Stuarts Humphries > George Town, Cayman Islands > Firm Profile

Stuarts Humphries Offices

Stuarts Humphries
Kensington House, 69 Dr. Roy’s Drive
P.0 Box 2510
Grand Cayman
KY1-1104
Cayman Islands
Visit website 1 345 949 3344

Stuarts Humphries > The Legal 500 Rankings

Cayman Islands > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 4

Stuarts Humphries is regularly sought out by banks, financial institutions and businesses for advice on all aspects of banking and finance matters, including assistance with secured and unsecured, domestic and multi-jurisdictional financing mandates, financial structuring transactions involving debt, equity and structured products, aircraft financings, and CDO issues. The group is jointly led by investment funds and fintech expert Chris Humphries and banking and regulatory practice head Jonathan McLean, and also includes corporate head Megan Wright, who regularly advises leading US, European and South American banks and investment managers, and has substantial knowledge of cryptocurrencies and fintech issues.

Practice head(s):

Chris Humphries; Jonathan McLean

Other key lawyers:

Megan Wright

Testimonials

‘Wide spectrum of services and deep knowledge of the law.’

‘Excellent availability and gets things done.’

Key clients

Banco Sofisa

Citibank

Valens Pay Global

Work highlights

  • Acting as local counsel to Banco Sofisa on a number of banking transactions and reviews.
  • Acting as local counsel to Citibank on a number of commercial banking and loan transactions.
  • Acting as lead counsel to Bullion FX with regards to structural and other fintech legal matters.

Cayman Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 4

Stuarts Humphries provides comprehensive advice to financial institutions, investment managers and US, European and South American banks on cross-border M&A, SPACs and restructurings. As head of the corporate practice, Megan Wright is sought out by a varied client roster for corporate, commercial, find, finance and fintech advice. Chris Humphries is a key player in corporate and commercial transactions, where he regularly acts for investment managers, promoters and international investors, while Jonathan McLean is noted for his expertise in cryptocurrency funds and digital asset structures.

Practice head(s):

Megan Wright

Other key lawyers:

Chris Humphries; Jonathan McLean

Testimonials

‘Stuarts has wonderful, professional personnel with a variety of expertise.’

‘The individuals at Stuarts are prompt in their responses and available for consult along with punctual for good time management. They are very succinct in moving processes along to a conclusion.’

‘Bespoke advice provided on short notice and consistently prompt responses to complex queries whenever required. Commercially aware advisers with a finger on the pulse of industry and regulatory trends.’

‘Chris Humphries is a very experienced and knowledgeable adviser with a consistently helpful and pleasant disposition. Chris is always prepared to prioritise urgent client requests and meet tight deadlines on short notice. His advice is always bespoke, accurate and commercially sensitive.’

‘Responsiveness and local expertise.’

‘Chris Humphries is great to deal with and super responsive.’

Key clients

Fantom

Valens Pay Global

Propyverse

Bullion FX

Banco Sofisa

Citibank

Petrobras

Work highlights

  • Advised Fantom, a leading global blockchain provider, on various corporate transactions and regulatory obligations within the DeFi and crypto space.
  • Advised Valens Pay Global Limited as lead counsel on its IPO, corporate governance and various other corporate transactions in the fintech space.
  • Advised Sculptor Capital, a multibillion-dollar global asset company, on various corporate transactions for its entities, cross-border advice and regulatory obligations.

Cayman Islands > Investment funds Tier 4

With its boutique investment funds, corporate, fintech, litigation and regulatory offering, Stuarts Humphries is well placed to handle mandates at the intersection of these various areas of specialism; recently, the team has been actively involved with the registration of funds for blockchain, STOs, DAOs and cryptocurrencies. Chris Humphries is the key senior contact, and is ably supported by Jonathan McLean and Megan Wright.

Practice head(s):

Chris Humphries

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan McLean; Megan Wright

Testimonials

‘Very responsive and lots of experience forming Cayman funds.’

‘Chris Humphries is an encyclopedia of Cayman funds rules. Super knowledgeable. Very responsive.’

‘Service and responsiveness, particularly from Chris Humphries.’

Key clients

Ampleforth Fund

Blue Sky Capital

Cope Corrales C4M SPC

Meow Technologies USDI Financial

VT Carbon Feeder Fund

Black Pearl Capital Partners

ChainLink Luna

Mariner

Guggenheim Investments

Vikara Capital Fund

Work highlights

  • Advising Meow Technologies on the establishment of its crypto exchange.
  • Advising Blue Sky Capital, a global quantitative investment manager, on a range of investment fund transactions in the crypto field.
  • Advising Mariner Investment Group on a range of fund transactions.

Cayman Islands > Real estate Tier 4

Stuarts Humphries routinely advises leading banks, real estate developers, brokers and agencies on the lease, purchase, sale and development of commercial and residential properties in Cayman. Head of the team Buck Grizzel specialises in matters involving hotels, large commercial buildings and multi-unit residential developments, while Jonathan McLean is noted for his expertise in residential and commercial property finance matters and lease agreements.

Practice head(s):

Buck Grizzel

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan McLean

Key clients

Silver Thatch Heights Ltd.

International Investment Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised as local counsel  for a global real estate investment company – International Investment Partners – on various corporate transactions in Web3.
  • Advised as local counsel on a number of commercial real estate transactions for Silver Thatch Heights Ltd.

Stuarts Humphries > Firm Profile

Founded in 2002 by several leading attorneys in the Cayman Islands, Stuarts Humphries is a client orientated firm offering a full range of corporate, commercial and litigation advice from our attorneys who have a wide range of experience in international transactions gained over many years.</p><p>Our attorneys have a proven track record in advising leading international law firms, insurance and reinsurance companies, banks, investment companies, trust companies, high-net-worth individuals and court appointed receivers in relation to capital markets and structured finance transactions, corporate and commercial law, insurance, investment funds, banking, insolvency, and corporate recovery. Other specialisations include marine, shipping, real estate and trusts.</p><p>The firm also has a strong litigation department with extensive expertise in business, financial and personal litigation with strong practice areas in civil litigation, criminal law/fraud and white collar crime, arbitration, [and] regulatory matters and liquidations.</p><p>The firm provides a full range of specialised fiduciary services through its affiliate, Stuarts Corporate Services Ltd.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate & Investment Funds Chris Humphries chris.humphries@stuartslaw.com +1 345-814-7911
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Richard Annette richard.annette@stuartslaw.com +1 345-814-7920
Corporate & Investment Funds Jonathan McLean jon.mclean@stuartslaw.com +1 345-814-7930
Immigration & Local Business Buck Grizzel buck.grizzel@stuartslaw.com +1 345-814-7919
Corporate Megan Wright megan.wright@stuartslaw.com +1 345 814-7904

Lawyer Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Richard Annette photo Mr Richard Annette Richard is a Partner and Head of Litigation at Stuarts Humphries with… View Profile
Buck Grizzel photo Mr Buck Grizzel Buck is Head of Local Legal Services, with over fifteen years specialist… View Profile
Andrew Hersant photo Mr Andrew Hersant Andrew Hersant is Of Counsel at Stuarts Humphries. Andrew’s practice areas include… View Profile
Chris Humphries photo Mr Chris Humphries Chris is the Managing Director and Head of Funds at Stuarts Humphries;… View Profile
Jonathan McLean photo Mr Jonathan McLean Jon is a Partner and Head of the Banking and Regulatory Practice Groups at Stuarts… View Profile
Adam Russell-Knee photo Mr Adam Russell-Knee Adam is a Senior Associate with 10 years’ PQE. He is a… View Profile
Megan Wright photo Ms Megan Wright Megan is a Partner and Head of the Corporate Practice Group at… View Profile

Languages

English
Spanish
French

Interviews

Chris Humphries, Managing Director

Managing Director Chris Humphries explains what sets Stuarts apart from its competitors and how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Stuarts Humphries from your competitors?

Stuarts has become recognised for its Cayman law expertise, pragmatism, responsiveness and client service within the investment funds, corporate and digital assets legal market .  As an independent boutique law firm, we are able to provide clients with efficient, timely responses and deep local knowledge of Cayman’s evolving legal landscape. With over 20 years’ experience in funds, corporate, and digital assets law in the Cayman Islands, our team of award-winning lawyers provide custom, expert advice to clients from around the world. We pride ourselves on customer excellence, value and proficiency and are recognised as a trusted name in the investment funds, corporate and digital assets practice areas. I am proud to have been recognised as one of the top four leading lawyers in investment funds in the Cayman Islands, having registered close to 1,000 funds. There are few lawyers who can offer this breadth of expertise and I ensure that I play an active part in all new and ongoing fund structures. 

Our Investment Funds Team, which includes recognised leaders in their field, provides offshore legal advice to both investment funds and investment fund managers. We have a very well-established practice in this area and have a full regulatory and compliance support team in place. Offering regulatory and compliance advice is a critical part of ensuring the continued operations of a business and of ensuring a new establishment gets set up as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The funds, corporate and digital assets teams together offer over 70 years’ combined experience in Cayman offshore law, with many hundreds of funds successfully registered, operated, and liquidated. Alongside myself as Managing Director, we have Jonathan McLean (Partner and Head of Banking & Regulator), Megan Wright (Partner and Head of Corporate) and Joseph Bates (Associate) – all of whom are notable practitioners in their respective practice areas. Richard Annette (Partner & Head of Litigation) fulfills a very valuable role in supporting the Funds team and handles all investment fund-related litigation, including restructuring, liquidations, and the winding down of funds.. The fund litigation team also includes Adam Russell-Knee (Senior Associate).

Our deep knowledge of Cayman Islands law, ease of access to Partners,  responsiveness and experience sets Stuarts apart. We are deeply committed to our clients’ needs and constantly stay abreast of new and developing laws in the Cayman Islands to best serve our clients’ expanding requirements.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We have seen sustained growth in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space and anticipate this practice area will continue to grow as the regulatory landscape of on-shore jurisdictions, such as the US, become increasingly complex. As technology evolves and continues to challenge traditional ways of doing business, we are starting to see major firms implement blockchain technology into their business models across a wide range of industries. More events and online payment platforms are accepting cryptocurrency as an acceptable form of payment which will further change the landscape and drive the growing demand within the fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency space.

Over the past six years Stuarts has established itself as a leader in the fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency space. We have formed many crypto funds for clients based all over the world, as well as establishing hundreds of initial coin offering entities. In doing so, the firm has produced innovative solutions for a new market. In this fast-moving industry the responsiveness of the firm and jurisdiction have been crucial.

In 2021 we saw the introduction of phase 1 of the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act which implemented a regulatory regime for the registration of virtual asset service providers. Having advised on, and obtained some, of the first registrations under the new regulatory regime, our firm is intimately positioned with the necessary experience and know-how to assist clients in navigating the new regime successfully.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

At Stuarts, we have increased VoIP and video conference capabilities to facilitate better communication and relationships with clients and customers, especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic and to accommodate the changing hybrid work environment globally. These capabilities also provide increased accessibility to our lawyers and flexible timeframes which are especially beneficial to our international clients.

Stuarts has also implemented a World Class Responsiveness initiative that all staff follow in order to allow for efficient communication and good time management skills with clients. This involves increasing response rates for all forms of client and customer communication (calls, emails, instant messages, social media, etc.).  We have an organised system that works for our matters, clients and staff, and are proud of the success and progress this initiative has brought about in both client satisfaction and work-efficiency. World Class Responsiveness is not just a motto for our firm, it is a deeply embedded culture.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology is certainly changing the way we interact with clients at Stuarts. Our new VoIP and video conferencing policy allows us to be more flexible and interactive with clients and software such as DocuSign allows us to increase response times and meet deadlines more effectively. We find that most of our international clients prefer video conference calls and the comfort of being able to work from home or while they are on the go.

We have also availed of video conferencing to provide legal updates and compliance training to our clients which has improved communication and customer relationships.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

Stuarts adds consistent value by establishing collective investment schemes that allows clients to raise the capital needed, operate at a profit, and adhere to the regulatory and compliance requirements of the Cayman Islands. Our proven track record in advising leading international Law Firms, Investment Managers, Investment Companies and High-Net-Worth individuals is a result of the deep understanding of our markets and the expertise of our team members.

Our Fintech team at Stuarts also adds significant value to clients within the digital assets space by providing clients with ready-to-go template policies and procedures necessary for virtual asset service providers who are regulated in the Cayman Islands. This reduces the start-up costs for digital asset businesses in the Cayman Islands by freeing up time that would otherwise be spent drafting and adopting several policies and procedures, allowing founders and investors to concentrate on the digital issues they are passionate about solving.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients look for stability and strategic direction from us and practical solutions to their circumstances. They want to know they are in good hands and are being given the most expert and up-to-date advice and guidance on what are often complex cross-jurisdictional legal and regulatory matters.

We see Stuarts growing and continuing to be a leader in the investment fund and corporate law space in the Cayman Islands and continuing to be at the forefront of leading-edge legislation in the Fintech, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology space.

Interviews

Chris Humphries, Managing Director

Managing Director Chris Humphries explains what sets Stuarts apart from its competitors and how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs.

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate [STUARTS HUMPHRIES] from your competitors?

Stuarts has become recognised for its Cayman law expertise, pragmatism, responsiveness and client service within the investment funds, corporate and digital assets legal market .  As an independent boutique law firm, we are able to provide clients with efficient, timely responses and deep local knowledge of Cayman’s evolving legal landscape. With over 20 years’ experience in funds, corporate, and digital assets law in the Cayman Islands, our team of award-winning lawyers provide custom, expert advice to clients from around the world. We pride ourselves on customer excellence, value and proficiency and are recognised as a trusted name in the investment funds, corporate and digital assets practice areas. I am proud to have been recognised as one of the top four leading lawyers in investment funds in the Cayman Islands, having registered close to 1,000 funds. There are few lawyers who can offer this breadth of expertise and I ensure that I play an active part in all new and ongoing fund structures.

Our Investment Funds Team, which includes recognised leaders in their field, provides offshore legal advice to both investment funds and investment fund managers. We have a very well-established practice in this area and have a full regulatory and compliance support team in place. Offering regulatory and compliance advice is a critical part of ensuring the continued operations of a business and of ensuring a new establishment gets set up as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The funds, corporate and digital assets teams together offer over 70 years’ combined experience in Cayman offshore law, with many hundreds of funds successfully registered, operated, and liquidated. Alongside myself as Managing Director, we have Jonathan McLean (Partner and Head of Banking & Regulator), Megan Wright (Partner and Head of Corporate) and Joseph Bates (Associate) – all of whom are notable practitioners in their respective practice areas. Richard Annette (Partner & Head of Litigation) fulfills a very valuable role in supporting the Funds team and handles all investment fund-related litigation, including restructuring, liquidations, and the winding down of funds.. The fund litigation team also includes Adam Russell-Knee (Senior Associate).

Our deep knowledge of Cayman Islands law, ease of access to Partners,  responsiveness and experience sets Stuarts apart. We are deeply committed to our clients’ needs and constantly stay abreast of new and developing laws in the Cayman Islands to best serve our clients’ expanding requirements.

 

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We have seen sustained growth in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space and anticipate this practice area will continue to grow as the regulatory landscape of on-shore jurisdictions, such as the US, become increasingly complex. As technology evolves and continues to challenge traditional ways of doing business, we are starting to see major firms implement blockchain technology into their business models across a wide range of industries. More events and online payment platforms are accepting cryptocurrency as an acceptable form of payment which will further change the landscape and drive the growing demand within the fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency space.

Over the past six years Stuarts has established itself as a leader in the fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency space. We have formed many crypto funds for clients based all over the world, as well as establishing hundreds of initial coin offering entities. In doing so, the firm has produced innovative solutions for a new market. In this fast-moving industry the responsiveness of the firm and jurisdiction have been crucial.

In 2021 we saw the introduction of phase 1 of the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act which implemented a regulatory regime for the registration of virtual asset service providers. Having advised on, and obtained some, of the first registrations under the new regulatory regime, our firm is intimately positioned with the necessary experience and know-how to assist clients in navigating the new regime successfully.

 

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

At Stuarts, we have increased VoIP and video conference capabilities to facilitate better communication and relationships with clients and customers, especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic and to accommodate the changing hybrid work environment globally. These capabilities also provide increased accessibility to our lawyers and flexible timeframes which are especially beneficial to our international clients.

Stuarts has also implemented a World Class Responsiveness initiative that all staff follow in order to allow for efficient communication and good time management skills with clients. This involves increasing response rates for all forms of client and customer communication (calls, emails, instant messages, social media, etc.).  We have an organised system that works for our matters, clients and staff, and are proud of the success and progress this initiative has brought about in both client satisfaction and work-efficiency. World Class Responsiveness is not just a motto for our firm, it is a deeply embedded culture.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology is certainly changing the way we interact with clients at Stuarts. Our new VoIP and video conferencing policy allows us to be more flexible and interactive with clients and software such as DocuSign allows us to increase response times and meet deadlines more effectively. We find that most of our international clients prefer video conference calls and the comfort of being able to work from home or while they are on the go.

We have also availed of video conferencing to provide legal updates and compliance training to our clients which has improved communication and customer relationships.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

Stuarts adds consistent value by establishing collective investment schemes that allows clients to raise the capital needed, operate at a profit, and adhere to the regulatory and compliance requirements of the Cayman Islands. Our proven track record in advising leading international Law Firms, Investment Managers, Investment Companies and High-Net-Worth individuals is a result of the deep understanding of our markets and the expertise of our team members.

Our Fintech team at Stuarts also adds significant value to clients within the digital assets space by providing clients with ready-to-go template policies and procedures necessary for virtual asset service providers who are regulated in the Cayman Islands. This reduces the start-up costs for digital asset businesses in the Cayman Islands by freeing up time that would otherwise be spent drafting and adopting several policies and procedures, allowing founders and investors to concentrate on the digital issues they are passionate about solving.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients look for stability and strategic direction from us and practical solutions to their circumstances. They want to know they are in good hands and are being given the most expert and up-to-date advice and guidance on what are often complex cross-jurisdictional legal and regulatory matters.

We see Stuarts growing and continuing to be a leader in the investment fund and corporate law space in the Cayman Islands and continuing to be at the forefront of leading-edge legislation in the Fintech, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology space.

Press Releases

Stuarts Promotes New Partners Richard Annette and Aaron Walker

13th February 2018

Stuarts Walker Hersant Humphries, a leading Cayman Islands law firm, is pleased to announce that Richard Annette and Aaron Walker have been promoted as the firm’s newest partners, effective January 2018.