O’Neal Webster is pleased to announce that Partner Christopher McKenzie, head of the firm’s London office and its Trusts & Estates Department, has been ranked in Chambers and Partners’ 2018 high net worth expert guide, Chambers HNW, for offshore trusts in the BVI, (expertise based abroad). Aimed at the international private wealth market, the guide covers private wealth management and related specialisms in key jurisdictions. It is valued by family offices and professional advisers for its objective guidance on an international scale.
Chambers HNW writes: “The BVI trust industry owes a lot to” Christopher McKenzie, states a source; “he is vastly experienced and has been a big advocate and proponent for the BVI.” “He has a very comprehensive and detailed knowledge of BVI trust law,” according to a market insider. Another adds that “he is very responsive, knowledgeable and meticulous in his approach to his analysis and delivery. He also ensures that your matter is dealt with in a timely manner.”
Trust work covered in the guide includes formation, management, trusteeships and protectorships, and trusts disputes. This third edition of Chambers HNW (2018) features in-depth editorial about the leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families and further expands on previous editions with coverage of new jurisdictions and commentary on leading accountants, private banks, wealth managers, fiduciaries, and philanthropy advisers, globally.
About Christopher McKenzie
Head of O’Neal Webster’s Trusts & Estates Department, Chris is a well-known and highly regarded expert on BVI trusts and is often considered a founding father of BVI trust and estate law. He represents trustees, individuals, families, corporations, regulatory bodies, and governments advising on all aspects of BVI laws regarding trusts, wills, and estates.
As the current chair of STEP BVI legislation committee, Chris is best known for his work in drafting the proposals which led to the Virgin Islands Special Trusts Act, or VISTA, and the BVI’s PTC Regulations which revolutionized the trust industry in the BVI. In 2017 he was selected to speak at the prestigious Legal Week Lake Como conference.
In his current role as chair of the BVI Bar Association’s Probate Committee, Chris steered the creation of the BVI’s new Probate Rules, which came into effect November 2017. Additionally, he was recently re-appointed by the BVI Government to represent Team BVI Europe in their efforts to enhance the Territory’s reputation as a premier financial services destination.
Chris was the founding chair of STEP BVI, where he has held numerous leadership roles over the years. He is resident in the firm’s London office and is a sought-after speaker at international trust and estate conferences and seminars.
About O’Neal Webster. We hold a decidedly unique position among all British Virgin Islands law firms, being among the first to establish exclusively in the BVI. The firm serves local and international clientele in areas of corporate, finance, banking, business, investment funds, property, and trusts and estates, and is highly regarded for its expert handling of transactional, regulatory, and litigation matters. Contact us for more information at +1 284-393-5800 or +1 284-494-5808.
