Maples Group > Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands > Firm Profile
Maples Group Offices

PO BOX 309
UGLAND HOUSE, SOUTH CHURCH STREET,GEORGE TOWN
GRAND CAYMAN KY1-1104
Cayman Islands
Maples Group > The Legal 500 Rankings
Cayman Islands > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Singled out for its ‘deep bench of lawyers‘ and ‘involvement with all the major transactions in the jurisdiction‘, Maples Group demonstrates ‘substantial expertise across the broad range of finance and capital markets matters‘; its notable strengths include securitisations, find finance work, asset-based lending issues and capital markets transactions. Fund finance head Tina Meigh (hailed as ‘the best funds finance lawyer in Cayman‘), global finance expert Scott Macdonald (‘who combines deep legal knowledge with a practical, market-based approach‘), structured finance expert Wanda Ebanks, asset finance team co-heads Jonathon Meloy and Sherice Arman, and James Reeve, Anthony Philp and John Dykstra are among the group’s headline names. In recent news, Amanda Lazier and Shari Howell were both promoted to partner in January 2021, a month after Mark Matthews‘ retirement.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Tina Meigh is a fantastic practitioner. Tina is smart, attentive and a strong leader. Tina’s team is a well-trained group who delivers the finest legal advice in the region.’
‘Maples and Calder has substantial expertise across the broad range of finance and capital markets matters on which I regularly work. In Scott Macdonald and Tina Meigh, they have the two best finance lawyers in Cayman right now. I rely on the team’s legal knowledge and market experience, as well as their efficiency, responsiveness and competitive pricing. Their strengths include securitisations (from CLOs to more exotic structures), fund finance, asset-based lending and capital markets.’
‘Scott Macdonald is the best finance lawyer in Cayman in my opinion, who combines deep legal knowledge with a practical, market-based approach. Thorough and competent, a problem-solver focused on getting the deal closed. Great in CLOs, capital markets, resecuritisations, and structured note issuances. Tina Meigh is the best funds finance lawyer in Cayman, with strong derivatives knowledge and a practical approach to deals, distressed funds and general legal advice. Jonathon Meloy is very strong in aircraft securitisation/leasing deals and also quite good in general fund finance and structured finance. Other partners that I’ve worked with – Anthony Philp and James Reeve (both are strong in CLOs and structured finance), and Amanda Lazier (CLOs- she’s great).’
‘Maples is the market leader in Cayman law. Their team is deep, experienced and knowledgeable. They are incredibly responsive and a joy to work with.’
‘Tina Meigh is very dedicated and extremely responsive, including late nights, weekends and short deadlines. The rest of her team follows in her footsteps.’
‘Maples’ strength lies with (1) the depth of the practice and (2) its involvement with all the major transactions in the jurisdiction. This gives the excellent lawyers at the firm an invaluable trove that they effectively deploy to offer the highest quality client services.’
‘Maples has a deep bench of lawyers, and are well known in the market. They are always on top of regulatory developments affecting Cayman Islands issuers, and are always accessible to provide advice in a timely manner. Scott MacDonald has a great handle of CLO market developments and regulatory issues affecting Cayman Island issuers.’
‘Tina Meigh is just absolutely brilliant. She is the smartest person in the room every time – someone knows how to close a deal efficiently and thoughtfully.’
Key clients
Ares Management
Avolon
Bain Capital
Blackstone
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Delta Air Lines
Falko Aviation
Goldman Sachs
Goshawk Aviation
KKR
Octagon
Prudential
Symphony / Nuveen
United Airlines
Work highlights
- Advised Caesars Entertainment, Inc. on its cash acquisition of William Hill PLC.
- Advised United Airlines on its $3.8bn bond offering along with a concurrent $3bn term loan.
- Advised Total Engine Asset Management (TEAM), a joint venture between Marubeni Corp. and ST Engineering, and the issuer group on all Irish and Cayman law aspects of the Sunbird Engine Finance $257m asset-backed securitisation.
Cayman Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 1
The ‘extremely responsive and proactive‘ team at Maples Group routinely advises on the largest and most high-profile corporate and commercial deals involving Cayman entities. Managing partner Matthew Gardner steers the corporate group, which has an enviable track record in multijurisdictional and domestic M&A, share capital issues, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, corporate finance projects, regulatory considerations and corporate governance work, among other general corporate and commercial advisory issues. Notably, the practice also fields a dedicated Latin America group, which is jointly headed up by Kieran Walsh and Simon Firth, both of whom possess wide-ranging corporate practices. Elsewhere within the wider department, Suzanne Correy specialises in the full life-cycle of public company work, from start-up to IPO; Michael Johns takes the lead on many SPAC deals; and Daniel Lee, Shari Seymour and Finn O’Hegarty are all trusted names in the market for high-value corporate and commercial transactions.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are consistently helpful and responsive. Their work product is excellent and very useful. They fully understand the issues and help resolve them (rather than simply raising issues without a potential solution). We have worked together on many transactions and I am always satisfied with the experience.’
‘Stand out attorneys are Matthew Gardner and Michael Johns. Each has proven to be an excellent partner for our transactions.’
‘They are the standard in the Caymans. Very commercial and helpful. My go-to firm.’
‘Extremely responsive and proactive.’
Key clients
Altimar Acquisition Corporation
Fidelity National Financial
Francisco Partners
LCM Asset Management
Katerra
Kohlberg & Company
Noble Corporation
Patria Investments Limited
TPG Pace
Valaris plc
Vitru Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Noble Corporation on its comprehensive financial restructuring whereby its debtor affiliates emerged from Chapter 11 with a new parent company organised under the laws of the Cayman Islands.
- Advised Patria Investments on the Cayman Islands aspects of its $588.4m initial public offering.
- Advised Vitru Limited, a Brazilian distance learning education group company, on the Cayman Islands aspects of its initial public offering of 6m of its newly-issued common shares.
Cayman Islands > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Maples Group is ‘one of the premier litigation teams in the jurisdiction with a richly deserved reputation for acting in the leading cases with distinction‘. Led by Aristos Galatopoulos, whose ‘substantive knowledge and expertise are unparalleled in Cayman‘, the ‘well-resourced and talented team of litigators with real strength in depth‘ flourishes in large-scale insolvency and restructuring matters, fund disputes, shareholder litigation, fraud and asset tracing issues, and maritime disputes. James Eldridge (‘a preeminent litigator and a go-to for restructuring and insolvency matters’) and Caroline Moran (‘one of the top lawyers for restructurings in the Cayman Islands‘) frequently act in high-end, cross-border insolvency and restructurings, as well as other insolvency-related issues, including distressed funds work. Luke Stockdale, consultant Mac Imrie, of counsel Nick Herrod and Adam Huckle, who was promoted to of counsel in January 2021, are other key names. Both Colin McKie QC and former trusts and private client head Morven McMillan retired in November 2020.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Maples and Calder’s dispute resolution team combines the ability to aggressively litigate if needed, with the understanding that a practical solution short of litigation is often the best possible outcome. They are the leading restructuring practice in Cayman; I work closely with them on a variety of matters and in particular value their ability to consult on Cayman law matters arising in bankruptcy/insolvency proceedings in onshore jurisdictions. The lawyers are sophisticated, with a keen understanding of the commercial issues giving rise to a dispute.’
‘Nick Herrod is a good, all-around litigator and adviser to fund and SPV directors; very thorough and hard-working, with the skills to succeed as a partner.’
‘Maples enjoy a long-standing reputation as the largest law firm in Cayman (and one of the oldest). They have a seasoned bench of lawyers and a very large corporate practice. They dominate in size and value in the market. Their lawyers are known for being experienced. If you are looking for strong firepower on a sizeable and contentious matter – this is a firm to go to.’
‘Maples has a well-resourced and talented team of litigators with real strength in depth. They are one of the premier litigation teams in the jurisdiction with a richly deserved reputation for acting in the leading cases with distinction.’
‘The Maples team sets the standard for the Cayman Islands and consistently delivers on complex engagements. Maples always remains focused on the commercial objectives of any matter.’
‘James Eldridge is a preeminent litigator and a go-to for restructuring and insolvency matters. He is always there for his clients and sets the mark for excellence.’
‘One of the deepest and longest established litigation and insolvency teams in the Cayman Islands. Very little this team hasn’t seen. Extremely responsive – turnaround is best in class.‘
‘James Eldridge is an excellent insolvency and restructuring litigator, one of the top in his profession in the Cayman Islands. Passionate and engaged, seeking the right result for his clients. Extremely responsive and pragmatic. Caroline Moran is the consummate professional, one of the top lawyers for restructurings in the Cayman Islands.‘
Key clients
58.com
eHi Car Services Limited
Xiaodu Life Technology Limited
China Biologic Product Holdings Inc
FGL Holdings
Bitauto Holdings Limited
Diamond Offshore Drilling International Limited
Noble Corporation
Valaris
Pacer Construction Holdings Corp
Ascot
Ting Chuan (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp and China CVS (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp
USAVflow a Cayman Islands incorporated SPV securitisation vehicle
Nordic Aviation Capital Designated Activity Company (NAC DAC)
Uphold Ltd. and Dimensions Healthcare LLC (“Dimensions”)
Nhaaj
Work highlights
- Acting for a number of organisations (58.com, eHi Car Services Limited, Xiaodu Life Technology Limited, China Biologic, FGLHoldings (FGL) and Bitauto) in s.238 proceedings.
- Advising the joint voluntary liquidators of the Master Fund – Marble Ridge LP; Marble Ridge Offshore Fund Ltd and Marble Ridge LP and Ascot Fund Limited in a number of distressed fund liquidations.
- Acting for three clients (Ting Chuan (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp and China CVS (Cayman Islands), Uphold Ltd. and Dimensions LLC) in just and equitable winding-up petitions presented by shareholders.
Cayman Islands > Investment funds Tier 1
Noted for its deep bench of funds specialists, the ‘truly best in class‘ fund and investment management team at Maples Group is retained by an eye-catching array of the world’s largest private equity houses and hedge funds. Large-scale fund formations and capitalisations, M&A and downstream transactions are among the key pillars of the practice, which also advises on master-feeder funds, liquid alternatives, credit funds, hybrid funds and unit trusts. Jon Fowler sits as global head of the firm’s fund and investment management team, while Michael Richardson steers the local Cayman group, which features several headline names. Among the most experienced practitioners are Iain McMurdo, Jonathan Green, Jeremy Bomford, Jo Cunningham, Sheryl Dean, Gwyneth Rees, Tim Coak and Julian Ashworth. In July 2021, Lee Davis and Stephen Watler, who are well-versed in high-value funds deals, were promoted to the partnership.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Maples investment funds team is truly best in class – they are quick to respond, easy to deal with, and are true experts in their fields. I always enjoy working with them because I know I will get solid legal advice and will get it quickly. I feel that Maples is the perfect co-counsel as it always feels like we are a team working together towards what is best for our clients.’
‘The team has excellent capabilities and provides impeccable service.’
‘Very strong team – know the alternatives space well and are true professionals. Great with turning around fund legal docs and addressing any issues/concerns.’
‘We often work with Andrew Keast. Andrew is very efficient, to the point, and is always very pleasant to work with.’
‘In my experience, the investment management and funds practice group is among the top with respect to expertise.’
‘The partners, Tim Coak and Christie Walton, have significant experience in the investment funds industry. Both are cognizant of and sensitive to US regulatory requirements applicable to investment managers.’
‘Jeremy Bomford has been an amazing partner in all of the work I have been doing with Maples for over 10 years – he is a pleasure to deal with and is particularly commercial in the advice he gives. Jonathan Green and Julian Ashworth have also been great to work with.’
‘Top funds team in Cayman. Very knowledgeable with excellent technical skills, but marries that with a practical approach.’
Key clients
TPG
Blackstone
BlackRock
Ares Management
Tidal
Goldman Sachs
Morgan Stanley
Sequoia Capital
Silver Lake
XN Y
Alua Capital Management
Global Investment Partners
RMB Capital
Clayton Dubilier & Rice
Constitution Capital Partners
Francisco Partners
GGV Capital
Bessemer Venture Partners
Cayman Islands > Regulatory and compliance Tier 2
Under the leadership of Christopher Capewell , the regulatory and financial services practice at Maples Group is ‘heavily involved at all levels with AIMA, the local regulator and local government‘ displaying capabilities in both non-contentious and contentious regulatory matters. In particular, it has considerable expertise in anti-money laundering regulations, mandatory reporting and information exchange matters, data protection work, the Securities Investment Business Act and economic substance matters, among others. Retained by a plethora of regulated entities including banks, investment managers, trust companies and fund administrators, the department also features Tim Dawson, who sits as a member of various government regulatory working groups, and of counsel Adam Huckle , who is a ‘sanctions specialist‘ who ‘stands out as an up-and-coming litigator‘.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deep (and senior) bench. Heavily involved at all levels with AIMA, the local regulator and local government. #1 in terms of engagement with standard setters locally. Leaders in the industry.’
‘Tim Dawson, Martin Livingston and Pat Head are the go to guys on regulatory matters. In every instance, from Data Protection to new Economic Substance requirements, the team has practical experience and you feel it has seen your problem before and have the solution. Adam Huckle is the best sanctions specialist.’
‘The team combines considerable practical and strategic experience real-world litigation experience. They are also very pleasant to work with, responsive and unfailingly polite.’
‘Adam Huckle stands out as an up-and-coming litigator. Having been involved in more than one piece of litigation in Cayman he is notable for his calm, thoughtful and strategically savvy approach.’
‘They ensure that we are kept appraised of developments in Cayman Islands law and regulatory trends, are very responsive to our and independent director questions, and their teams have engaged well with our teams to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory framework in Cayman.’
Cayman Islands > Trusts/private client Tier 2
Led from London by Ray Davern following the late 2020 retirement of Morven McMillan, the trusts and private client team at Maples Group advises large financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals, families, charities and other trust companies on Cayman private wealth structures. ‘Skilled lawyer‘ and of counsel Maxine Bodden excels in the establishment and administration of Cayman trusts, namely unit trusts, pension and employee benefit trusts, and charitable trusts. Adam Huckle , who was promoted to of counsel in January 2021, provides key support on the contentious side, regularly assisting the trustees and beneficiaries of local trusts on contentious applications to the domestic courts. In November 2020, Colin McKie QC also retired.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Maples Group in the Cayman Islands is a very professional service provider: they provide profound though practical advice and are highly available. They have been our to-go adviser for the last 6 years.’
‘Maxine Bodden provides hands-on advice, has a broad perspective on the client’s needs, and is a skilled lawyer and adviser.’
‘Great time of response and availability. Excellent capability to adapt to client’s requests and needs.’
‘Maxine Bodden has great knowledge and sensibility on private client practice.’
Key clients
United MileagePlus
Cayman Islands > Insurance/reinsurance Tier 3
Maples Group’s insurance team specialises in insurance-related M&A, corporate advisory work and regulatory compliance mandates. Tim Frawley leads the practice, which has experience handling the licensing of insurers, reinsurers, managers and brokers, with a proven record assisting catastrophe bond and other special purpose insurers in particular. The standout name in the firm’s Cayman office for insurance and reinsurance matters is Abraham Thoppil .Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
United Insurance Company
Signature Insurance Company
United SPC
Cayman First Insurance Company Limited
Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited
Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company
Nassau Re (Cayman) Ltd.
Island Heritage Insurance Company, Ltd.
Brac Insurance Associates Ltd.
Magni Re Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Blackstone on the $2.8bn acquisition of AllState’s Life Insurance business.
- Providing ongoing advice to Knighthead Re and most recently provided insurance and corporate advice relating to proposed new initiatives.
- Advising Insurance Managers Association/Cayman Finance on new legislative initiatives for the insurance industry in the Cayman Islands.
Maples Group > Firm Profile
The Maples Group is a leading service provider offering clients a comprehensive range of legal services on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg, and is an independent provider of fiduciary, fund services, regulatory and compliance, and entity formation and management services. The Maples Group distinguishes itself with a client-focused approach, providing solutions tailored to their specific needs. Its global network of lawyers and industry professionals are strategically located in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East to ensure that clients gain immediate access to expert advice and bespoke support, within convenient time zones. For more information, please visit: maples.com.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Funds & Investment Management | Michael Richardson | ||
Corporate | Kieran Walsh | ||
Corporate | Matthew Gardner | ||
Finance | Scott Macdonald | ||
Litigation | Aristos Galatopoulos |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Sherice Arman | Sherice is a partner and head of Shipping of Maples and Calder’s… | View Profile |
![]() | Julian Ashworth | Julian is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Maxine Bodden | Maxine is of counsel in Maples and Calder’s Trusts & Private Client… | View Profile |
![]() | Jeremy Bomford | Jeremy is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Christopher Capewell | Christopher is head of the Maples and Calder Regulatory & Financial Services… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Coak | Tim is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Suzanne Correy | Suzanne is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate and Latin American… | View Profile |
![]() | Jo Cunningham | Jo is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Lee Davis | Lee is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Dawson | Tim is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Regulatory & Financial Services team… | View Profile |
![]() | Sheryl Dean | Sheryl is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Philip Dickinson | Philip is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Grant Dixon | Grant is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | John Dykstra | John is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Wanda Ebanks | Wanda is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | James Eldridge | James is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Firth | Simon is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Mr Jon Fowler | Jon is global head of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Frawley | Tim is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Aristos Galatopoulos | Aristos is global head of the Maples and Calder’s Dispute & Resolution… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Gardner | Matthew is Managing Partner of Maples and Calder, in the Maples Group’s… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Green | Jonathan is the Global Managing Partner of Maples and Calder, the Maples… | View Profile |
![]() | Nick Herrod | Nick is of counsel at Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Shari Howell | Shari is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Adam Huckle | Adam is an associate of Maples and Calder’s Financial Services Regulation and… | View Profile |
![]() | Mac Imrie | Mac is a consultant on Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Johns | Michael is partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the Maples… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew Keast | Andrew is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Fund & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Amanda Lazier | Amanda is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Daniel Lee | Dan is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Scott Macdonald | Scott is global head of Maples and Calder’s Finance team and is… | View Profile |
![]() | Iain McMurdo | Iain is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Tina Meigh | Tina is head of Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the Maples… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathon Meloy | Jonathon is co-head of the Asset Finance practice in the Cayman Islands… | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Moran | Caroline is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Finn O'Hegarty | Finn is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team and the… | View Profile |
![]() | Anthony Philp | Anthony is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Gwyneth Rees | Gwyneth is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | James Reeve | James is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Richardson | Michael is head of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management team… | View Profile |
![]() | Patrick Rosenfeld | Patrick is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Shari Seymour | Shari is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Lukas Shroeter | Lukas is an associate of Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Smith | Paul is an associate of Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Luke Stockdale | Luke is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency team… | View Profile |
![]() | Malachi Sweetman | Malachi is an associate of Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency… | View Profile |
![]() | Abraham Thoppil | Abraham is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
![]() | Kieran Walsh | Kieran is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephen Watler | Stephen is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of Global partners : 127 Number of other Global fee-earners : 226Other
Other offices : Cayman Islands Other offices : Dubai Other offices : Dublin Other offices : Hong Kong Other offices : Jersey Other offices : London Other offices : Luxembourg Other offices : Singapore Contacts : Jonathan Green, Global Managing PartnerLegal Briefings
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