Associate - Transactional (FS & Reg).

About the Role We are seeking an Associate to join our Financial Services department in our Cayman office. This is a specialised role supporting our funds and regulatory practices, requiring expertise in offshore fund regulation, investment fund compliance, and cross-border regulatory advisory work. The role requires a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience with demonstrated expertise in financial services regulatory matters. The successful candidate will be required to advise on investment fund regulation, mutual funds, private funds, AML/CTF compliance, virtual asset regulation, sanctions regulations, prudential regulation, securities investment business, beneficial ownership, economic substance, financial reporting requirements, and derivatives. Experience with offshore fund structures (Cayman Islands, BVI, or similar jurisdictions) is essential. Responsibilities You will collaborate with a global team of specialist regulatory lawyers across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, renowned for their expertise in offshore fund regulation, financial services compliance, sanctions, and anti-money laundering matters. You will join a dynamic team of 10 specialist lawyers with varying levels of experience to further develop our market-leading Financial Services and Regulatory practice globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist regulatory advice to fund managers, institutional investors, and financial services clients on offshore fund structures and compliance matters (including sanctions regulations).
• Advise on regulatory compliance under the Cayman Islands Mutual Funds Act, Private Funds Act, and Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, Securities Investment Business Act, Bank and Trust Companies Act, Beneficial Ownership Transparency Act, Companies Management Act, and Proceeds of Crime Act.
• Advise on regulation and licensing for virtual asset service providers and token issuers across offshore jurisdictions.
• Draft and review fund documentation including Private Placement Memoranda, Limited Partnership Agreements, and regulatory filings.
• Contribute to the growth of the Financial Services and Regulatory practice in the Caribbean and internationally.
• Build effective relationships across all Harneys offices and business units, fostering successful collaboration with key stakeholders.

Requirements

• The successful candidate will hold a law degree from a recognised university and be admitted to practise in a Commonwealth jurisdiction and have at least 5 years of post-qualification experience.
• Substantive experience advising on investment fund regulation, including mutual funds, private funds, hedge funds, private equity, or venture capital structures.
• Demonstrated expertise in AML/CTF compliance, regulatory licensing, and/or virtual asset regulation.
• Experience working with offshore fund structures in jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands, BVI, or similar offshore financial centres is essential.
• Experience with financial services regulatory frameworks in Australia, UK, EU, or other major jurisdictions is advantageous.