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
Carey Olsen Bermuda Limited is highly regarded for its 'knowledgeable, responsive, and commercial' advice, offering comprehensive guidance on all facets of the Bermuda insurance industry, with a specific emphasis on company formations, licensing issues and regulatory compliance for insurance companies and intermediaries across various classes and categories. At the helm of the team, Gavin Woods specialises in insurance transactions and regulatory matters with a wealth of experience in insurance company licensings, alternative risk financings, and debt and equity financings. Further key names include Michelle Falcucci, who is a specialist in the licensing and regulation of insurance companies and intermediaries; Max Tetlow, who excels in advising private listed and overseas entities; and Alexander Collis, whose expertise extends to incorporations, M&A, reorganisations and restructurings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very proactive, know the Bermuda insurance market and regulation, and responsive.’
‘Gavin Woods is excellent and one of our "go-to" senior lawyers in Bermuda.’
‘The most important thing to know is that the Carey Olsen Bermuda insurance/reinsurance team hits all of the following in their advice: knowledgeable, responsive, and commercial.’
'Very approachable, personable team, and desire to work on innovative projects.'
'Gavin Woods - very knowledgeable and efficient.'
'Gavin Woods and his team are great to work with. I find them very open and practical, while demonstrating a great knowledge of the matters we are referring to them on. CO are a trusted partner for us, with deep industry knowledge, coupled with a friendly 'can do' attitude.'
'Gavin Woods is my main point of contact. He is a great sounding board and centre of knowledge, always willing to listen and understand our needs, prior to trying to find a solution for them. He is extremely capable, yet pragmatic in his approach.'
Key clients
- RenaissanceRe
- Bermuda Captive Network
- Chard Re Investment Management Ltd
- Hiscox Ltd.
- SiriusPoint
Work highlights
- Advised RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. on its £3bn acquisition of American International Group Inc.'s treaty reinsurance business.
- Advised Hiscox Ltd. on its £250m investment grade bond/note issuance.
- Advised a US life insurance company on establishing a presence in Bermuda, including the incorporation and licensing of a Bermuda captive insurer (Class 2) and a Bermuda life reinsurance company (Class E).
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gavin Woods