Carey Olsen's regulatory team is a key component of its wider transactional and financial services offerings, with practitioners that have experience frequently engaging with the regulators. The practice is adept in both contentious and non-contentious work, with a particularly strong client base in finance and with leading trust companies. Elizabeth Killeen leads the department and is a dedicated regulatory law expert, well versed in advising CSPs, trust companies and registered agents, as well as supporting regulated entities on restructuring advice, FSC notices, ITA applications, and economic substance technicalities. Corporate and commercial partner Clinton Hempel is an experienced name to note in this team, while Katrina Lindsay is the standout support to Killeen, following the departure of Jude Hodge in February 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Carey Olsen BVI distinguishes itself in the legal market with a strong focus on delivering high-quality, client-focused services through its exceptional team, including Katrina Lindsay and Chris Duncan. Both are top corporate and finance lawyers with a keen interest in DeFi and crypto, bringing specialized expertise and innovative solutions to these emerging areas. Their comprehensive, strategic approach ensures clients receive tailored, efficient and cutting-edge legal support.’

  • ‘Katrina Lindsay is a great lawyer, very approachable and commercial. Together with Chris Duncan they have carved out a nice crypto/DeFi niche in the BVI and Cayman markets.’

  • ‘Carey Olsen and Chris Duncan in particular are my go-to Cayman/BVI law firm for all things crypto-related. Talented, fast, and very experienced.’

  • ‘Chris Duncan is easily the best crypto lawyer in Cayman and BVI. I don't call anyone else. He has worked with us on our most important projects and we trust the whole Carey Olsen team entirely.’

Key clients

  • BreakFirst Capital Inc.
  • BreakFirst Fund Inc.
  • Caprilla Asset Management (BVI) Limited
  • CP WEN LAMBO FUND LIMITED
  • DBS Fund Ltd
  • Falcon Management International Limited
  • Invisto Opportunity Fund 1 LP
  • IronPro Fund Corp
  • Socket Technologies Limited
  • Placeholder Fund III LP (Backpack)

Work highlights

  • Assisting BreakFirst Capital Inc. and BreakFirst Fund Inc, with its successful approved manager and private investment fund applications and getting their regulatory approval from the BVI Financial Services Commission.
  • Advising Socket Technologies Limited on BVI legal and regulatory matters (including VASP and economic substance) relevant to its $5m investment round to expand Socket's collaboration with Coinbase.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.

Clinton Hempel, Elizabeth Killeen, Chris Duncan