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
With offices in key jurisdictions, the Maples Group is a key player in corporate, commercial, finance, and investment funds, and houses a specialised team advising on an array of issues, spanning asset finance work, banking issues, structured and fund financings, and insurance-linked securities. Global finance head Scott Macdonald is particularly active in CLOs, structured funds and fund derivative products, while finance team lead Tina Meigh is an expert in the fund finance space. Alongside her specialism in repackaging and structured finance transactions, Wanda Ebanks also handles ship and aircraft finance and registration issues, and regularly works with European and Latin American export credit agencies. Both asset finance co-chair Jonathon Meloy and debt capital markets specialist Anthony Philp are noted for their expertise in aircraft financing and corporate finance transactions. James Reeve‘s focus is on structured finance transactions, while head of the CSX-listing practice Amanda Lazier is a specialist in the CLO space.Practice head(s):
Tina Meigh; Scott Macdonald
Other key lawyers:
Jonathon Meloy; Wanda Ebanks; Anthony Philp; James Reeve; Amanda Lazier; Robin Harding
Testimonials
‘Maples is the biggest and the best. They are on top of latest developments.’
‘The Cayman Islands office of Maples continues to be at the forefront of market practices and developments. They are unquestionably most clients’ first choice. The teams are experienced, sophisticated, and understand client needs.’
‘Tina Meigh continues to maintain her stellar reputation with company and financial institution clients. She is responsive, always well informed, and knowledgeable of the marketplace and its trends.’
‘Jonathan Meloy and Anthony Philp are both truly outstanding Cayman lawyers who have a deep understanding of local law.’
‘Very responsive. They work with us extensively to address our needs promptly.’
‘Wanda Ebanks is particularly helpful and a great partner to have on a transaction.’
‘Excellent in depth knowledge, fast speed of response and very personable team.’
‘Robin Harding – Partner – extremely responsive, in-depth knowledge and very effective at summarising the key issues and requirements.’
Key clients
Ares Management
Avolon
Bain Capital
Blackstone
Goldman Sachs
Goshawk Aviation
KKR
Octagon
Prudential
TPG
Work highlights
- Advised TPG Rise Climate Fund in relation to a financing facility associated with its $7.3bn fund.
- Advised KKR/Altavair in relation to its $1.15bn commitment to expand its global portfolio of leased commercial aircraft in partnership with Altavair.
- Advised KoBold Metals in relation to its investment to develop the Mingomba copper mine in Zambia.
Cayman Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 1
As one of the largest groups in the Cayman Islands, Maples Group‘s corporate team advises on a vast range of takeovers, M&A, IPOs, SPACs, joint ventures, regulatory issues and general corporate and commercial advisory matters. Practice chair Matthew Gardner has considerable experience in public and private M&A, financings, IPOs, joint ventures and restructurings, while Suzanne Correy‘s focus is on structured finance, capital markets and investment fund transactions, especially in the Latin American region. The team also houses Daniel Lee, whose focus is on public takeovers and private equity transactions; Shari Seymour and Finn O’Hegarty, who are both noted for their work on joint venture arrangements, IPOs and restructurings; and SPAC expert Michael Johns. Newly promoted partner Kerry Ann Phillips handles restructurings and reorganisations, investment fund structuring, and investments in Latin America.Practice head(s):
Matthew Gardner
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne Correy; Daniel Lee: Shari Seymour; Finn O’Hegarty; Michael Johns; Kerry Ann Phillips; Kieran Walsh
Testimonials
‘Maples team is definitively the best in its class in the Cayman Islands and in BVI. The partners (seniors and more juniors) are extremely engaged with the projects and are very aware of the projects’ developments. Maples stands out when issues arise in the project, as they react fast and efficiently.’
‘Matthew Gardner remains a composed, personable lawyer. From Matthew you get direct, relevant and timely advice and he remains contactable and personable at all times.’
‘I have been working with Maples for many years and I have been always very happy with the level of service received from the team of partner Kieran Walsh. He stands out in his attention to detail and it is a very trustworthy person to work with. His commitment to the clients’ projects is absolute.’
‘Kerry Ann Phillips was the best associate to work with at Maples Cayman, and now as a partner I’m absolutely sure that she will be a fantastic partner, with very precise comments and deep attention to details.’
Key clients
Noble Corporation
Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. IV
Thoma Bravo
TH International Ltd.
Arclight Clean Transition Corp. II
Jefferies Holdings I Limited
Inflection Point Acquisition Corp.
Inversiones Galilea S.A (a subsidiary of Ecomsur Holdings S.A)
O2Micro International Limited
KoBold Metals
TPG
Nordic Aviation Capital
Cayman Islands > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Maples Group‘s team of highly experienced practitioners routinely handles complex cross-border litigation, representing clients in high-profile insolvencies, investment fund disputes, fraud and asset tracing cases, and contentious restructurings. James Eldridge‘s ‘unmatched legal knowledge in both litigation and contentious non-litigation restructurings’ is sought out by financial institutions, investors and insolvency officeholders, while Caroline Moran is a seasoned litigator who regularly advises debtors and key stakeholders in financially distressed circumstances and handles financial services disputes; the pair jointly lead the practice. Luke Stockdale is noted for his expertise in fraud and asset tracing issues, shareholder disputes and arbitration proceedings, while Nick Herrod ‘excels at complex fund and structured finance restructurings’. Quentin Cregan‘s ‘very good tactical judgement’ is evidenced in his work, which has spanned high-profile fund disputes and winding-up proceedings, SPAC disputes, and crypto-related asset seizures. Of counsel Malachi Sweetman and associate Tiana Ritchie are also key players in the insolvency and restructuring area, while Adam Huckle has been active in several notable cross-border restructurings.Practice head(s):
James Eldridge; Caroline Moran
Other key lawyers:
Luke Stockdale; Nick Herrod; Adam Hackle: Quentin Cregan; Malachi Sweetman; Tiana Ritchie
Testimonials
‘The disputes resolution practice as a whole from top to bottom is extremely knowledgeable. The group has strong leaders and impressive up and coming members. Collectively they are one of the best, if not the best, in the Cayman Islands.’
‘James Eldridge – best restructuring lawyer in Cayman. A tenacious bulldog – aggressive and experienced, with unmatched legal knowledge in both litigation and contentious non-litigation restructurings. Works hard to find the best solution for his clients without fighting if possible, but absolutely unafraid to litigate if that’s required to vindicate his client’s interests. James is one of the best.’
‘Caroline Moran – Very knowledgeable. Great communicator.’
‘Malachi Sweetman – Very knowledgeable. Up and coming star.’
‘Nick Herrod – an excellent lawyer, with significant structured finance expertise. Great to work with on the range of restructurings, but really excels at complex fund or structured finance restructurings. Very hard worker and very knowledgeable, both as to the law and the practical commercial issues that arise in every restructuring.’
‘The Maples team has gone from strength to strength in recent years, certainly mixing it with the top boutique BVI outfits now.’
‘Tiana Ritchie stands out as an associate in the group and she is definitely on the “up and coming” list. Very knowledgeable and responsive, works hard and supports the team effectively. We enjoy working with her and think she has a bright future.’
‘Quentin Cregan provides digestible, reasoned and sound advice. Attention to detail is impeccable and knowledge of law and surrounding areas is solid.’
Key clients
China Evergrande Group
Rockley Photonics Holdings Limited
Uphold Ltd
Pioneer Merger Corp.
VPC Impact Acquisition Holdings II
Traded Life Policies Fun
Cowan v Equis Special LP
New Silk Route Advisors LP
Work highlights
- Advised China Evergrande Group as offshore counsel. Engaged to advise on the restructuring of the group.
- Advised Katerra Inc. and its subsidiaries in relation to Cayman Islands law matters in connection with the group’s Chapter 11 proceedings and subsequent plan of liquidation.
- Advised 58.com on all aspects of the s.238 fair value appraisal proceeding arising from its recent privatisation and delisting from the NYSE.
Cayman Islands > Investment funds Tier 1
Maples Group‘s sizeable team offers clients ‘a very deep bench‘ of dedicated specialists. ‘Pre-eminent practitioner‘ Michael Richardson acts as global head of the practice, and has extensive experience advising on transactional and restructuring issues relating to offshore investment funds. Managing partner Jonathan Green specialises in private equity and hedge fund formation; such funds are also the focus of Jeremy Bomford and Lee Davis, who are well versed in assisting with ongoing maintenance work. Stephen Watler is regularly instructed by Asian clients to advise on SPCs and other investment fund structures. Tim Coak and Iain McMurdo are also noted. As an additional strength, the firm is able to provide EU-regulated fund advice from its Irish desk in Cayman.Practice head(s):
Michael Richardson
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Green; Sheryl Dean; Gwyneth Rees; Christie Walton; Grant Dixon; Julian Ashworth; Patrick Rosenfeld; Andrew Keast; Iain McMurdo; Jeremy Bomford; Christina Gordon; Tim Coak; Lee Davis; Stephen Watler; Caroline Heal; Jo Cunningham; Alex Howard; Stef Dimitriou; Ian Kirwan
Testimonials
‘Maples has a very deep bench for all the Cayman assistance we require.’
‘Top-notch team across the board. Commercial, responsive, knowledgeable and experienced. They are always able to deliver the right experts in a timely fashion.’
‘Michael Richardson is a pre-eminent practitioner. Terrific with clients, super commercial and pragmatic.’
‘Caroline Heal is a fantastic lawyer who is excellent at client service and pulling in the right colleagues to help us on whatever matter we are facing.’
‘Jo Cunningham is smart, efficient, technically sound and cares deeply about the client experience and outcome.’
‘By far and away, the strongest law firm in the region for fund formation and related matters.’
‘Alex Howard has developed into an exceptional private funds partner. Alex is very commercial, technically excellent and always available. Also, has a great communication style and either knows the answer or will get it for you right away.’
‘Depth of knowledge and experience and responsiveness. Great client service. Creative when needed.’
Key clients
Clearlake
Brookfield
Blackstone
Advent International
Ares Management Corporate
Bessemer Venture Partners
EagleTree
TPG
Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R)
Arena Investors
The D.E. Shaw Group
I Squared Capital
KoBold Metals
Fortress Investment Group
Grosvenor Capital Management
Citadel
Work highlights
- Advised Blackstone on its first-time growth equity vehicle Blackstone Growth (BXG) Funds.
- Advised Clayton Dubilier & Rice on its successful £7bn bid to acquire Morrisons.
- Advised Ares Management on its IPO.
Cayman Islands > Regulatory and compliance Tier 1
Christopher Capewell leads Maples Group‘s regulatory and financial services practice, which continues to secure a leading position in advising banks, investment funds, trust companies and virtual asset service providers on a range of non-contentious and contentious matters spanning FATCA and CRS advice, anti-money laundering work, sanctions compliance, confidentiality issues and data protection laws. Praised for his ‘exceptional knowledge of the financial services industry’, Martin Livingston‘s expertise includes handling regulatory, licensing, risk management, information disclosure and anti-money laundering matters, while Tim Dawson‘s broad practice encompasses advice on data protection and confidentiality, anti-money laundering work and issues relating to combating terrorist and proliferation financing. Regularly appearing before the Grand Court and Court of Appeal, Adam Huckle specialises in contentious regulatory issues and cross-border conduct of business, anti-corruption and bribery mandates. Patrick Head and Chris Carroll are also highly recommended.Practice head(s):
Christopher Capewell
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A high-quality team that understands the Cayman Island regulations very well. Flexible, accessible and responsive.’
‘Tim Dawson and Chris Carroll are very capable individuals who are practical and good to work with.’
‘The largest and highest powered offshore legal outfit.’
‘Adam Huckle – He is a fabulous litigator: he provides clear instructions, responds swiftly to advice, drafts beautifully and is a great team player.’
‘The Regulatory and Compliance Practice of Maples includes Martin Livingston as a Consultant. Martin has significant regulatory, compliance and financial services knowledge and is exceptional. He is a trusted source of guidance and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Martin Livingston has exceptional knowledge of the financial services industry. All work is delivered extremely promptly, is highly accurate and very commercial.’
‘Maples group is a go-to firm: They excelled in providing the client with first-rate service and were highly responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘Adam Huckle is highly responsive and was able to communicate his expert knowledge and recommendations in a digestible manner. We would highly recommend him.’
Cayman Islands > Insurance/reinsurance Tier 3
Maples Group‘s insurance team offers advice on the full gamut of insurance-related matters, including regulatory compliance work, insurer licensings, capital insurance matters and catastrophe bonds. John Dykstra leads the Cayman practice and routinely advises on catastrophe bond transactions, while Tim Frawley notably focuses on insurance company formations, corporate transactions and regulatory advice, insurance-linked securities, and mortality and longevity risk arrangements. Insurance-linked securities transactions are Joe Jackson‘s key area of expertise in the insurance space.Practice head(s):
John Dykstra
Other key lawyers:
Tim Frawley; Joe Jackson; Hailee Robinson
Testimonials
‘Personable, approachable, very accessible, very knowledgeable, gets the job done.’
‘John Dykstra instills the highest confidence with his expert advice, deep knowledge of Cayman law, and ability to understand issues from the business perspective. He not only efficiently answers my questions, but by understanding the business needs, he also answers the questions I didn’t even know I needed to ask.’
‘Hailee Robinson is a pleasure to work with. She is extremely knowledgeable, diligent, and efficient. She clearly strives to deliver amazing customer service (and she always does).’
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 in respect of Residential Reinsurance 2023 Limited, an insurance-linked securities transaction reinsuring USAA in respect of US hurricanes, earthquakes and other perils.
- Advised the Accelerant Group in respect of the establishment and licensing of Accelerant Re (Cayman) Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempted company licensed as a Class B(iii) reinsurer.
- Advised Everlake Reinsurance Limited, which was created in connection with Blackstone’s acquisition of Allstate’s life insurance business.
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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