Harneys' BVI-based regulatory practice continues to secure a leading role in advising both regulated and non-regulated entities on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing compliance, financial services regulations, sanctions, data protection work and economic substance issues. The global regulatory and tax team is headed up by Philip Graham, whose focus is on trust company and insurance regulation, and BVI enforcement actions. Joshua Mangeot is noted for advising on BVI economic substance requirements, especially in the banking and technology sectors, while counsel Ayana Hull specialises in licensing, continuing obligations and regulatory and enforcement actions, and leads the BVI regulatory practice. Senior associate Kimberly Seagojo is also highly recommended.

Ogier’s ‘remarkable ability to navigate complex legal matters with finesse’ makes it a standout in the BVI regulatory and compliance market, routinely advising fintech players and high-profile virtual asset service providers on blockchain technologies, initial coin offerings (ICOs) and token issuances. Regulatory advice, investment business licensings, registrations and anti-money laundering compliance work are further core workflows of the practice, which is led Michael Killourhy, who is noted for his ‘proactive and insightful approach’ to regulatory and compliance issues. Head of the funds and regulatory practice Simon Schilder regularly advises on regulatory applications to the BVI Financial Services Commission. while Ray Wearmouth is a seasoned transactional lawyers known for leading complex multi-billion transactions. Praised for his ‘unparalleled grasp of the fintech sector’, managing associate David Mathews is also highly recommended.

Spearheaded by fintech regulation expert Lucy Frew from Cayman, Walkers BVI assists a varied client base across the banking, insurance and reinsurance, and investment sectors on a host of financial regulation and risk management issues, as well as contentious and advisory matters. Data protection, cross-border compliance and risk management specialist Sara Hall is based in London and is known for advising on OECD compliance, while senior counsel Iona Wright, who is the primary contact based in the BVI, is praised by clients for her knowledge of financial services regulatory matters, governance work and corporate transaction regulatory support.

Praised for its ‘exceptional subject matter expertise and experience in digital assets and fund work’, Appleby‘s BVI regulatory team is spearheaded by Jeffrey Kirk and regularly advises clients in the emerging technologies, virtual asset and data management sectors on a host of regulatory issues related to blockchain, cryptocurrencies and digital assets. ‘Blending regulatory knowledge with commercial savvy’, Andrew Jowett divides his time between Jersey and the BVI and advises on securities and investment business, fintech, blockchain, digital asset and crypto mandates and the tokenisation of real world assets, while counsel Stuart Fee‘s broad practice encompasses the regulatory elements of blockchain-based token offerings, DeFi structures and smart contract projects. Shana Simmonds handles regulatory issues relating to corporate transactions, and senior associate Brittany Cummings is another key name for corporate-related regulatory matters.

Carey Olsen continues to provide comprehensive advice to leading trust companies, funds and corporate clients on a range of contentious and non-contentious regulatory and compliance issues spanning virtual asset legislation and economic substance compliance. The team fields experienced practitioners including co-heads Clinton Hempel and Elizabeth Killeen, and acts for a varied client roster of trust companies, financial institutions, public and private businesses, and high-net-worth individuals. Counsel Jude Hodge is well versed in regulatory compliance, economic substance issues and anti-money laundering legislation.

Mourant routinely offers regulatory advice to leading banks, multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals both within and outside the BVI, while also leading high-profile and cross-border contentious regulatory inspections and investigations, and financial crime and disciplinary proceedings. Dual-qualified (BVI and Cayman) Sara Galletly notably concentrates her capabilities on anti-money laundering, beneficial ownership, economic substance, data protection and other evolving regulatory regimes; while finance, corporate and funds head Ian Montgomery is noted for his expertise in regulatory developments impacting funds, corporate structures and regulated entities. Counsel Saraid Taylor’s experience includes handling digital asset launches and providing economic substance advice.