We specialise in complex commercial litigation and are regularly instructed in such matters before the Financial Services Division of the Grand Court and in subsequent appellate proceedings. Our team has particular expertise in high value litigation arising from disputes involving investment funds, with our leading advocate having appeared in the foremost case on the right of an investment fund to suspend redemptions.

Our insolvency and restructuring practice encompasses all aspects of liquidation - from individual bankruptcy to corporate insolvency - and where restructuring is a viable option, we can draw upon the knowledge and know-how of having acted for the second largest stakeholder in a Scheme of Arrangement following the liquidation of 22 Cayman Islands hedge funds and the identification of a total estate valued at approximately US$735 million.

We also have a proven track record when insurance and reinsurance become contentious.  In this regard, our broad experience ranges from advising leading regulated insurance managers in disputes involving captive insurance and reinsurance structures, to shepherding local insurance companies and property managers through their policy related rights and obligations following professional indemnity and natural disaster claims.

Through our non-contentious commercial practice, we promote the Cayman Islands as a venue for inward investment.  Working hand-in-glove with our clients and in partnership with the Government, substantial developments have been realised and major infrastructure projects advanced with the assistance of our counsel and strategic advice.

Our regulatory work across the financial services industry takes in banking, trusts, corporate services, securities and investment businesses, insurance, investment funds and pensions.  As Regulatory Counsel to leading stakeholders in the financial services industry, we provide strategic advice and guidance on regulatory issues consequent on an increasingly complex legislative framework.

We also specifically advise on the regulatory and AML implications for investment funds, SIBL regulated and exempted entities, and SPVs and liaise frequently with the regulator and relevant industry associations on these areas.  We work with highly experienced, registered governance professionals and can arrange for their appointment to your entity and can also assist with the creation of a physical presence in the Cayman Islands.

While financial services generate a large component of our regulatory work, we provide advice to other sectors of the Cayman Islands economy, including aviation, telecommunications, energy and other utilities, where our regulatory expertise and thought leadership are in increasing demand.

We have established working relationships with regulators across the jurisdiction, built up over time, which assist us in presenting our clients with practical legal and operational solutions to their various regulatory challenges.  With a strong background in the prosecution and defence of regulatory and serious criminal cases, we are also able to provide our clients with a unique perspective that informs our advice on regulatory investigations and, where necessary, enforcement actions.

We work closely with high net worth and ultra-high individuals and families to develop bespoke solutions for wealth management and have particular experience in supporting family-owned businesses in their succession planning. Our practical knowledge of the respective benefits of the full range of international trust vehicles, enables us to guide our clients on how best to structure and manage their assets both in the immediate term and for future generations. 

We also have expertise in resolving contentious trust matters and estate disputes, where our clients range from wealthy individuals with assets in multiple jurisdictions to locally resident families with long-standing issues relating to land inheritance.

For clients looking to relocate and invest in the Cayman Islands, our team can guide you through all the local licensing and immigration needs.  Whether you are starting a business in Cayman’s technology orientated Special Economic Zone or simply looking to retire and reap the rewards of your hard work, we can help you to enjoy all the benefits of living and working in the Cayman Islands.

Our innovative sports, media and entertainment practice draws upon our expertise in international commercial law, licensing, marketing and intellectual property law to assist clients with:

• Agency representation for artists, coaches, models and players globally
• All derivative endorsements, licensing, marketing and sponsorship contracts
• Representation in litigation, arbitrations and collective bargaining cases
• Purchasing sports teams and sports infrastructure
• Financing the purchase and expansion of sports and entertainment venues
• Joint ventures between sports entities, media and technology companies
• Sports sponsorships, including venue partnerships, event contracts, broadcast programming, and venue-naming rights

The world of sports, media and entertainment has become a global business and our international experience, cross-cultural awareness and multi-lingual services, all delivered from Cayman’s tax neutral jurisdiction, uniquely position Etienne Blake as an offshore leader in these growing sectors.