Conyers acts on some of the most significant and complex transactions in the BVI market, being counsel of choice to a host of international clients renowned in their respective industries. Sectors of strength include technology, engineering, telecoms, energy and healthcare, and the department is adept at the range of work, from M&A and joint ventures to corporate restructurings, market entries, and a range of sector-specific corporate matters. Robert Briant chairs the group, overseeing the scope of corporate and finance matters. Rachael Pape is a key figure and has particular expertise in corporate finance and reorganisations, capital markets, derivatives and securitisations, M&A, and investment funds. A further experienced name to note is Anton Goldstein, well-versed in high-profile transactions.

The long-established BVI corporate law offering at Maples Group is a top choice for corporate advisory issues, M&A, private equity matters, and restructurings. Its client base includes a host of leading public companies and private equity houses, and the practice collaborates closely with related areas, both at the BVI office and abroad, to support clients on the full scope of corporate and finance law, including the newest regulatory developments and how they impact transactions. Leadership of the team is shared between Chris Newton, an expert in M&A for US public companies; and Ruairi Bourke, whose M&A experience includes assistance to both private and public companies. Amel Wehden is a regular fixture of the firm’s teams of counsel on major transactions, and Chloe Harris advises on a broad range of corporate and banking and finance transactions.

Appleby can be regarded as a specialist choice for corporate matters in transportation, energy and natural resources, and infrastructure; the practice is well versed in advising on restructurings, M&A, and project financings across the globe. Jeffrey Kirk is the BVI office managing partner and oversees the corporate department. Shana Simmonds advises local and foreign institutional and private clients on a wide variety of commercial and real property matters, and Brittany Cummings is developing a strong corporate practice on the island. Working between the BVI and Jersey, Andrew Jowett draws on over 16 years’ experience practicing BVI law, and David Clark operates from both the BVI and Bermuda, assisting European, US and Asian banks and multinational companies.

The ‘responsive, practical and commercial‘ corporate and M&A offering at Harneys is one of the best recognised firms for global trade involving BVI law and a diverse client base looks to the team for advice on major transactions. The firm also has a specialised SPAC practice. Highly regarded by clients for his pragmatism and collaboration with the rest of the team, George Weston co-leads the department with Philip Graham, who is especially strong on investment funds matters. Key support to the practice heads comes from James Kitching, who is particularly skilled at providing startup tech businesses with structuring and corporate advice. Priya Mattu is a further name to note, especially for M&A, joint ventures and private equity investments.

Ogier has a strong history fielding one of the foremost public M&A and corporate securities in BVI, and has more recently developed strengths in corporate reorganisation and advice to the growing market for technology startups. Following the February 2024 retirement of Ray Wearmouth, the corporate practice group is now solely led by Michael Killourhy, who comes recommended by one client as ‘unrivalled when it comes to BVI corporate, finance, decentralised finance and funds work‘. He is counsel to a number of major multinationals in various industries, and places particular emphasis on equity capital markets and public and private M&A. Experienced corporate finance advisor David Mathews is also a key figure in the team.

Firm of choice for a large array of asset managers, financial services companies and multinational conglomerates, Walkers BVI is active in a range of matters, including public and private acquisitions and disposals; joint ventures and M&A; private placements, corporate restructurings and reorganisations; and schemes of arrangement. At the head of the practice in BVI, Matthew Cowman has over 25 years of experience in international commercial law, recently acting on matters in the crypto assets sphere. Alex Drysdale bolsters the firm’s notable practice for cross-border work involving Latin American entities, and has a focus on corporate transactions. Lauren Williamson is a further name to note, supporting on corporate restructurings and the range of transactions that the firm handles.

Carey Olsen‘s ‘excellent strength on the ground in the BVI’ aids its corporate and commercial law offering to funds, trusts, and financial services institutions, acting in a number of high-value transactions. The office in Tortola collaborates closely with the firm’s international network on cross-border matters. Co-leader of the practice Elizabeth Killeen is recommended for ‘her experience and knowledge of the trust company sector‘ and her specialities include cross-border debt and equity financing, and joint venture arrangements and restructuring. Alongside her at the helm of the practice is experienced name Clinton Hempel, who is well versed in takeovers, joint ventures, M&A and public and private equity transactions. Katrina Lindsay is the standout support to the practice heads.

Acting for an eclectic, international client base, the corporate law team at Collas Crill assists with cross-border transactions, debt restructuring and insolvency, and corporate advisory issues. Practice head Ellie Crespi is a well regarded practitioner across corporate and finance matters in the BVI, and her practice is increasingly strong in regulatory matters and corporate governance. Greg Boyd is also an experienced figure in cross-border transactions, abreast of BVI law and its function in protecting investment. At more junior level, Annabel Bishop is developing solid BVI mergers expertise, recently advising on a number of corporate business combinations and separations.

A number of onshore international law firms look to Mourant‘s team for a range of matter types, including acquisition finance, M&A, regulatory advisory work, and private equity backed corporate matters. Recent work has also encompassed an increase in restructurings, reorganisations, and insolvencies. Ian Montgomery is the primary contact on Tortola and is particularly strong on corporate and finance transactions in the real estate, financial services, energy and technology sectors. He works closely with the firm’s other offshore offices, and in the BVI is supported by Marianne Wilson.