Gavin advises on all aspects of Bermuda commercial and corporate law, specializing in corporate finance and corporate structuring. He has extensive experience in insurance-related matters, including the licensing and ongoing regulatory requirements of insurance companies and insurance intermediaries, as well as mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing and alternative risk financing transactions (including cat bonds, insurance-linked securities and side-cars) involving insurers and insurance groups. In addition, Gavin regularly advises on investment fund matters, Bermuda Stock Exchange listings, segregated accounts, the migration of companies to/from Bermuda, and a wide variety of general and structured finance transactions. Gavin represents a significant number of international insurance companies headquartered, or with substantial operations, in Bermuda providing a full suite of corporate, regulatory and finance advice as well as bespoke training to these clients. Gavin also acts for numerous global financial institutions on finance and regulatory matters. Recognised for his insurance expertise in the most recent edition of Chambers and Partners, Gavin is singled out for his work on insurance-linked securities as well as transactional and regulatory insurance mandates as "very strong" and "responsive". Gavin is also recognised by Legal 500 Caribbean as a "leading individual" in the Insurance/Reinsurance category. Gavin participates regularly at conferences and seminars and provides commentary to international and local media on the Bermuda insurance industry as well as all other aspects of Bermuda law.
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited
Praised for its ‘depth of knowledge,’ the multidisciplinary team at Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited advises on a wide range of high-profile matters encompassing leveraged financings, restructurings, asset issues and bilateral and syndicated lending mandates. Gavin Woods, who has extensive experience in insurance and investment fund matters, co-heads the practice alongside Steven Rees Davies, a renowned specialist in the fintech and digital asset sector, and Matthew Grigg, who advises on all forms of corporate and finance transactions. The firm’s roster of key contacts also includes counsel Charissa Ball, who has particular expertise in corporate reorganisations, redomiciling issues and debt and equity offerings; senior associate Michelle Falcucci, whose focus lies on insurance and investment fund law; and counsel Max Tetlow, who possesses experience in the (re)insurance investment fund, financial services and private equity sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'We use the Carey Olsen Bermuda team as they know their stuff and are very user-friendly.'
‘Depth of knowledge and responsiveness.’
‘CO Bermuda has unique knowledge of Digital Assets regulation and has proven to be a trusted partner for the purposes of our business. CO is clearly the firm to go to in Bermuda and the Caribbean for Digital Asset business and I can recommend them without hesitation.'
‘Specific knowledge of digital asset regulation and business models, challenges and opportunities for the jurisdiction and unique insight in how to present information to the regulator.'
'Direct exposure to relevant but sometimes niche areas of law, e.g. Economic Substance legislation.’
Key clients
- Renaissance Reinsurance
- Hiscox
- Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised RennaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. in connection with its underwritten public offering of $750m aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior notes due 2023.
- Advised Hiscox on its £250m investment grade bond issuance.
- Advised Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited and Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited on Bermuda listing rules and relevant Bermuda Stock Exchange procedures related to an acquisition.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gavin Woods, Steven Rees Davies, Matthew Grigg