Ogier > Tortola, British Virgin Islands > Firm Profile
Ogier Offices
RITTER HOUSE, WICKHAMS CAY II
PO BOX 3170, ROAD TOWN
TORTOLA VG1110
British Virgin Islands
Ogier > The Legal 500 Rankings
British Virgin Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 1
The ‘outstanding’ corporate team at Ogier advises clients on multi-billion-dollar M&A transactions, capital markets deals, and restructuring mandates, with a primary focus on industries spanning the energy, transportation, healthcare and technology sectors. In the technology space, the team often partners with the firm’s dedicated technology and Web3 sector group, harnessing its commercial and fintech expertise to secure significant appointments, including representing some of the largest crypto funds. Leading the dynamic practice are Michael Killourhy, an expert in equity capital markets and M&A transactions, and Ray Wearmouth, who is renowned for his profound knowledge of BVI corporate law. In addition to spearheading billion-dollar transactions, Wearmouth is regularly sought after to provide expert evidence on BVI law to foreign tribunals. The team also includes David Matthews, who is highly regarded for his corporate finance expertise.Practice head(s):
Michael Killourhy; Ray Wearmouth
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team generally is very responsive which is important for us. We are kept informed on new legislation in the BVI, including the implementation of OECD guidelines. The information we receive is up-to-date and reliable.’
‘The partner in charge for our account is Michael Killourhy. He provides us with several support services, including opinions on a variety of topics. We find him and his team outstanding and always very attentive to our needs.’
‘The Ogier team takes a very proactive approach to collaborating with lead counsel.’
‘A well rounded team. My first point of contact if I need any BVI advice or guidance.’
‘Michael Killourhy has an encyclopaedic knowledge and is a very good transactional lawyer.’
‘Very responsive, very knowledgeable and very practical.’
‘Have worked with Michael Killourhy and his team. All are very personable and at the same time super responsive and knowledgeable. All advice is timely and very practical.’
Key clients
Bull Horn Holdings Corp
Constellation Oil Services Holding S.A.
East Stone Acquisition Corporation
Founder SPAC
Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, Ltd. (In Liquidation)
Nam Tai Property Inc.
National Energy Services Reunited
Oxbridge Re.
PLBY Group, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising Bull Horn on its $175m merger with Coeptis Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative cell therapy technologies for cancer.
- Advising PLBY Group on its $250m joint venture “Playboy China” with Charactopia Licensing Limited and Fung Retailing Limited.
- Advising East Stone Acquistion Corporation on the closing of its $2.5bn merger with electric vehicle manufacturer ICONIQ Holding Limited.
British Virgin Islands > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Renowned for its expertise in complex commercial disputes and fraud cases involving asset tracing, shareholder disputes, and injunctive relief, Ogier’s team is frequently sought out by Middle Eastern and former Soviet Union-based clients. Well-regarded for its prowess in insolvency and restructuring mandates, the team also frequently lends its support to contentious trust issues, collaborating closely with the firm’s Hong Kong and other global offices. Splitting his time between Jersey and BVI, Brian Lacy has ‘vast amounts of commercial litigation experience’ and co-heads the team with the ‘exceptionally capable’ Nicholas Brookes. Lacy is active before the Commercial Court and Court of Appeal, while Brookes regularly advises on an array of interim matters, including applications for receivership and cross-border conflicts of law. ‘Very experienced in all matters BVI and crypto’, Grant Carroll is a key port of call for multinational corporates and consultancies, while Nicholas Burkill‘s expertise extends to civil fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and asset tracing cases. Counsel Alexander Muksinov is experienced in cases involving Russia and other emerging markets, and Ewelina Clyde-Smith and Daniel Mitchell are key names at senior associate level.Practice head(s):
Brian Lacy; Nicholas Brookes
Other key lawyers:
Nicholas Burkill; Grant Carroll; David Welford; Alexander Muksinov; Ewelina Clyde-Smith; Daniel Mitchell
Testimonials
‘Unequivocally the strongest litigation team in the BVI. Ogier are extremely responsive, commercial and client focused. There is also significant strength in depth to the team, with various associates who are extremely competent and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Nicholas Brookes is exceptionally capable, commercial, hard-working and intellectually rigorous. He has excellent judgement and is always able to make the right call to drive the litigation forward to achieve results.’
‘Personally I think Ogier has the best staffed office in the BVI with both fully staffed litigation teams covering insolvency and commercial disputes and non-contentious lawyers who are experts in their field. This is my “go-to” firm.’
‘Nick Brookes, Nick Burkill and Brian Lacey are all superb, but then again so are all of their other lawyers! Nick Brookes is the guru of BVI procedural law (along with being a great litigator), Nick Burkill comes from being a partner in both a top city firm and in a top US law firm and has all the skills associated with that, and Brian Lacy is a litigator through and through with a superb sense of the best points to take and real quality as a pure advocate.’
‘A second to none commercial approach to achieving the client’s aims. Excellent strategic thinking.’
‘Brian Lacy – an urbane and dynamic litigator who is single-minded in fighting for his client. A truly talented advocate as well as strategic thinker. Nicholas Brooks – a bold and determined lawyer, with excellent analytical skills and sound judgment. David Welford – intelligent and skilled lawyer.’
‘Leaders in the field dealing with large multi-jurisdictional crypto liquidations. Talented partners who manage the teams well.’
‘Grant Carroll: very experienced in all matters BVI and crypto, stands out as a specialist.’
Key clients
Three Arrows Capital, Ltd (in Liquidation)
BTA Bank
Al Thani Royal Family
Nam Tai Property Inc
FTX Digital Markets Ltd. (in Liquidation)
Carosan Ltd
Tsinghua Unigroup International Co., Ltd and Unigroup International Holdings Ltd (both in Liquidation)
BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA.
Work highlights
- Advising on all matters relating to liquidation of Three Arrows Capital, Ltd (in liquidation) – via its Joint Liquidators, Teneo.
- Acting as lead counsel to BTA Bank, which alleges that is has been the victim of a complex scheme of civil fraud.
- Representing two Qatari Royal Family members in a case revolving around the BVI Estate of the late Sheikh Saoud Mohammed Al Thani, a prominent art collector.
British Virgin Islands > Regulatory and compliance Tier 1
Ogier’s ‘remarkable ability to navigate complex legal matters with finesse’ makes it a standout in the BVI regulatory and compliance market, routinely advising fintech players and high-profile virtual asset service providers on blockchain technologies, initial coin offerings (ICOs) and token issuances. Regulatory advice, investment business licensings, registrations and anti-money laundering compliance work are further core workflows of the practice, which is led Michael Killourhy, who is noted for his ‘proactive and insightful approach’ to regulatory and compliance issues. Head of the funds and regulatory practice Simon Schilder regularly advises on regulatory applications to the BVI Financial Services Commission. while Ray Wearmouth is a seasoned transactional lawyers known for leading complex multi-billion transactions. Praised for his ‘unparalleled grasp of the fintech sector’, managing associate David Mathews is also highly recommended.Practice head(s):
Michael Killourhy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Their uniqueness lies in their unparalleled expertise, unwavering dedication and exceptional understanding of the market dynamics. The team’s strengths and key capabilities encompass a remarkable ability to navigate complex legal matters with finesse, ensuring optimal results for their clients. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking regulatory and compliance lawyers in the BVI. Our go to team in this space.’
‘Working with David Mathews is an absolute pleasure. His unparalleled grasp of the fintech sector sets him apart from others. As clients, we have benefited immensely from his out-of-the-box thinking, which has proven invaluable on numerous occasions. Notably, his meticulous attention to detail shines through in the documents he drafts, even when handling highly intricate matters, ensuring clarity and comprehension.’
‘Michael Killourhy is an exceptional partner and legal professional. His expertise in the offshore world, particularly in regulatory and compliance law, is truly commendable. His vast knowledge and years of experience have made him a standout in the field, consistently delivering solutions to complex legal matters. His proactive and insightful approach to navigating regulatory challenges has proven invaluable time and again.’
‘Ogier’s team is always very responsive, good with giving business-oriented advice and solving solutions. They are very easy to work with and I can recommend them to all clients.’
‘We work with Michael Killourhy and David Mathews. Both are quick and accurate in their responses, they have strong industry knowledge across multiple jurisdiction and give great insights.’
‘Excellent service, quality advice, good communication and delivery.’
‘Michael Killourhy and David Mathews from Ogier BVI are standout advisers. Both highly capable who always deliver.’
Key clients
1GCX
Amino
Bank of America, N.A.
CEDEN Network
ChainSafe
Emergent Games
J.P. Morgan Alternative Asset Management, Inc.
Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, Ltd
Lago Consortium
Nexon Co, Ltd.
Oxbridge RE
Snapmuse Müzik Teknolojileri A.S.
Société Générale Americas
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Van Eck Associates
Vokal Media
Worldcoin Foundation
Work highlights
- Advised Oxbridge Re on all BVI virtual asset, insurance and other financial services regulatory aspects of the structuring and offering of tokenised collateralised reinsurance securities through its BVI subsidiary SurancePlus Inc.
- Advised Worldcoin Foundation and Tools For Humanity on the virtual asset and other financial services regulatory aspects related to the creation of its Worldcoin token.
- Advised the Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital on BVI investment business, investment funds, virtual asset and other financial services regulatory matters.
British Virgin Islands > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2
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.
British Virgin Islands > Investment funds Tier 2
With offices in the BVI and the Channel Islands, Ogier‘s BVI funds practice is routinely instructed by investment managers on hedge fund, private equity, real estate, venture capital and crypto asset matters. Practice chair Simon Schilder divides his time between Jersey and the BVI, and is noted for his involvement in the drafting of the BVI investment fund legislation, while fellow co-chair Michael Killourhy is a key figure in the digital asset and blockchain sector.Practice head(s):
Simon Schilder; Michael Killourhy
Key clients
ARC Group Ventures Limited
Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, Ltd. (in Liquidation)
Mojo Digital Limited
Westbrooke Capital Management
Appaloosa LP
AEW Capital Management
Bank Julius Baer & Co Ltd
Passport Capital
Digital Asset Capital Management
Atlantic Investment Management
Geometric Management Ltd
Man Group
Graham Capital
Molecule Ventures
Idylian Capital
Geometric Management Ltd
Orbis Investment Management
Savanna Investment Management
GBV Investment Fund (JPG Wealth)
Volpe Capital Management Ltd
Global Sigma Group
Valiance Asset Management Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the establishment and registration of a new BVI Private Investment Fund (structured as a segregated portfolio company) and related Approved Manager for Westbrook Capital Management.
- Provided direct BVI investment funds and investment business law advice and support to the Joint Liquidators of the collapsed giant crypto-hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, Ltd.
Ogier > Firm Profile
The firm: Ogier provides legal advice on BVI, Cayman, Guernsey, Irish, Jersey and Luxembourg law. The firm’s network of locations also includes Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.
Legal services for the corporate and financial sectors form the core of the business, principally in the areas of banking and finance, corporate, investment funds, dispute resolution, private equity and private wealth. Ogier has strong practices in the areas of restructuring, corporate recovery and insolvency, employee benefits and incentives, employment law, regulatory and property.
Ogier’s corporate administration business, Ogier Global, works closely with Ogier’s partner-led legal teams to incorporate and administer a wide variety of vehicles, offering clients integrated legal and corporate administration services.
Main areas of practice
Banking and finance: The banking and finance team advises on all areas of banking regulation, documentation, security, and the establishment and operation of banking institutions for borrowers and lenders.
Corporate: The firm’s corporate team has extensive experience in advising on the establishment of many forms of domestic and cross-border corporate vehicles, investment trusts and partnerships as well as advising on private placements, initial and other public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations, joint ventures and disposals.
Dispute resolution: Ogier’s dispute resolution team advises on the technical, strategic and procedural aspects across the spectrum of problems and disputes which arise in the offshore environment. This includes advice in relation to trusts, companies, shareholder issues, directors’ duties, investment performance, banking and other financial transactions, as well as fraud and asset tracing claims and all aspects of regulatory advice.
Investment funds: The investment funds team advises on the full spectrum of fund structures and strategies, including: hedge, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, energy, credit, debt, venture capital, crypto currency, hybrid, impact and socially responsible investing. They provide clients with innovative solutions to all manner of legal requirements, to meet each client’s distinct set of regulatory and commercial demands. The team is backed by expertise across time zones throughout our offices in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Jersey and Luxembourg. Ogier is a recognised listing agent for The International Stock Exchange (TISE) and the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange (CSX).
Private wealth: The private wealth team has extensive experience in advising on the establishment of private trusts, purpose trusts and other vehicles typically used by private clients, as well as advising trustees in relation to transactions undertaken by trusts.
Real estate: The team provides advice on the establishment and administration of real estate holding structures, including offshore and onshore vehicles used for real estate funds, one-off real estate transactions or acquisitions, joint ventures, property development and financing arrangements.
Regulatory: Ogier’s multi-disciplinary team helps clients navigate increasingly regulated environments through each stage in the business lifecycle: start up and relocation, operation, expansion and change. Prevention of issues is preferable but where things have gone wrong, Ogier provides effective solutions to clients including banks, major corporates, investment managers, fund administrators, trust companies and private clients.
Restructuring and corporate recovery: The firm’s restructuring and corporate recovery team has extensive cross-border and international experience, advising on contentious and non-contentious offshore restructuring and corporate recovery matters, often advising in conjunction with onshore counsel and other professional services providers in connection with company structures.
Structured finance: The firm’s structured finance team provides specialist offshore legal advice on all aspects of establishing and operating offshore SPVs, and listing agent services.
Clients: Ogier acts for a number of leading financial institutions including investment banks, legal and accountancy firms, corporations, trust companies, private equity houses, real estate investment houses, insurers and high net worth individuals.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate | Michael Killourhy | michael.killourhy@ogier.com | +1 284 852 7309 |
Banking and Finance | Ray Wearmouth | ray.wearmouth@ogier.com | +1 284 852 7364 |
Dispute Resolution | Nicholas Brookes | nicholas.brookes@ogier.com | +1 284 852 7366 |
Dispute Resolution | Nicholas Burkill | nicholas.burkill@ogier.com | +1 284 852 7372 |
Dispute Resolution | Grant Carroll | grant.carroll@ogier.com | +1 284 852 7323 |
Dispute Resolution | Brian Lacy | brian.lacy@ogier.com | T+44 1534 514493 |
Dispute Resolution | David Welford | david.welford@ogier.com | +44 1534 514046 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Nicholas Burkill | Partner | View Profile | |
Christian Burns-Di Lauro | Partner | View Profile | |
Grant Carroll | Partner | View Profile | |
Michael Killourhy | Partner | View Profile | |
Brian Lacy | Partner | View Profile | |
David Mathews | Managing Associate | View Profile | |
Alexander Muksinov | Counsel | View Profile | |
Simon Schilder | Partner | View Profile | |
Tiffany Tolliss | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Ray Wearmouth | Partner | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Ewelina Clyde-Smith | Managing Associate | View Profile |
Barrister Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Nicholas Brookes | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of global partners : 100 Number of fee earners worldwide : 500+ Total number of staff worldwide : 1100+- Corporate and commercial
- Dispute resolution
- Regulatory and compliance
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Banking, finance and capital markets
- Investment funds