Stuarts Humphries has been recognised among the Cayman Islands’ leading firms in The Legal 500 Caribbean 2026 Guide, reflecting continued growth across core practice areas and consistently positive client feedback. The Guide highlights progress across several departments, with improvements in Investment Funds, Banking, Finance and Capital Markets and Dispute Resolution, and strong performances maintained in Corporate and Commercial and Real Estate.
In the individual rankings, Chris Humphries, managing director and head of funds, is recognised as a Leading Partner for both Investment Funds and Corporate and Commercial and as a Recommended Lawyer for Banking, Finance and Capital Markets. Megan Wright, partner and head of corporate, is recognised as a Leading Partner for Corporate and Commercial and as a Recommended Lawyer for Investment Funds. Jonathan McLean, partner and head of banking and regulatory, is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer for Banking, Finance and Capital Markets. Richard Annette, partner and head of litigation and Adam Russell-Knee, senior associate, are both recognised as Recommended Lawyers for Dispute Resolution. Buck Grizzel, head of local legal services, is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer for Real Estate and Joseph Bates, associate, is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer for Investment Funds.
In Investment Funds, the team led by Chris Humphries advises on fund formation, structuring, transactions and restructurings as well as cryptocurrency and blockchain matters. The department achieved an improved ranking this year, highlighting its reputation for fund structuring and regulatory advice. Clients said the practice is “thoughtful, strategic, commercial and responsive” and described Megan Wright as “a valuable asset to our firm – thorough, responsive and highly competent.” Recent work includes advising Wolske Wealth Management on the incorporation and launch of a Cayman Islands mutual fund and its registration with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.
In Corporate and Commercial, the team led by Megan Wright advises financial institutions, investment managers and insurers on high-value international transactions. The ranking was maintained this year, reflecting continued strength and consistency in this key practice area. Clients described the practice as “highly capable, responsive and commercially minded” and noted that “Megan Wright has been a partner to our firm in terms of substance and strategy. She is among the most capable and effective offshore counsel we have used.” The team recently acted as Cayman Islands counsel to the Initial Purchasers and Collateral Agent on the US$480 million securitisation of future revenues from Norman Manley International Airport on behalf of the Government of Jamaica.
In Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, the team led by Jonathan McLean acts on domestic and cross-border transactions, including syndicated facilities, onshore lending secured by offshore securities and complex financial structuring. The department’s ranking improved this year, underscoring its growing strength in financial matters. Clients described the team’s “responsiveness and client service” and praised its “honesty, pragmatism and excellent knowledge of the field and current legal practices on the ground.”
The Dispute Resolution team, led by Richard Annette, partner and head of litigation, continues to build momentum, achieving an improved ranking this year for its partner-led practice. The team advises on fund, insolvency, shareholder, contractual, insurance and fraud-related disputes. Clients said: “Stuarts’ litigation team offers a bespoke, boutique dispute resolution service with the highest level of professional service. They are well known for their legal acumen, strategic thinking and commercial common sense.” Another client described “Adam Russell-Knee, senior associate, as an excellent lawyer and a safe pair of hands for managing complex litigation.”
The Real Estate team, led by Buck Grizzel, advises on residential and commercial sales, purchases and developments. The department maintained its ranking this year, demonstrating continued excellence in this core practice area. Clients described the team as “knowledgeable, responsive and genuinely invested in getting the best results” and commended Buck Grizzel for his “practical advice and strong communication.”
Commenting on the results, Chris Humphries said: “We are pleased to see our dedication recognised in The Legal 500 Caribbean 2026 Guide. These rankings reflect the trust of our clients and the strength of our teams across the firm.”
The 2026 edition highlights progress across key practice areas, with improved rankings in Investment Funds, Banking, Finance and Capital Markets and Dispute Resolution, and strong performances maintained elsewhere. These results reflect balanced growth across transactional and contentious work and a continued commitment to providing high-quality service to clients in the Cayman Islands and internationally.
