Michael Richardson > Maples Group > Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands > Lawyer Profile

Maples Group fields the largest investment funds team in the Cayman Islands and can draw on an enviable wealth of talent whose expertise covers all aspects of the practice area. Per one client, the team is ‘an absolute pleasure to deal with on CIMA issues, fund formation issues, and regulatory issues in the funds space’, and the practice assists the majority of major private equity firms and the largest hedge fund managers. Overseeing the department are Sheryl Dean, who leads advice to a host of the firm’s standout clients in this area; and Michael Richardson, global head of the practice who has extensive experience advising on transactional and restructuring issues relating to offshore investment funds. Julian Ashworth focuses on private equity, hybrid and hedge fund structures and has a strong track record in some of the largest fundraises and significant downstream transactions. Jo Cunningham advises on all aspects of Cayman Islands investment funds and is regularly leads counsel on complex fund and upper tier reorganisations, including for spin outs and succession planning. Private equity and closed ended funds are the focus for Jeremy Bomford, while Gwyneth Rees is one of the key partners for hedge funds. Tim Coak assists emerging and long-standing investment managers with structuring and launching fund products, and Andrew Keast has an impressive, broad practice across the spectrum of investment funds. Alex Howard, Stephen Watler and Lee Davis are among the up-and-coming partners to note.