Alasdair McKenzie (Senior Associate) and Lauren Ingrouille (Associate). Commenting on the transaction, Frances said: "We're delighted to have supported Acumen on the successful launch of the Hardest to Reach initiative. This project demonstrates how innovative investment structures can drive meaningful social and climate impact, while also seeking to deliver a return for investors. "Our team's deep understanding of Guernsey’s regulatory landscape, combined with close collaboration with Acumen and our instructing onshore counsel, enabled the successful completion of this important transaction. We are proud to have played a part in advancing access to clean, affordable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa, and look forward to supporting further initiatives that create positive environmental change in the future."     For further information please contact: Chloe Whittaker, External Communications and Content Manager: [email protected] About Mourant Mourant is a law firm-led, professional services business with over 60 years' experience in the financial services sector. We advise on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey and Luxembourg and provide specialist entity management, governance, regulatory and consulting services. We are an international and globally-integrated firm with offices in a number of the world's leading international finance centres, including London and Hong Kong. Our business is intrinsically linked to the global economy and the capital flows that support it. We serve the needs of our clients in all major time zones, facilitating responsible cross-border finance and investment, the pooling and protection of capital and the resolution of disputes. Our clients include many of the world's leading financial institutions, international corporations, asset managers and institutional investors. We are routinely instructed to work alongside the world's pre-eminent legal, accounting and financial services firms. We have an outstanding reputation for integrity and professional ethics, underpinned by a strong risk management culture. Find out more: mourant.com

Mourant, an international professional services firm with law at its core, has strengthened its Dispute Resolution practice with the hire of distinguished Guernsey litigator, John Greenfield.   After five years' practising in England (undertaking both criminal defence and civil litigation), at the beginning of his career, John moved to Guernsey in 1980 to work for an international merchant bank. Following this, he joined a leading Guernsey law firm and, the same year, qualified as a notary public and was called to the Guernsey Bar. He was subsequently elected as head of the Guernsey Bar in 2008 and re-elected to the role in 2010. John's specialisms span the full range of major litigation and advocacy work, including asset tracing, multi-jurisdictional disputes, and commercial and trust litigation. He has been involved in some of the most significant litigation cases before the Royal Court of Guernsey and the Guernsey Court of Appeal, and is one of the few Guernsey advocates to have appeared as counsel before the Privy Council. Notably, John was a member of the committee which completely overhauled Guernsey's civil procedure in 2008. John is also the founding member of FraudNet, a body of the world’s leading fraud lawyers established by the International Chamber of Commerce. John has been ranked in Chambers and Partners for over 20 years, and currently holds the ranking of 'Senior Statesperson' in Offshore: Dispute Resolution. In Legal 500 UK 2025, John is named in the Hall of Fame, a prestigious ranking which recognises lawyers who are at the top of their field for their long-standing involvement in market-leading work. Commenting on his appointment, John said: "Mourant is going through a pivotal moment in its growth, and it's a very exciting time to be joining the firm. Mourant's Guernsey Dispute Resolution practice has an indomitable reputation in the region and I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues and drawing on my expertise to add value to our clients." Head of the Guernsey Dispute Resolution team, Abel Lyall, added: "John is a highly experienced and impressive litigator and it’s a huge honour to welcome him to our firm. He has an impeccable reputation and will greatly enhance the breadth and scope of our litigation offering." John's appointment is the latest high-profile hire for Mourant. Former Kirkland & Ellis Partner, Brad Hillson, was appointed Global Head of Private Capital in May, with  Tom Grogan (previously Head of Emerging Technology at Mishcon de Reya) joining as Chief Transformation Officer the following month (June 2025).

Mourant, a law firm-led professional services business, is pleased to announce the promotion of two new Partners in the Channel Islands. Guernsey employment and data protection law specialist, Rachel Guthrie, and Sam Malpass, a member of the Jersey Finance & Corporate team, have been promoted to Partner, effective from 1 March 2025. Rachel Guthrie has been with Mourant for 14 years and specialises in all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment and data protection law, advising both global and local companies. Sam Malpass joined the firm nearly a decade ago and advises many of the world’s leading financial institutions, private equity houses and corporates on a range of high value cross border transactions. Mourant CEO, Jonathan Rigby, commented: "Rachel and Sam are highly respected lawyers, with a reputation for delivering outstanding service and it is very pleasing to announce their promotion to Partner. Their appointments are testament to the high regard in which they are held by colleagues and clients alike and will help to ensure we continue to provide the best possible support to our clients as they navigate the fast-changing legal and regulatory landscape." Rachel Guthrie said: "I'm delighted to be joining the Partnership and look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across the firm to grow our employment and data protection law practice. Thank you to all of my colleagues who have helped and supported me during my time at Mourant." Sam Malpass added: "I’m thrilled to be joining the Partnership at such an exciting time for the firm. Mourant has provided an incredible platform for professional growth, and I look forward to contributing to our continued success." This development follows the recent news of the appointment of Lara Forte as a Partner in Mourant’s growing Luxembourg team. Lara, who specialises in investment funds and related regulatory work, joined the firm at the end of last month (February 2025). Lara Forte commented: "I'm excited to be part of Mourant and am already greatly enjoying working with colleagues across the firm. I look forward to continuing to support our clients with their Luxembourg investment management needs." Mourant remains committed to creating a culture of excellence, and these appointments reflect the firm’s ongoing focus on strengthening its leadership team to better serve clients worldwide. For further information please contact: Chloe Whittaker, Senior External Communications Executive: [email protected] About Mourant Mourant is a law firm-led, professional services business with over 60 years' experience in the financial services sector. We advise on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey and Luxembourg and provide specialist entity management, governance, regulatory and consulting services. We are an international and globally-integrated firm with offices in a number of the world's leading international finance centres, including London, Singapore and Hong Kong. Our business is intrinsically linked to the global economy and the capital flows that support it. We serve the needs of our clients in all major time zones, facilitating responsible cross-border finance and investment, the pooling and protection of capital and the resolution of disputes. Our clients include many of the world's leading financial institutions, international corporations, asset managers and institutional investors. We are routinely instructed to work alongside the world's pre-eminent legal, accounting and financial services firms. We have an outstanding reputation for integrity and professional ethics, underpinned by a strong risk management culture. Find out more: mourant.com