Harneys

Harneys is an international law firm with entrepreneurial thinking. We provide advice on BVI, Cayman, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Bermuda, Anguilla, and Jersey law.

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

We're pleased to announce that our Partner, Esmond Brown, has been shortlisted for the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2026 in the Lawyer of the Year IFC – Partner category.

The Citywealth Future Leaders Awards recognise professionals in the private wealth sector who are shaping the future of the industry through excellence, leadership and innovation.

Find out more about the awards and vote for Esmond here: https://t.co/OzEz6ywDve. Voting closes on 4 September 2026.

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

In this article, Counsel Natalie Bundy unpacks the key factors in choosing between the BVI and Cayman Islands for managers structuring crypto funds. Both jurisdictions offer compelling advantages for crypto fund launches, including pragmatic and proportionate regulation, streamlined setup and administration, legal certainty, and tax-neutrality, but each jurisdiction has its own strengths; from BVI's cost-efficient Approved Manager regime to Cayman's deep recognition among traditional allocators.

Read the full article here: https://t.co/PIS6Ldg1Fx

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Most funds marketed in Europe aren't Article 8 or 9 — they're Article 6. But what does that actually mean?

In this Funds Hub article, Global Head of Transactional Maggie Kwok and Partner Stéphane Karolczuk break down the fundamentals of SFDR Article 6 funds, explaining:

✅ What Article 6 classification means in practice
✅ How it differs from Articles 8 and 9
✅ The disclosure requirements managers need to consider
✅ How SFDR applies to offshore structures, including Cayman Islands, BVI and Bermuda funds
✅ Key considerations for managers marketing funds to EU investors

The article cuts through some of the most common misconceptions around SFDR and provides practical guidance on the interaction between EU sustainability regulations and non-EU fund structures.

Read the full article here: https://t.co/X3DRmr6xAw

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 — 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀.

As the asset class continues to grow, fund structuring decisions have never been more important.

In their latest article, Global Head of Transactional Maggie Kwok and Partner Stéphane Karolczuk explore why Luxembourg remains the leading domicile for private credit funds and examine the key structuring considerations managers need to address under 𝗔𝗜𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗜𝗜. From choosing the right vehicle (RAIF, SIF or SCSp) to navigating leverage limits, diversification requirements and liquidity terms, the article provides a practical guide for building a fund that is fit for purpose from launch.

If you're raising, managing or advising private credit funds, this is essential reading.

👉 Read the full article on our website to learn how to structure private credit funds for long-term success https://t.co/LkEqPQjH0c

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Stay informed with the latest insights from our Regulatory Blog. Our recent posts include:

✒️ Luxembourg introduces dedicated tax regime for employee stock options in innovative start-ups-
https://t.co/QWf1XMATpV

✒️ Cayman Islands CRS update: Participating and Reportable Jurisdictions lists, reporting timelines and the PPoC deadline extension- https://t.co/OTFMY5om1i

✒️ EU Court partially annuls Meta's “gatekeeper” designations under the Digital Markets Act - https://t.co/gAkscSqIIK

✒️ CIMA enforces the removal of struck and dissolved entities- https://t.co/ZivRmn4dEO

✒️Streamlining corporate sustainability: Key updates from EU Directive 2026/470 -https://t.co/UrLSjfOatI

Want to stay ahead of regulatory changes? Subscribe to our newsletter today - https://t.co/7925WvSKSg

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

AIFMD remains the cornerstone of EU regulation for alternative investment fund managers — but with AIFMD II now in force, understanding the rules has never been more important.

In their Funds Hub article, Global Head of Transactional Maggie Kwok and Partner Stéphane Karolczuk provide a practical guide to the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), covering:

✅ Which funds and managers fall within scope
✅ Key AIFMD thresholds and exemptions
✅ The registration requirements for sub-threshold managers
✅ How AIFMD applies to non-EU fund managers and offshore structures
✅ The role of National Private Placement Regimes (NPPRs)
✅ The key changes introduced by AIFMD II, including loan origination, delegation, liquidity management and reporting obligations

Whether you’re managing private equity, venture capital, hedge, real estate or infrastructure funds, this article offers a clear overview of the regulatory framework shaping fund distribution and compliance across Europe.

Read the full article here: https://t.co/Poepff3HQR

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Virtual assets and blockchain are no longer emerging technologies; they have become an established part of the global financial services landscape, and the British Virgin Islands continues to adapt to this rapidly evolving sector.

In our new article from our Partner David Mathews, the BVI's current strengths, the evolving regulatory landscape, and key areas for future development are explored.

To learn more, read the full article: https://t.co/3Qf7K7dCCF

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

We’re delighted to share that thirteen of our lawyers have been recognised in the @lexology Index 2026 Asset Recovery guide.

➤ Global Elite Thought Leaders: Jonathan Addo and Vicky Lord
➤ Thought Leaders: Francesca Gibbons, Claire Goldstein, Nick Hoffman, Ian Mann, and William Peake
➤ Highly Recommended: Ben Hobden, Christopher Pease, Henry Tucker, and Jessica Williams
➤ Recommended: Grainne King and Chai Ridgers

A special mention to William Peake, who has also been recognised as a Thought Leader in the Thought Leaders – Firm Management guide 2026.

Huge congratulations to everyone recognised; this reflects the exceptional expertise and dedication our team brings to our clients every day.

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

The BVI Commercial Court has reaffirmed that statutory shareholder remedies under the BVI Business Companies Act belong before the BVI courts, even where the underlying commercial activity is centred elsewhere.

In their latest article, Jonathan Addo and Aurelia Matonis explore the decision in Transcience Investments Limited v Greentown Holdings (BVI) Inc and its implications for minority shareholder claims, forum challenges, and the ECSC CPR 2023 transitional provisions.

👉 Read the full analysis: https://t.co/B8Bc3gZUVY

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

𝗘𝗨 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁.

In their article, Global Head of Transactional Maggie Kwok and Partner Stéphane Karolczuk unpack the practical implications of 𝗔𝗜𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗜𝗜 and the evolving 𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 for managers using Luxembourg as their gateway to European investors. The reforms preserve key market access routes but introduce heightened expectations around delegation, substance, loan-originating funds, liquidity management tools and regulatory reporting.

For managers in the UK, US, Asia and beyond, the message is clear: now is the time to assess operating models, governance frameworks and fund documentation to ensure continued access to EU markets and avoid costly restructuring later.

👉 Read the full article on our website for a practical guide to navigating the next wave of EU fund regulation
https://t.co/2d0GOso9YY

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Why do so many of the world’s leading hedge funds choose the Cayman Islands as their domicile of choice?

In this Funds Hub guide, Global Head of Transactional, Maggie Kwok, and Counsel, Jacquelyn Wong, explore the key features of the Cayman Islands investment funds regime and explain why it remains the world’s leading jurisdiction for hedge funds and alternative investment vehicles.
The article covers:

✅ The different types of Cayman investment funds and legal structures available
✅ The benefits of Cayman funds, including tax neutrality, regulatory proportionality and investor familiarity
✅ The process for establishing a Cayman fund and registering with CIMA
✅ How Cayman compares with other leading fund domiciles, including Luxembourg, Ireland and the BVI
✅ The role of CIMA in fund regulation and ongoing compliance requirements
✅ Common fund structures used by US managers, including master-feeder arrangements

Whether you’re launching a hedge fund, private equity vehicle or other alternative investment structure, this guide provides a practical overview of one of the most important jurisdictions in the global funds industry.

Read the full article here: https://t.co/iXDvM0xb2C

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Stay informed with the latest insights from our Regulatory Blog. Our recent posts include:

✒️ JFSC updates AML/CFT/CPF handbook appendices following June 2026 FATF plenary - https://t.co/iKONh2HI4U

✒️ Fintech on the Seas 2026: Shaping the future of digital finance in the BVI - https://t.co/PaMssjqYji

✒️ Luxembourg Bill 8761: practical refinements to the securitisation regime - https://t.co/4tYXrCk9ao

✒️ ESMA confirms 1 July 2026 as a firm deadline for unauthorised crypto-asset service providers - https://t.co/mrPTHTawDC

✒️ BMA's framework for responsible AI in financial services -https://t.co/vaR8jhE5lp

Want to stay ahead of regulatory changes? Subscribe to our newsletter today - https://t.co/7925WvSKSg

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Launching an investment fund in the British Virgin Islands? Understanding the right structure can make all the difference.

In this latest guide, Global Head of Transactional Maggie Kwok and Counsel Lawrence Sham explore the key features of 𝗕𝗩𝗜 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻-𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀, with a particular focus on 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀-a popular option for emerging managers seeking a regulated, cost-effective fund structure with a fast-track approval process. They break down the different fund categories, regulatory requirements, approval timelines, and the benefits that continue to make the BVI a leading global fund jurisdiction.

Whether you’re launching your first fund or expanding an existing platform, this article offers a practical overview of the structures and considerations involved.

📖 Read the full article on our website to learn more. https://t.co/jcO5QjMjqV

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Today, 6 July, we celebrate Virgin Islands Day. Observed on the first Monday in July, the holiday commemorates the establishment of the modern Territory of the Virgin Islands and honours the BVI’s history, ongoing development and unique identity.

We extend our warmest wishes to our colleagues, clients and the wider community celebrating this special occasion across the BVI.

Happy Virgin Islands Day!

#virginislandsday

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the first anniversary of our Jersey office.

It was wonderful to welcome so many clients, colleagues, partners and friends as we marked this important milestone together. With the sun shining, fantastic music and even an England victory to round off the evening, it was a memorable occasion and a fitting way to celebrate our first year.

Over the past 12 months, our Jersey office has continued to grow, strengthening our commitment to supporting clients in Jersey and across our global network. We are incredibly grateful for the trust and support of our clients and the dedication of our colleagues, all of which have been instrumental in our success.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey so far. We look forward to continuing to work together and to celebrating many more milestones in the years ahead.

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Subscribe here: https://t.co/yZmEUDtZt2

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Cyber fraud and trust disputes may sit at opposite ends of the litigation spectrum, but both recent articles highlight the importance of intention, evidence and proactive planning.

ℹ️ Protecting against online fraud: Contractual and compliance strategies after Logix Aero explores the practical steps businesses can take to reduce exposure to payment fraud, from contractual safeguards and verification protocols to internal compliance measures.

ℹ️ The presumption of advancement lives on: Liao v Liao and the enduring bond between parent and child examines the New Zealand Court of Appeal’s confirmation that the presumption of advancement continues to apply to transfers from parents to adult children, reaffirming the orthodox common law position.

Whether you’re advising on commercial risk management or trust and private wealth matters, these updates offer valuable insights.

📖 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘀:

➡️ Online fraud and contractual protections: https://t.co/pof14LuIB5

➡️ Liao v Liao and the presumption of advancement: https://t.co/cPVL5mgRgN

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Last week, Fintech on the Seas 2026 brought together regulators, investors, legal professionals and digital asset leaders at Oil Nut Bay and Necker Island to discuss the future of digital finance, from compliance and stablecoins to tokenisation, AI and digital trust. We were proud to support the summit as Gold Sponsor, with George Weston, David Mathews, Aki Corsoni-Husain, Charlotte Allery, Ian Chambers, LaToya James and Alexandra Holden on the ground contributing to conversations about responsible innovation and the BVI’s growing role in digital assets.

Read the full article here: https://t.co/PaMssjqYji

[Harneys @HarneysGlobal]

Congratulations to Adam Fellows, Senior Associate, on being recognised as one of the 2026 eprivateclient Crown Dependencies NextGen Leaders.

Based in our Jersey office, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, Adam has been recognised through this prestigious annual ranking, curated by PAM Insight Ltd judges, which recognises the next generation of leaders in the private client sector.

The annual listing is based on PAM Insight's experience and knowledge of individuals identified as rising stars within the profession.

A well-deserved recognition. Congratulations again, Adam.