Conyers
Global Guide 2024
About
Chairman: Christian Luthi (Bermuda Office)
Heads of Offices: Marcello Ausenda (Head of Corporate, Bermuda Office), Helen Cooper (Co-Head of Bermuda Private Client and Trust), Craig MacIntyre (Co-Head of Bermuda Private Client and Trust), Mark Forte (Head of British Virgin Islands Office), Matthew Stocker (Head of Cayman Corporate Practice), Robert Lindley (Head of Cayman & BVI Private Client & Trust), Christopher Bickley (Head of Hong Kong Office), Eric Flaye (Head of London Office) Preetha Pillai (Head of Singapore Office)
Number of partners: 67
Number of lawyers: 144
Languages: Afrikaans, Arabic, Bahasa Malaysia, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Malay, Memoni, Portuguese, Taiwanese, Urdu
Firm Overview:
Founded in 1928, Conyers is an international law firm with a broad client base including FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, international finance houses and asset managers. The firm advises on Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands laws, from offices in those jurisdictions and in the key financial centres of London, Hong Kong and Singapore. The firm’s expertise includes corporate law and finance including investment funds and private equity, equity and debt capital markets, M&A, banking and finance, asset finance including shipping and aircraft finance, insurance and reinsurance, restructuring and workouts, insolvency, the formation of entities including companies and partnerships and corporate governance.
Main Areas of Practice:
- Aviation
- Banking & Finance
- Capital Markets
- Corporate
- Corporate Recovery & Restructuring
- Finance
- Insurance/Reinsurance
- Investment Funds
- Litigation & Restructuring
- M&A
- Private Client & Trust
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Shipping
Insurance & Reinsurance:
The firm’s lawyers act for the majority of Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance companies and are heavily involved in the formation and structuring of new Bermuda insurance companies. They are also integrally involved in the burgeoning Cayman Islands insurance industry, which boasts the second largest domiciliation rate for captives after Bermuda. In addition, they provide insurance advice in the British Virgin Islands, which continues to grow as it shifts in focus to more varied and sophisticated segments of the insurance market. Conyers’ insurance practice is complemented by experienced corporate, trust and litigation lawyers, and its litigators regularly provide expert advice in substantial insurance and reinsurance litigation.
Funds:
The funds team provides advice on fund structures (including Shari’a-compliant funds) and asset classes including hedge funds, private equity funds and property and infrastructure funds. The team advises asset managers and investors on fund formation and structuring (including constitutional and contractual documentation) and assists with incorporation, registered office and secretarial services, regulation and compliance, as well as restructuring, liquidation, insolvency and winding up of funds.
M&A & Joint Venture:
Conyers’ M&A and joint venture practice group advises on significant offshore transactions and financing matters. Conyers is the market leader for offshore IPOs, advising clients listing on all major exchanges. Lawyers provide specialist advice on all stages of the listing process from pre-IPO restructuring, formation of the listing vehicle and listing day.
Aviation Finance & Shipping:
The firm’s lawyers are at the forefront of offshore airfinance and shipping, representing airlines, leasing companies, shipowners, credit agencies, banks and lenders on cross-border transactions.
Litigation & Restructuring:
Conyers’ litigators appear in leading decisions before the courts and in global, multi-billion dollar disputes. Insolvency and restructuring experience includes corporate bankruptcy, reorganisations and liquidations
Private Client:
Specialising in contentious and non-contentious work, the private client team’s experience includes creation and reorganisation of trusts and corporate structures for preservation of client capital and succession planning of ownership structures for family businesses. Trust litigators support the team in substantial trust litigation, acting for trustees, protectors and beneficiaries.
Client Services:
Conyers also provides a wide range of corporate administration, secretarial, trust, compliance, governance and company management services, and works in partnership with international clients, financial institutions, investment funds, high-net-worth individuals and others.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Conyers
- HamiltonPO Box HM 666, Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda, HM CX
- Web: www.conyers.com
- Tel: +1 441 295 1422
- Fax: +1 441 292 4720
- View ranked office
- TortolaPO Box 3140 Wickhams Cay 1 Road Town , Tortola, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110View ranked office
- Grand CaymanSIX 2nd Floor, Cricket Square 171 Elgin Avenue KY1-111, Grand Cayman, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, PO Box 2681View ranked office
- Hong Kong29th Floor One Exchange Square 8 Connaught Place Central , Hong Kong, Hong Kong, ChinaView ranked office
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Conyers
Conyers rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
47 items provided by Conyers
What’s “the matter”? The UK Supreme Court’s decision on the scope of arbitration clauses
The UK Supreme Court in a recent decision has clarified the approach to be taken in determining when a matter ought to be referred to arbitration under an arbitration clause, and when such a matter falls outside of an arbitration clause.
Conyers Partner Jonathon Milne Recognised as Fellow of INSOL International
Conyers is pleased to announce that Jonathon Milne, Partner in the Litigation and Restructuring department of the Cayman Islands office, completed the rigorous Global Insolvency Practice Course and is now recognised as a Fellow of INSOL International.
Conyers Client Services Appoints Travers as Senior Vice President in Cayman
Conyers is pleased to announce the appointment of Jarladth Travers as Senior Vice President and Head of Conyers Fiduciary (Cayman) Limited.
Senior Attorneys Called to the bar of the Cayman Islands
Conyers Dill & Pearman congratulates Alan Dickson and Cora Miller on their call to the bar of the Cayman Islands.
BVI Approved Manager Regime – Streamlined for Success
The British Virgin Islands is recognised as a well-established and innovative fund domicile, ideally suited to attract new or start-up investment fund managers.
Conyers celebrates 90th anniversary
Conyers Dill & Pearman celebrates 90 years in business on 1 November.
Calm After the Storm - BVI Gets Back to Business
There are many hurdles cross-border high-value litigation throws up before a seasoned lawyer but 200mph winds, razed infrastructure and departmental displacement are not ordinarily among them.
Elkinson to lead International Arbitration course in Oxford
Jeffrey Elkinson, a Director in Conyers Dill & Pearman’s Litigation & Restructuring department, has been asked to lead an International Arbitration course for 24 judges and lawyers from around the world, to be held at Queen’s College, Oxford from 16-24 September.
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and ICOs: An Offshore Lawyer’s Perspective
Chris Page and Peter Ch’ng of Conyers Dill & Pearman Hong Kong discuss the brave new world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and ICOs: the opportunities and challenges they present, and the benefits of establishing issuers offshore.
Conyers strengthens Cayman corporate practice with senior partner move
Conyers Dill & Pearman Director Alan Dickson, who has led the Singapore office for the past five years, has moved to the Cayman Islands office.
BVI Incubator and Approved Funds
Cementing its reputation as the offshore jurisdiction of choice for new managers and start-up funds, the British Virgin Islands’ innovative Incubator and Approved Fund products continue to grow in popularity.
Conyers advises Seadrill on Emergence from Chapter 11
Seadrill Limited, one of the world’s largest offshore drilling companies, announced on 2 July 2018 that it had emerged from chapter 11 bankruptcy, after successfully completing its plan of reorganisation (the "Plan").
Bermuda ICO Legislation & Regulations Take Effect
The Companies and Limited Liability Company (Initial Coin Offering) Amendment Act, 2018 (the “ICO Act”), which amends both the Bermuda companies and limited liability company legislation, came into force on 9 July 2018, providing a framework for the regulation of initial coin offerings in Bermuda.
The BVI Extends Visa Exemption to PRC Nationals
The British Virgin Islands ("BVI") Government has enacted a measure which exempts nationals of the People’s Republic of China from the need to apply for a visa to visit the BVI for up to six months for business or tourism purposes.
Conyers Congratulates Joan Bolton on Call to Bar
Conyers Dill & Pearman congratulates Joan Bolton on her call to the bar of the Cayman Islands, and her appointment as Senior Supervisor of Conyers Trust Company.
The Privy Council Exercises its Leverage to Dismiss the Appeal in: Al Sadik -v- Investcorp Bank BSC
On 18 June 2018, the long running case of Al Sadik -v- Investcorp Bank BSC and others reached its conclusion in the Privy Council.
Cayman Islands AEOI Portal Update - 2018
The statutory deadline for filing CRS and US FATCA reports for the 2017 year of account was 31 May 2018. Notwithstanding this statutory deadline, the Department for International Tax Cooperation (the “DITC”) has issued an industry advisory.
Bermuda’s New Privacy Legislation: Are You Prepared?
Bermuda has introduced the Personal Information Protection Act, 2016 (“PIPA”) to regulate the use of personal information by organisations.
Long Live Bermuda Trusts – Dis-applying the Rule Against Perpetuities
Bermuda’s Chief Justice (Kawaley CJ) has provided additional guidance under the Bermuda Perpetuities and Accumulations Amendment Act, 2015 (the “2015 Act”)
The Cayman Islands Welcomes Third Party Litigation Funders
Third party litigation funders, once seen as “strangers to litigation”, have recently been welcomed with open arms by the Grand Court.
Limited Partnership Act (British Virgin Islands) Enacted
We are pleased to announce the enactment of the new Limited Partnership Act (British Virgin Islands) (“LPA”). The LPA represents the culmination of the efforts of fourteen (14) lawyers from eight (8) British Virgin Islands law firms to create a state of the art limited partnership act.
The Grand Court Follows the Usual Course in an Unusual Liquidation
In the matter of Pacific Harbor Asia Fund I, Ltd (In Official Liquidation) (the “Company”) the Grand Court appointed joint official liquidators (“JOL”) from different firms due to the differing opinions of various stakeholders as to the identity of the liquidators.
There is a Right to Privacy – Even in the Offshore World
The Supreme Court of Bermuda (Kawaley CJ) handed down a decision revisiting the existing practice of hearing applications to restructure Bermuda law trusts in private when appropriate.
Privy Council Clarifies the Old Law (1989-2011 position) Regarding Section 37 Redemptions
In late 2008, RMF Market Neutral Strategies (Master) Limited (“RMF”) sought to cash in its investments in DD Growth Premium 2X Fund (In Official Liquidation) (the “Company”), a feeder fund incorporated in the Cayman Islands, by exercising its right to have its shares in the Company redeemed.
Conyers Dill & Pearman is pleased to announce that Christian Luthi has been elected as Chairman of the firm, effective 20 November 2017. He will succeed Narinder Hargun and David Lamb who have been Co-Chairmen since 2012.
Conyers Dill & Pearman (“Conyers”) has successfully incorporated The Conyers Dill & Pearman Foundation, being one of the first Cayman Foundation Companies to be established and incorporated under the Foundation Companies Law (“the Law”), which came into force on 18 October 2017.
Cayman Islands Regulatory Update
The Cayman Islands has recently seen the passing of a number of laws to improve the Island’s regulatory framework in support of the international financial system’s integrity.
Conyers advises Sky Aviation on its US$780.8 million aircraft securitization
Conyers acted as Bermuda counsel to Sky Aviation Leasing International Limited (“Sky”), as servicer and S-JETS 2017-1 Limited (“S-JETS”) a Bermuda company, as issuer in connection with Sky’s US$780.8 million debut asset‐backed securities (ABS) deal.
A Matter of Class: Determining Creditor Classes in a Scheme of Arrangement
When a scheme of arrangement involving compromise or arrangement is proposed between a company and its creditors under Section 86 of the Companies Law, the Court will consider whether it is appropriate to convene one or more meetings of creditors.
Conyers Maintains Band 1 Ranking for Offshore Trusts
Conyers Dill & Pearman’s Bermuda and Cayman Islands Private Client & Trust practices have retained Band 1 ranking in Chambers & Partners’ High Net Worth Guide. Conyers remains the only offshore firm ranked Band 1 in both regions.
What’s “the matter”? The UK Supreme Court’s decision on the scope of arbitration clauses
The UK Supreme Court in a recent decision has clarified the approach to be taken in determining when a matter ought to be referred to arbitration under an arbitration clause, and when such a matter falls outside of an arbitration clause.
Conyers Partner Jonathon Milne Recognised as Fellow of INSOL International
Conyers is pleased to announce that Jonathon Milne, Partner in the Litigation and Restructuring department of the Cayman Islands office, completed the rigorous Global Insolvency Practice Course and is now recognised as a Fellow of INSOL International.
Conyers Client Services Appoints Travers as Senior Vice President in Cayman
Conyers is pleased to announce the appointment of Jarladth Travers as Senior Vice President and Head of Conyers Fiduciary (Cayman) Limited.
Senior Attorneys Called to the bar of the Cayman Islands
Conyers Dill & Pearman congratulates Alan Dickson and Cora Miller on their call to the bar of the Cayman Islands.
BVI Approved Manager Regime – Streamlined for Success
The British Virgin Islands is recognised as a well-established and innovative fund domicile, ideally suited to attract new or start-up investment fund managers.
Conyers celebrates 90th anniversary
Conyers Dill & Pearman celebrates 90 years in business on 1 November.
Calm After the Storm - BVI Gets Back to Business
There are many hurdles cross-border high-value litigation throws up before a seasoned lawyer but 200mph winds, razed infrastructure and departmental displacement are not ordinarily among them.
Elkinson to lead International Arbitration course in Oxford
Jeffrey Elkinson, a Director in Conyers Dill & Pearman’s Litigation & Restructuring department, has been asked to lead an International Arbitration course for 24 judges and lawyers from around the world, to be held at Queen’s College, Oxford from 16-24 September.
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and ICOs: An Offshore Lawyer’s Perspective
Chris Page and Peter Ch’ng of Conyers Dill & Pearman Hong Kong discuss the brave new world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and ICOs: the opportunities and challenges they present, and the benefits of establishing issuers offshore.
Conyers strengthens Cayman corporate practice with senior partner move
Conyers Dill & Pearman Director Alan Dickson, who has led the Singapore office for the past five years, has moved to the Cayman Islands office.
BVI Incubator and Approved Funds
Cementing its reputation as the offshore jurisdiction of choice for new managers and start-up funds, the British Virgin Islands’ innovative Incubator and Approved Fund products continue to grow in popularity.
Conyers advises Seadrill on Emergence from Chapter 11
Seadrill Limited, one of the world’s largest offshore drilling companies, announced on 2 July 2018 that it had emerged from chapter 11 bankruptcy, after successfully completing its plan of reorganisation (the "Plan").
Bermuda ICO Legislation & Regulations Take Effect
The Companies and Limited Liability Company (Initial Coin Offering) Amendment Act, 2018 (the “ICO Act”), which amends both the Bermuda companies and limited liability company legislation, came into force on 9 July 2018, providing a framework for the regulation of initial coin offerings in Bermuda.
The BVI Extends Visa Exemption to PRC Nationals
The British Virgin Islands ("BVI") Government has enacted a measure which exempts nationals of the People’s Republic of China from the need to apply for a visa to visit the BVI for up to six months for business or tourism purposes.
Conyers Congratulates Joan Bolton on Call to Bar
Conyers Dill & Pearman congratulates Joan Bolton on her call to the bar of the Cayman Islands, and her appointment as Senior Supervisor of Conyers Trust Company.
The Privy Council Exercises its Leverage to Dismiss the Appeal in: Al Sadik -v- Investcorp Bank BSC
On 18 June 2018, the long running case of Al Sadik -v- Investcorp Bank BSC and others reached its conclusion in the Privy Council.
Cayman Islands AEOI Portal Update - 2018
The statutory deadline for filing CRS and US FATCA reports for the 2017 year of account was 31 May 2018. Notwithstanding this statutory deadline, the Department for International Tax Cooperation (the “DITC”) has issued an industry advisory.
Bermuda’s New Privacy Legislation: Are You Prepared?
Bermuda has introduced the Personal Information Protection Act, 2016 (“PIPA”) to regulate the use of personal information by organisations.
Long Live Bermuda Trusts – Dis-applying the Rule Against Perpetuities
Bermuda’s Chief Justice (Kawaley CJ) has provided additional guidance under the Bermuda Perpetuities and Accumulations Amendment Act, 2015 (the “2015 Act”)
The Cayman Islands Welcomes Third Party Litigation Funders
Third party litigation funders, once seen as “strangers to litigation”, have recently been welcomed with open arms by the Grand Court.
Limited Partnership Act (British Virgin Islands) Enacted
We are pleased to announce the enactment of the new Limited Partnership Act (British Virgin Islands) (“LPA”). The LPA represents the culmination of the efforts of fourteen (14) lawyers from eight (8) British Virgin Islands law firms to create a state of the art limited partnership act.
The Grand Court Follows the Usual Course in an Unusual Liquidation
In the matter of Pacific Harbor Asia Fund I, Ltd (In Official Liquidation) (the “Company”) the Grand Court appointed joint official liquidators (“JOL”) from different firms due to the differing opinions of various stakeholders as to the identity of the liquidators.
There is a Right to Privacy – Even in the Offshore World
The Supreme Court of Bermuda (Kawaley CJ) handed down a decision revisiting the existing practice of hearing applications to restructure Bermuda law trusts in private when appropriate.
Privy Council Clarifies the Old Law (1989-2011 position) Regarding Section 37 Redemptions
In late 2008, RMF Market Neutral Strategies (Master) Limited (“RMF”) sought to cash in its investments in DD Growth Premium 2X Fund (In Official Liquidation) (the “Company”), a feeder fund incorporated in the Cayman Islands, by exercising its right to have its shares in the Company redeemed.
Conyers Dill & Pearman is pleased to announce that Christian Luthi has been elected as Chairman of the firm, effective 20 November 2017. He will succeed Narinder Hargun and David Lamb who have been Co-Chairmen since 2012.
Conyers Dill & Pearman (“Conyers”) has successfully incorporated The Conyers Dill & Pearman Foundation, being one of the first Cayman Foundation Companies to be established and incorporated under the Foundation Companies Law (“the Law”), which came into force on 18 October 2017.
Cayman Islands Regulatory Update
The Cayman Islands has recently seen the passing of a number of laws to improve the Island’s regulatory framework in support of the international financial system’s integrity.
Conyers advises Sky Aviation on its US$780.8 million aircraft securitization
Conyers acted as Bermuda counsel to Sky Aviation Leasing International Limited (“Sky”), as servicer and S-JETS 2017-1 Limited (“S-JETS”) a Bermuda company, as issuer in connection with Sky’s US$780.8 million debut asset‐backed securities (ABS) deal.
A Matter of Class: Determining Creditor Classes in a Scheme of Arrangement
When a scheme of arrangement involving compromise or arrangement is proposed between a company and its creditors under Section 86 of the Companies Law, the Court will consider whether it is appropriate to convene one or more meetings of creditors.
Conyers Maintains Band 1 Ranking for Offshore Trusts
Conyers Dill & Pearman’s Bermuda and Cayman Islands Private Client & Trust practices have retained Band 1 ranking in Chambers & Partners’ High Net Worth Guide. Conyers remains the only offshore firm ranked Band 1 in both regions.