Appleby remains one of the go-to firms in fund financing, as well as offering a broad and strong service across structured finance, corporate finance, and the range of adjacent practice areas. The practice is renowned as lenders’ counsel and acts for a host of leading names including multinational banks and financial institutions on some of the most complex matters in the Cayman Islands market. Simon Raftopoulos coordinates the team and is the local corporate group head for the firm, taking a major role in the corporate finance matters. Benjamin Woolf is a further standout name, a leading figure in structured finance in the Cayman Islands. Jacob MacAdam assists across corporate finance, private equity, insurance and regulatory, while the banking and asset finance sub group is led by Caroline Barton. Georgina Pullinger is another in the corporate team with finance law expertise, and Dean Bennett is one of the firm’s go-to partners for transactional matters. Asset finance and subscription finance are the two main pillars of Alexandra Simpson‘s work in this area, and the hire of Maree Martin from Conyers in May 2024 bolstered the support team.

Maples Group remains a stellar choice across the spectrum of work in banking, finance, and capital markets, with a client list that reflects this, being regularly instructed by some of the world’s foremost financial institutions, international banks, and stakeholders involved in major capital markets transactions. Collateralised loan obligations (CLOs) are a particular niche strength for the practice group, especially involving US entities. Tina Meigh is the firm’s global head of finance practice and of its fund finance offering. She has extensive knowledge across fund finance, banking, securities, global derivatives, and securitisations. In his capacity as head of Cayman Islands finance practice, and co-head of the asset finance practice, Jonathon Meloy is the lead contact for a number of high-profile clients, while James Reeve is the name to note for structured finance matters. Sherice Arman co-leads asset finance with Meloy. Anthony Philp is a strong choice for debt capital markets, corporate financing and asset financing, and younger partners Matthew St-Amour (raised to the partnership in January 2024) and Amanda Lazier are examples of the department’s strength in depth at every level. Specialist in repackagings and structured finance transactions Wanda Ebanks is also a key figure.

The multifaceted finance practice at Walkers has a market-leading presence across the spectrum of matters in the Cayman Islands, excelling in matters that range from capital markets and structured financing, to cross-border syndicated, acquisition and project finance. For project finance transactions, hedge fund and private equity financings and financial restructurings, co-head of the department Rob Jackson is one of the most respected advisors on the islands. Alongside him leading the team is James Burch, specialist in debt capital markets and structured finance, is a noted presence in transactional matters. Joanne Ziegler is one of the up-and-coming practitioners in the jurisdiction when it comes to structured finance and debt capital markets, while asset finance, particularly in aviation, is the forte of Sarah Humpleby. Hugh Anderson and Justin Hart are key partners across both finance and corporate work, and Olga Sologub has stood out recently for her advice on SRT transactions. Adeola Adeyemi is building a notable practice in cross-border transactions, and Joe Healey is another name for the future.

Mourant fields a ‘prompt and knowledgeable‘ finance group that has capability across the gamut of matters seen in the Cayman Islands. Major asset managers and investment banks are among those instructing the practice and matters handled include fund financings, matters in leveraged finance, CLOs, securitisations and warehousings. Alexandra Woodcock frequently advises leading finance institutions and private fund sponsors on structuring and executing financial transactions and restructurings. She co-leads the finance group with Catherine Pham, a senior transactional lawyer. Ramesh Maharaj is a noted advisor on private equity matters, restructurings and corporate finance transactions, while for joint venture arrangements and SPACs, Hayden Isbister is a key name. Senior partner Neal Lomax remains the contact at the firm for a number of international banks, and more junior partner Finn Howie specialises in fund finance, leverage finance, structured finance transactions and distressed debt restructuring. Andrew Grant is another younger example of the firm’s strength in depth, and counsel Marianne Wilson is frequently involved.

A broad range of specialisms characterises the offering across banking, finance and capital markets at Ogier, a team that acts in major matters across fund finance, restructuring and insolvency, structured finance, equity and debt capital markets, asset finance, and CSX listings. Its fund finance work stands out for a combined offering between the firm's Cayman and the Luxembourg offices, while another differentiator is the firm's expertise acting for clients based in Latin America. Practice head James Heinicke excels in fund finance matters and is notable for the aforementioned Latin America knowledge, and Mark Santangeli has established himself across the spectrum of finance matters. Bradley Kruger is the corporate law practice head and expert across transactional matters, with Cynthia Anandajayasekeram a further name to note from the corporate team. Tommy Tuohy and Jasjit Grewal both receive client praise for 'exceptional service', and Laura O'Byrne regularly supports the partners.

Campbells' banking, finance and capital markets group works closely with its corporate law group in assisting clients with a variety of matters. Its strengths include corporate reorganisations; equity financing, particularly for tech companies; secured finance for lenders and corporate borrowers; and maritime, aircraft, and other asset finance. Managing partner and head of corporate Alan Craig oversees the group alongside transaction expert Richard Spencer. Edward Rhind draws client praise for his practice acting for banks, lessors, investment funds, family offices and owners on their financing, leasing and registration transactions. Alexandra Clynes is a further key name to note.

A broad range of clients look to Carey Olsen for finance advice, the team’s workload covering acquisition, aviation, fund, and real estate financing. The firm also has an active capital markets offering, and in the fintech space has a notable specialism. Nick Bullmore heads the department, a corporate law expert with robust practices in investment funds and structured finance. Dylan Wiltermuth maintains a strong focus on public company work, private equity, financial services and the energy sector, while Richard Munden is an experience name in asset and fund finance. Alistair Russell, Trevor McCabe and Chris Duncan are further partners to note.

Fund finance, structured finance, insurance finance, and asset finance are the notable strengths of the team at Conyers, which acts for a number of global banks, financial institutions and asset managers. For fund finance, a three partner team of Derek Stenson, Michael O’Connor and Anna-Lise Wisdom are the contacts to note, routinely acting for major US banks. Matthew Stocker, who has a broad transactional practice and is well versed in a variety of financing deals, heads the wider finance department. 'Pro-business and practical' Cora Miller is another with a broad finance offering, and Matthew Harkness is noted for borrower side fund finance work.

Joss Morris heads the financial services team at Bedell Cristin, which advises across real-estate finance, asset finance and general finance matters, including all aspects of related Cayman security. The Cayman-based group acts on transactions across the Middle East, US, the UK, and Asia. Morris is experienced in a wide range of financing arrangements. He is supported by Stephen Nelson, who has broad corporate and regulatory applications expertise.

Collas Crill has a small team in banking and finance that continues to gain a stronger foothold in the market, advising corporates, financial institutions, issuers and sponsors. Its slate of recent work has included both lender and borrower side counsel, islamic finance, fund finance, and refinancings. Natalie Bell leads the fund finance and capital markets sides of the overall group, with Jo Hossack overseeing the banking and general finance offering.

Harneys maintains a strong fund financing offering and has also recently been active in IPOs. Loan and lease financings are further strengths. The department is jointly led by Christopher Hall, who is especially strong in the private equity and hedge funds spaces; and Matt Taber, who maintains a busy transactional practice in the financial services and investment funds industries. Louise Hayward supports on the full range of the groups foremost matters, while Daniella Skotnicki is noted for private funds work.

Stuarts Humphries is well versed in domestic and multi-jurisdictional financial transactions, advising both lenders and borrowers on Cayman Islands counterparty issues. The practice particularly stands out for fintech advice. Jonathan McLean leads the team and his work in this area has a focus on cryptocurrency funds and digital asset-related entities. Managing director of the firm Chris Humphries is another key name to note, with a strong offering in funds and fintech. Head of the corporate team Megan Wright is an experienced advisor to finance sector clients, and Joseph Bates joined at associate level in March 2023.