Financial Crime World

Top Law Firms in the British Virgin Islands Excel in Virtual Asset Regulation

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has emerged as a hub for virtual assets and fintech companies, with several leading law firms providing top-notch regulatory advice to clients in this space.

Walkers BVI: A Cut Above the Rest


Walkers BVI, led by partner Lucy Frew, has been instrumental in advising clients on financial regulation and risk management issues. The firm’s expertise spans:

  • BVI investment business
  • Investment funds
  • Virtual assets
  • Other financial services regulatory matters

Clients praise Walkers’ team for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication.

Appleby: A Go-To Firm for Digital Assets


Appleby’s BVI regulatory team, headed by Jeffrey Kirk and Andrew Jowett, has gained a reputation for its exceptional subject matter expertise and experience in digital assets and fund work. The firm advises clients on:

  • Blockchain
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Digital asset-related matters, including tokenization of real-world assets

Carey Olsen: Comprehensive Advice


Carey Olsen’s BVI team provides comprehensive advice to trust companies, funds, and corporate clients on contentious and non-contentious regulatory and compliance issues. Co-heads Clinton Hempel and Elizabeth Killeen lead the team, which includes counsel Jude Hodge, who is well-versed in:

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Economic substance issues
  • Anti-money laundering legislation

Mourant: Regulatory Expertise


Mourant’s BVI team, led by Ian Montgomery and Sara Galletly, provides regulatory advice to leading banks, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm also handles:

  • High-profile and cross-border contentious regulatory inspections and investigations
  • Financial crime and disciplinary proceedings

Key Clients


The firms mentioned above have advised several key clients in the virtual asset space, including:

  • Bitfinex
  • Hyperedge Technology Ltd
  • LedgerPrime
  • Tether
  • Joyfa Inc.
  • Oanda Corporation
  • Hidden Road Partners L.P.
  • Arbelos Ltd
  • Monetalis Services Limited
  • Blue Carbon Project
  • Karate Kombat
  • Fractal Network Ltd

Work Highlights


Some notable work highlights from the firms include:

  • Walkers BVI advising Oxbridge Re on tokenised collateralised reinsurance securities and Worldcoin Foundation on virtual asset regulatory matters.
  • Appleby advising Keyway (BVI) Limited on attaining a Class III Trust licence, BF Virtual Assets Ltd. on BVI legal and regulatory matters, and FXAQ Ltd. on the incorporation and launch of an approved investment manager.

These firms have demonstrated their expertise in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of virtual assets and fintech companies in the British Virgin Islands. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that these firms will play a leading role in shaping its future.