With a knowledge described as ‘second to none,’ the team at Walkers provides legal advice on regulatory matters both domestically and overseas, regularly assisting multi-national corporations with complex high-value matters across a range of industries, including the fintech, investment funds and insurance sectors. With a highly diverse client base and a particular focus on digital assets businesses, Natalie Neto co-heads the practice alongside specialist financial regulatory and risk management advisory lawyer, Lucy Frew. Other notable contacts at the firm include ’subject matter expert in this field’ Melanie Fullerton, who regularly advises clients on the evolving regulatory landscape in Bermuda, as well as Nicholas Howard, a senior associate with a focus on both regulatory matters and disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is knowledgeable and personable.’

  • ‘Melanie Fullerton and Sarah Demerling continue to be valued business partners as their knowledge of the regulatory process allows for a smooth licensing of insurance companies.’

  • ‘The responsiveness and knowledge they all bring to the table is second to none, the company never has to chase them for a response and if there are delays anticipated, they reach out and inform us, we do not see this with other legal firms.'

  • ‘We have worked with Melanie Fullerton and team. Melanie is second to none, her client management is fantastic, she responds to emails instantly and when we do contract work to her, she and the team provide us with a realistic timeframe required to complete the work. There is never a requirement to chase for an update and the quality of her work is incredible.’

Key clients

  • Aquarian Holdings LLC
  • Coinbase Global Inc.
  • Jewel LLC

Work highlights

  • Represented Coinbase Global Inc. on its successful Class F digital assets business license under the Digital Asset Business Act 2018 (as amended) from the Bermuda Monetary Authority and was specifically responsible for the AML/ATF compliance framework and legal analysis.
  • Acted as Bermuda legal counsel to Aquarian Holdings on the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Somerset Re, the Bermuda based reinsurer.
  • Advised Jewel Bancorp Ltd. on the establishment and licensing of a digital asset bank in Bermuda, the first banking license issued in Bermuda in over 20 years, including continued advice on all corporate and regulatory aspects of the operationalization of the bank, which is expected to launch in Q2 2023.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Lucy Frew, Natalie Neto

Other key lawyers

Melanie Fullerton, Nicholas Howard, Sarah Demerling