Ogier > St Helier, Jersey > Firm Profile

Ogier
44 THE ESPLANADE
ST HELIER
JE4 9WG
Jersey

Jersey > Banking and finance Tier 1

The ‘technically very capable’ team at Ogier is sought after by banks and fund managers, whom it advises on both local and international financing transactions, with particular strengths in fund and leveraged finance deals, real estate financing and restructuring work. The firm also advises clients on ESG-linked financing, with practice co-head Katrina Edge focusing on sustainable finance structures in addition to fund and real estate financing. Fellow practice head Bruce MacNeil is noted for his cross-border banking and finance work, in addition to his advice on restructuring measures. James Lydeard assists clients with leveraged, finance and acquisition finance issues, while Kate McCaffrey is recommended for real estate financing.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

James Lydeard; Kate McCaffrey; Jennifer Cox; Lauren Maycox-Turner; Georgia Petre

Testimonials

‘The team is highly responsive and capable of working with short turnaround times.’

‘I’ve found the people in the team to be very friendly, down-to-earth and a pleasure to work with. The Ogier team feel like a seamless extension to our own, that we can very easily reach and liaise with. Kate McCaffrey is my immediate “go-to” in Jersey. She’s responsive, friendly and an excellent lawyer.’

‘Ogier have a strong background in banking and finance and are clearly one of the leading offshore firms in this area.’

‘Katrina Edge is technically and commercially strong.’

‘James Lydeard, Bruce MacNeil and their team are always very responsive and I feel they provide us and our clients with high quality advice with a strong commercial steer.’

‘The team is technically very capable, with a wealth of transaction experience and local knowledge to draw on. Approachable, practical and both time and cost-conscious.’

‘James Lydeard is commercially savvy and very well experienced – he offers sound advice on a variety of financings and structures.’

‘Their knowledge and commerciality in the market is unrivalled. Kate McCaffrey in particular is responsive, outstanding in her legal technical skills and a thought leader.’

Key clients

HSBC Bank plc

Silicon Valley Bank

Liberation Group Limited

Hoi Hup Realty Pte Ltd

Promontoria Holding 403 B.V.

Apollo Management International LLP

MetLife Investment Management

Caledonia Investments plc

Wren House Infrastructure Limited

International Oasis Holding Company KSCC

M&G Investment Management Limited

International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA)

Adeem Investment & Wealth Management

Hellman & Friedman

Northwood Investors LLC

Moorfield Group Limited

OZ Management LP

CPP Investments

KB Securities

Eurazeo Real Estate Lux Sarl

Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV S.à r.l.

Valor Real Estate Partners LLP

Bybrook Capital LLP

Pizza Express (Jersey) Limited

Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited

The Portfolio Club

Pala Investments Limited

Crestline Direct Finance L.P.

Starwood Capital Group

Hilco Capital

Apollo

Work highlights

  • Instructed as Jersey counsel to Aareal Bank on a £239.9m facility to the Raag Hotels group to refinance the acquisition of a hotel portfolio by an opportunity fund advised by Tristan Capital Partners.
  • Advised global alternative investment manager Ares Management, from a Jersey perspective, on its provision of financing to Titan Wealth Holdings for the purpose of financing the acquisitions of two major investment and wealth management businesses, Global Prime Partners and Tavistock Wealth.
  • Assisted two global banks – one as lender of a £185m senior facility and the other as lender of a £49m mezzanine facility – with their financings to Lone Star for its acquisition of a portfolio of student accommodation across the UK.

Jersey > Capital markets Tier 1

The capital markets team at Ogier assists clients with both debt and equity transactions, supporting companies in the crown dependencies with IPOs on a variety of stock exchanges. Cash box structures are a further area of expertise, with the practice advising on related placings and rights issues by listed companies. High yield and leveraged finance specialist Bruce MacNeil leads the group alongside Raulin Amy, who predominantly advises clients from the real estate and natural resources sectors on IPOs and restructuring matters. Alexander Curry is noted for his equity capital markets work.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Ogier is across everything needed for Jersey requirements.’

Key clients

Greatland Gold Plc

I(X) Investments LLC

MySale Group plc

SolGold PLC

Marlowe Plc

DWS Investments UK Limited

CleanTech Lithium

Clarivate plc

Invesco Asset Management Limited

Calisen plc

Pizza Express (Jersey) Limited

WH Smith PLC

Jet2 Plc

JD Wetherspoon

Biffa plc

Johnson Service Group

Trifast plc

Novocure Limited

Atotech Limited

Boohoo Group plc

The Law Debenture Trust Corporation plc

Wren House Infrastructure Limited

Glencore plc

Angel Trains

MJ Hudson

Workspace Group plc

Centamin plc

Wizz Air Holdings

Barrick Gold

Heathrow Funding

Ackros Acquisition Limited

Seven Energy International Limited

IDB Trust Services

Islamic Development Bank

Kaisa Group Holdings Limited

Work highlights

  • Assisted with the restructuring and refinancing of a large cinema chain.
  • Assisted Invesco, as advisor to the issuer, with its annual update of the Invesco Physical Bitcoin exchange-traded notes programme.
  • Advised CleanTech Lithium on its successful listing on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Jersey > Commercial property Tier 1

Ogier offers clients a broad property service, assisting with property financing and development, sales and acquisitions, and planning and construction matters, while also supporting HNWIs with the purchase of property in Jersey. Jonathan Hughes leads the team and the firm’s global practice, advising financial institutions and investors from Jersey and abroad, in addition to corporate occupiers, as well as assisting HNWIs seeking to relocate offshore. Katharine Marshall supports developers engaged in both commercial and residential projects, assisting with conditional contracts, joint ventures and collaboration agreements. Managing associate Sarah Parish specialises in advising HNWIs and their investment vehicles on the purchase of both residential and commercial property, while Laura Shirreffs assists with a range of matters, including property financing and property-heavy M&A.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘They are professional and attentive and look to help and find creative solutions, they have experienced knowledgeable staff who specialise in their given fields.’

‘I work with Jonathan Hughes and find him very approachable, knowledgeable and he provides a professional quality service that stands out over his peer group.’

‘Ogier’s department are very efficient and always pleasant. When they say they are going to revert to you, they do so. Their knowledge of property law is second to none. They also have a wonderful knack of explaining difficult issues. They always adhere to time frames given to their clients, also to fee structures given in advance even if this entails more work than previously envisaged.’

‘When working with Sarah Parish we have the feeling that she really enjoys what she is doing. She treats our properties as if they were her own. She gives excellent advice and has good knowledge of our market. She is always pleasant and has a lovely sense of humour. Sarah has also the knack of getting on well with her opposite number during difficult transactions.’

‘Ogier’s team are our go-to practice on the island for property matters. Their depth of knowledge and experience is in our view unrivalled locally, but what really makes them stand out is their proactive, responsive and commercially aware approach.’

‘Jonathan Hughes puts commercial considerations at the forefront of his advice, provides an experienced and practical approach to problem-solving and demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the industry.’

‘Exceptional knowledge of the Jersey property market and availability and access to partners.’

‘Katharine Marshall is widely acknowledged as the ‘go-to’ Jersey property expert for conveyancing and legal matters, her availability and direct accessability is highly valued.’

Key clients

Howden Joinery Group Plc

Edyn Leasing Limited

CPA Global

HSBC Bank plc

TMF Group

Sandpiper (including M&S, Morrison’s, Costa Coffee, Apple, George, Iceland and Hotel Chocolat)

Investec

Jersey Homes Trust

LV Group Care Home Group

Parish of St Helier

Whitbread Plc/Premier Inn

Parish of St Martin

Guiton Group

Gamma Aviation Limited

Government of Jersey – States of Jersey Hospital Project, Airport, Treasury and Property holdings

John Lewis Partnership/Waitrose Limited

Fuel Supplies CI Limited

SG Hambros Bank

Close Finance

Metlife Investment Company Limited

BDO Group

Standard Chartered Bank

Ashbe Construction

Arcadia Group

Grange Developments

Jersey > Corporate and commercial Tier 1

Ogier‘s corporate practice supports clients with matters ranging from cross-border private M&A, downstream private equity transactions and cashboxes, to restructurings and regulatory work. Practice head Matthew Shaxson specialises in financial services M&A, with further expertise in regulatory matters including AML and competition issues. Raulin Amy handles both cross-border and Jersey-based M&A, in addition to joint ventures and restructuring measures, while Simon Dinning advises on transactions that involve Jersey and the BVI. Richard Daggett handles private equity transactions, as well as advising on IPOs and joint ventures. Alexander Curry and Oliver Richardson both advise on a range of transactions, while managing associate Amy Garrod focuses on deals involving real estate holding structures.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Richard Daggett is the standout individual on the legal side. He “gets it”, is commercial with his advice, and works to make sure deals are delivered on time.’

‘Alexander Curry is a strong practitioner – good with clients and has an eye for the detailed technical issues.’

‘I deal with Richard Daggett for the most part. He is responsive, diligent and an absolute pleasure to deal with.’

‘The Ogier corporate team are our “go-to team” for all client corporate matters. The range of experience and depth of team are not replicated at other firms.’

‘Very down to earth, solution-driven and amiable.’

‘Good availability and responsive.’

‘Fully resourced, technically excellent and partner-led team.’

‘Matthew Shaxson is both technically strong and commercially excellent, with solid advice. Furthermore, from a regulatory perspective, he is tuned in and up to speed with the regulator’s expectations, which, coupled with the fact that he is providing legal advice, sets him (and his team) apart from the regulatory consultancy firms.’

Key clients

The Federal Government of Pakistan

Atotech Ltd

Wren House Infrastructure Management Ltd

City Developments Ltd

Gravis Capital

Crosstree Real Estate

Etablissements Maurel & Prom S.A

TruFin

BEPIF Gurston

Takeda Pharmaceutical

The Carlyle Group

The Ardonagh Group Limited

Amcor plc

Anglo American plc

Biffa plc

Clarivate Analytics

The Collective

Jet2 Plc

Warburg Pincus International LLC and TowerBrook Capital Partners

Brooks Macdonald International

Viacom

Trident Trust

DB Financial Investment/Hyundai Asset Management

Urban Logistics REIT plc

The PRS REIT plc

Barrick Gold

Sports Direct

Palamon Partners

Wizz Air

Boohoo.com

TMF Group

Glencore plc

Europe Realty Holdings Pte Ltd (GIC)

Kennedy Wilson Holdings, Inc.

Northwood Investors LLC

Cinven

OMERS Private Equity

Petra Diamonds Limited

Paloma Capital

Tristan Capital Partners

Coro Energy plc

VI Mining

Eriell Group International Limited

Gazprombank

Realstar

EN+ Group plc

IEG Group plc

Pollen Street Capital

Work highlights

  • Assisted three major global financial institutions with the €21bn recapitalisation of Mileway – a 14.7m square metre pan-European last mile logistics company owned by Blackstone.
  • Advised the Federal Government of Pakistan, the Provincial Government of Balochistan, Government Holdings (Private), Oil & Gas Development Company and Pakistan Petroleum on the reconstitution of the Reko Diq gold and copper mining project.
  • Advised Atotech on the Jersey law aspects of its takeover by MKS Instruments for $4.4bn, carried out by way of a Jersey scheme of arrangement.

Dispute resolution Tier 1

Described by one client as ‘experts in their field‘, the practitioners at Ogier handle a broad range of issues, including cross-border trust and shareholder disputes, insolvency and restructuring matters, and, increasingly, regulatory and sanctions cases. Nick Williams heads up the group, offering a broad practice that covers commercial, trust and insolvency matters. Fraud and asset tracing are areas of expertise for global managing partner Edward Mackereth, who also acts in financial services regulatory proceedings. Damian Evans operates at the intersection of trusts and insolvency matters. Oliver Passmore handles a range of contentious trust issues. Promoted to partner in February and December 2022, respectively, James Angus and Rebecca McNulty represent clients in cross-border estates, restructuring and property disputes.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The team is absolutely first-rate. They are the go-to offshore team and are able to offer a full service. Ogier has a strong bench of lawyers with cross-jurisdictional expertise. They are, at all times, willing to work towards the bigger commercial picture. They are hands-on, do not shy away from working hard and going the extra mile for the client.’

‘Rebecca McNulty is a star and a first-rate lawyer. She has a strong analytical mind, but is also able to approach issues taking a sensible and commercial approach. She is extremely hard-working and willing to go the extra mile to get the right result for her clients.’

‘The team is extremely dedicated and provides an excellent service. They always make themselves available, and technical knowledge and know-how is second to none. Throughout the process of a significant matter we worked on, I could not have asked for a better team. Each member of the team knows what they are working on and can communicate effectively with all levels.’

‘I would like to call out Damian Evans and Matthew Davies in particular. Their clear understanding of how to deal with technical matters and ability to find solutions to complex situations is admirable, and I could not have asked for a better team to work with on this client matter. I was also impressed with how they deal with myself as a client and my wider team, they can read people extremely well and gain your confidence and trust very quickly.’

‘Excellent group of experienced and helpful professionals.’

‘Nick Williams has been particularly good. Considered and careful whilst providing timely and supportive pragmatic advice. Has worked hard to ensure deadlines are met and involved other lawyers when needed.’

‘The team are very user-friendly, prompt, diligent and clearly experts in their field, who are on top of all of the latest developments.’

‘Damian Evans – committed, diligent, a real hard grafter. Nick Williams – calm and intelligent and very client friendly.’

Key clients

BDO

Stonehage Fleming

Christian Hore

Viscount of the Royal Court

Parish of St Helier

Water’s Edge Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for the Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey in a large cross-jurisdictional insolvency dispute involving multiple competing claims to assets situated worldwide, and involving multiple claims and counterclaims of fraudulent behaviour.
  • Acted for the plaintiffs, including BDO as High Court-appointed estate administrators, in a cross-border trusts and estates dispute.

Jersey > Employment Tier 1

Ogier provides ‘very commercial, comprehensive and timely’ advice on a range of employment issues, including relevant M&A deals, employee benefit schemes, data protection issues and workplace injuries, as well as acting for employers and employees in tribunals concerning dismissals, breaches of contract and discrimination. Practice head Helen Ruelle is sought after for her experience in both contentious and non-contentious employment and discrimination matters, with further expertise in immigration and business relocation matters. Having been made counsel in February 2023, Will Austin-Vautier continues to advise on discrimination, data protection and employment relations matters.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Helen Ruelle is always a pleasure to deal with. Her extensive experience and knowledge ensures you are in a safe pair of hands. The quality of Helen’s advice is second to none, cementing her position as a Hall of Famer, a real powerhouse in the employment world!’

‘Ogier provided sound advice on employment matters involving Jersey, including their excellent strategic review of issues and considerations. Their advice and direction transitioned seamlessly to strong advocacy on behalf of the client at the statutory tribunal and eventual resolution of the matter.’

‘My experience with Ogier has been excellent, including prompt answers to my questions and detailed analysis of my case. The practitioners were sympathetic and took the time to listen and understand my case and goals.’

‘I found that Will Austin-Vautier was not only very knowledgeable for my particular case, but he also explained a realistic expectation, and laid out a clear plan to a successful outcome for what I required. I was especially impressed that he also undertook some work over weekends to meet deadlines and help speed up my case; a thorough commitment to work.’

‘Will Austin-Vautier provides an excellent service, he is a pleasure to work with and his advice is always very useful.’

‘The Ogier team is our trusted advisor on a range of employment matters – from contractual matters and local regulation, to contentious employment matters. The advice is always very commercial, comprehensive and timely.’

‘The employment team, lead by Helen Ruelle and supported by Will Austin-Vautier, provides an outstanding level of service. They are trusted advisors; delivering commercial, comprehensive and timely advice on a range of employment matters.’

‘The practice is well organised and I felt that I was in extremely good hands from the outset – lines of communication were excellent and proportionate.’

Jersey > Investment funds Tier 1

Ogier‘s practice spans the breadth of fund structures and asset classes, with growing strength in digital asset management structures, in addition to private equity, hedge, infrastructure and real estate funds. In addition to assisting with the launch and structuring of Jersey-domiciled and listed funds, the practice also handles contentious and non-contentious regulatory issues. Niamh Lalor heads up the team, focusing on funds regulation in the private equity, venture capital and infrastructure sectors. Emily Haithwaite advises on the formation, listing and winding up of private equity funds, while Sophie Reguengo assists real estate funds with capital raising, acquisitions and disposals. Managing associates Alexandra O’Grady and Matt McManus are recommended for their expertise in private equity funds, and co-investment and joint venture structures, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The Jersey funds team do an excellent job on numerous matters that we work with them on. They always give excellent legal advice whilst being approachable, pragmatic and pleasant to work with.’

‘Matt McManus is exceptional in all aspects, from client interaction and commerciality, right through to billing. He sees the bigger picture when it comes to clients and looks to develop a long-term relationship rather than a one-off service. I have recommended Matt to various fund managers because I have confidence in his experience and his all-round attributes. He is a standout in the Jersey market for me and a future partner for sure.’

‘Responsive and clearly very connected with all aspects of investment fund activity in Jersey.’

‘Holistic approach covering multiple disciplines providing a resourceful and cost and time effective service. Their ability to draw on wide-reaching expertise within the firm ensures a client’s requirements are met and, more often than not, problems addressed in a comprehensive and detailed way.’

‘Niamh Lalor stands out for her ability to engage, understand quickly a client’s requirements, and deliver outstanding advice. Niamh provides the same level of professional service for day-to-day questions through to complex legal matters requiring a multi-disciplinary approach and she always delivers the same high standard level of advice and support.’

‘Ogier is very experienced in Jersey specific matters and is very well connected locally with various parties. As a result they can assist on a wide variety of matters.’

‘Sophie Reguengo and her team are always willing to assist, including in tricky situations where it is not immediately obvious what the solution is.’

‘We have worked with Emily Haithwaite for a number of years. Emily is always available, listens to the issues at hand and responds with pragmatic and co-ordinated solutions in a timely manner. Unlike other law firms, you don’t feel that the time clock is switched on every time the phone is answered!’

Key clients

AEW Capital Management LP

Cain International

Cevian

CQS

Neptune

Deutsche Asset Management

Franklin Templeton

DWS Real Estate

Rockpool Investments LLP

Ethos Private Equity

Global Infrastructure Partners

HSBC Bank plc – Jersey

London Venture Partners

Alexander Forbes

Pinebridge Benson Elliot

Julius Baer

IK Partners

Alpstone Capital

Index Ventures

Intermediate Capital Group PLC

Knight Frank Investment Management

Knife Capital

Salt Capital Ventures Limited

Alanda Capital

Deutsche Finance International

Medicxi Ventures

Pacific Equity Partners

Paloma Capital

Palamon Capital Partners

Pemberton Asset Management

Quadriga Capital

Schroders Capital

Therium Capital

Jigsaw VC GP Ltd

Brooks Macdonald Asset Management International

EPIC Management Limited

Valor Real Estate Partners

Darwin Capital

UBS

STANLIB Fund Managers Jersey Limited

Alter Domus

Aztec,

Highvern

JTC Group

Langham Hall

Ocorian

R&H Fund Services

Saltgate

Sanne (Apex Group)

Work highlights

  • Advised investment firm Medicxi on the launch of the €400m Medicxi IV Fund.
  • Advised Salt Capital Ventures on the establishment of a Jersey limited partnership, Salt Equity I, authorised as a Jersey Private Fund.
  • Advised DWS on the establishment of a Jersey property unit trust and the associated acquisition of the land at Lower Bristol Road, Bath, which is to be used to build 316 residential properties, to be developed by Watkin Jones.

Jersey > Private client, trusts and tax Tier 1

Ogier‘s private wealth team works alongside the firm’s corporate, funds and private equity practices to support HNW families seeking to set up trusts in Jersey, advising on the establishment and management of complex trust structures and private investment funds, with an increased focus on ESG investments. Beyond trusts, the practice has assisted with setting up Jersey-registered charities and other philanthropic vehicles, as well as building up its ties to clients in the Middle and Far East. James Campbell and Josephine Howe jointly lead the practice, advising professional trustees and family offices on all aspects of Jersey trusts, with the latter also providing support in regard to charitable structures. Katherine Neal is the group’s employee incentives specialist, advising on employee reward schemes, pension plans and JPUTs, while Henry Wickham handles matters relating to estate planning and issues concerning wills. Steve Meiklejohn is noted for his work advising HNWIs on estate planning, trust and fiduciary structures.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Katherine Neal; Henry Wickham; Richard Laignel; Steve Meiklejohn; Katie Baxter

Testimonials

‘Very approachable and helpful team. Willing to commit their opinions to paper.’

‘Katherine Neal is one of the most practical lawyers I have ever come across, going the extra mile to assist with finding a solution to any issues.’

‘The team is very commercial, approachable and knowledgeable in their area.’

‘Excellent team who turn around work in a timely manner and think through relevant matters carefully and with a useful pragmatism. Have the scale to cope with a large number of matters when needed and have some very good associates.’

‘Katherine Neale – always approachable and helpful. James Campbell – good technical knowledge and leads a strong team who understand the way in which Jersey trusts and company businesses work. Katie Baxter – excellent senior associate who is highly competent and responsive.’

‘I would describe them in 3 words: friendly, approachable and proactive.’

‘Steve Meiklejohn is calm, knowledgeable and extremely approachable. Steve provides excellent client service that brings to bear a vast level of experience and expertise.’

Work highlights

  • Advised in relation to the formation of a large PTC structure for an UHNW family.
  • Advised a HNWI settlor on estate and succession planning matters, including the establishment of a new Jersey trust and family governance.
  • Advised a large multinational bank on its pension scheme, which was established by way of a Jersey law trust.

Dispute resolution > Regulatory and white-collar crime Tier 2

Ogier‘s team assists regulated Jersey companies with AML duties and obligations, and is also adept at supporting financial services clients’ applications for registrations and licensing. In addition, the practice represents clients subject to investigations and enforcement actions. Leading the team are Nick Williams, who handles regulatory and sanctions matters, and Matthew Shaxson, an AML and competition specialist. James Angus is another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Work highlights

  • Advising multiple regulated Jersey businesses on AML issues where wrongdoing, including fraud, has been alleged.
  • Advising several Jersey trust companies on sanctions issues.
  • Provided contentious regulatory advice to regulated businesses on duties under the Codes of Practice, and handled liasing with regulators in the context of enforcement action.

British Virgin Islands > Regulatory and compliance

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

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 > Investment funds

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.

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.

Department Name Email Telephone
Global managing partner Edward Mackereth edward.mackereth@ogier.com +44 1534 514320
Banking and finance Katrina Edge katrina.edge@ogier.com +44 1534 514192
Banking and finance Bruce MacNeil bruce.macneil@ogier.com +44 1534 514394
Corporate Matthew Shaxson matthew.shaxson@ogier.com +44 1534 514064
Corporate Simon Dinning simon.dinning@ogier.com +44 1534 514251
Corporate Raulin Amy raulin.amy@ogier.com +44 1534 514239
Corporate Richard Daggett richard.daggett@ogier.com +44 1534 514071
Corporate Simon Schilder simon.schilder@ogier.com +44 1534 514298
Dispute resolution Edward Mackereth edward.mackereth@ogier.com +44 1534 514320
Dispute resolution Nick Williams nick.williams@ogier.com +44 1534 514318
Investment funds Niamh Lalor niamh.lalor@ogier.com +44 1534 514210
Investment funds Emily Haithwaite emily.haithwaite@ogier.com +44 1534 514072
Investment funds Simon Schilder simon.schilder@ogier.com +44 1534 514298
Investment funds Richard Daggett richard.daggett@ogier.com +44 1534 514071
Investment funds Sophie Reguengo sophie.reguengo@ogier.com +44 1534 514122
Private wealth Steve Meiklejohn steve.meiklejohn@ogier.com +44 1534 514462
Property Jonathan Hughes jonathan.hughes@ogier.com +44 1534 514336
Real estate Richard Daggett richard.daggett@ogier.com +44 1534 514071
Real estate Katrina Edge katrina.edge@ogier.com +44 1534 514192
Regulatory Matthew Shaxson matthew.shaxson@ogier.com +44 1534 514064
Regulatory Bruce MacNeil bruce.macneil@ogier.com +44 1534 514394
Private Wealth James Campbell james.campbell@ogier.com +44 1534 514230
Private Wealth Josephine Howe josephine.howe@ogier.com +44 1534 514201
Total number of global partners : 100
Total number of fee-earners worldwide : 500+
Total number of staff worldwide : 1100+