Appleby is particularly proficient in a number of areas of regulatory law, including the insurance and reinsurance market, dealings with the CIMA, and the emerging technologies, virtual assets and data management sectors. Within that, data privacy and cybersecurity are notable strengths. Leading the practice group is Menelik Miller, who is well versed in assisting a diverse range of stakeholders in this area, from banks, investment firms and fiduciaries, to insurers, alternative lenders funds and fintech companies. Clients show great admiration for Miriam Smyth's 'incredibly valuable' regulatory and compliance practice, and she is a frequent advisor on complex cross-border issues, license applications, corporate governance, anti-money laundering, and financial institutions' M&A. Further key names include privacy and data protection specialist Peter Colegate, Simon Raftopoulos, who leads the local corporate law department, and Jacob MacAdam, who has a broad practice across financing and transactions.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Appleby team are approachable and have a good knowledge of the Cayman reinsurance industry which makes them a great legal service provider to clients in the industry. The firm has a good relationship with The Cayman International Reinsurance Companies Association (CIRCA), assisting CIRCA to make formal submissions on consultations to CIMA, the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce & other government departments.’
‘I have worked with Miriam Smyth frequently who is incredibly responsive and supportive to our regulatory committee with her knowledge and experience. She is personable and approachable and always happy to assist with providing advice and practical solutions. Her involvement is incredibly valuable.’
‘Pragmatic, efficient, cost effective, and extremely responsible and knowledgeable. Miriam Smyth is extremely impressive, is qualified in multiple jurisdictions, and goes above and beyond on every assignment. Excellent knowledge and relationship with local regulators.’
‘Miriam Smyth has been my regulatory and compliance go-to for all issues - she separates herself from the pack by adding value add services without asking and consistently making sure billing is always reasonable and within expectations. Given she is qualified in multiple jurisdictions, I often count on Miriam to offer advice in multiple jurisdictions.’
‘The Appleby team has a great working relationship with the regulatory teams in addition to having a sound understanding of the legal framework.’
‘The team has specialists for each area and that helps bring a greater level of clarity and focus.’
‘The team was responsive, organized, and generally great to work with, even compared with the dozens of other law firm teams that we work with globally.’
‘Miriam Smyth is our main contact on the team and has been exceptionally pleasant to work with - she and the team meet all deadlines, respond to messages in a timely manner, and receive what little feedback we (and the client) have with grace and a pleasant attitude. Their quality of work is highly appreciated by the client as well.’
Key clients
- CME Group Inc
- Norton Rose Fulbright (Toronto)
- Greenlight Reinsurance Limited
- RFA Capital Inc
- Kasikornbank Public Company Limited
- Queensgate
- RF Bank & Trust (Cayman) Limited
- The London & Amsterdam Trust Company Limited
- Metagora
- Leading international health care provider
- Gearlay Inc.
- Tailwater Capital
- POPS Worldwide
- Cayman International Reinsurance Companies Association (CIRCA)
Work highlights
- Acting for Greenlight Group on ongoing regulatory advice to ensure that the business in carried out in compliance with Cayman regulatory laws, regulations, rules and guidance issued by CIMA.
- Advised RFA Capital Holdings on corporate and regulatory matters relating to its acquisition of a Cayman Islands based wealth and investment management group.
- Assisting Canadian startup Gearlay with ongoing corporate, structuring and regulatory advice.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Menelik Miller