Regulatory Lawyer - Financial Services (Cayman Islands) in England

Our client is the legal arm of a leading Big 4 professional services firm in the Cayman Islands, part of a substantial global legal network spanning multiple jurisdictions. The team operates as a fully client-facing private practice — not as in-house counsel to the wider firm — and delivers integrated legal advice alongside the firm's broader tax and advisory offerings.

The legal practice is newly established and growing, with strength in insurance, asset management, and international business.

Please note that this position requires candidates who are not already based in the Cayman Islands to relocate (with support provided) to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

About the Role

Our client is hiring a Regulatory Lawyer (5+ PQE) to join the Cayman legal team. This is a key strategic hire — the successful candidate will play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the practice and will need to operate relatively autonomously within a small, high-performing team.

The role involves advising clients across all financial services sectors, including banking, re/insurance, securities, virtual assets, corporate services, and company management. The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal advice on multi-jurisdictional transactions and key regulatory matters, including licence and change-of-control applications, advising on CIMA rules and regulations, AML, data protection, beneficial ownership, and economic substance.

Virtual assets experience would be a strong advantage but is not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality regulatory advice on complex financial services matters
• Take a rigorous approach to risk management and internal risk protocols
• Support and lead on significant engagements
• Manage client matters effectively, ensuring clarity of scope, delivery, and commercial outcomes
• Collaborate with colleagues across the firm's global legal network, both locally and internationally, to deliver integrated service
• Ensure strong commercial and financial management of matters
• Contribute to fee estimates, proposals, and pricing discussions
• Build and maintain senior client and intermediary relationships with clear communication throughout
• Support the development of precedents and internal knowledge resources
• Work closely with the firm's Corporate Services team and other senior internal stakeholders
• Mentor and guide junior lawyers in conjunction with the Partners

Ideal Experience & Background

• Qualified lawyer with at least 5 years' post-qualification experience, ideally from a top-tier firm
• Commonwealth-qualified — strong preference for UK magic circle or top-tier UK firm backgrounds
• Trainee-and-stay pedigree — candidates who trained at top firms and remained there post-qualification, specialising in regulatory law
• Deep technical expertise in financial services regulatory law
• Demonstrated experience advising on complex regulatory issues and leading client matters
• Virtual asset experience is a strong advantage
• International experience in other Commonwealth jurisdictions is desirable
• Ability to contribute to practice development and provide leadership within a small team
• Business development experience is an advantage but not essential
• Candidates currently in a Big 4 legal arm structured as a client-facing private practice may also be considered — strictly not in-house counsel

Benefits

• Competitive Base salary
• Discretionary performance-based bonus (not tied to chargeable hours)
• Relocation support — flights and travel for candidate and dependents
• Accommodation and car rental for 5–6 weeks (market standard is typically 2 weeks)
• Vacation entitlement: 25 days plus public holidays
• Onsite gym membership
• Medical insurance coverage extended to dependents
• Pension scheme
• Recognised corporate social responsibility programme

Why This Role Stands Out

• Different scope and exposure compared to a traditional offshore law firm role — broader, more varied financial services regulatory work across multiple sectors rather than a more siloed specialist remit.
• Genuinely better work-life balance than the higher-paying offshore law firms — generous vacation, real remote working flexibility, and a discretionary bonus model not tied to chargeable hours.
• Newly established team with strategic growth runway. Join early, shape the practice, and play a meaningful role in its development.
• Big 4 benefits package more generous than traditional law firms — better relocation support, longer temporary accommodation, dependent medical coverage.
• Global legal network collaboration across multiple jurisdictions — integrated multidisciplinary model alongside tax and advisory.
• Career exposure in one of the world's leading offshore financial centres, with no income tax and a vibrant international business community.

Why the Cayman Islands? 🌴

The Cayman Islands offers a unique opportunity to grow your career in one of the world’s leading financial centres. With no income tax, an international business community, and access to global clients and complex structures, Cayman is a hub for professionals in legal, fiduciary, compliance, and operational risk functions.

You’ll enjoy world-class career exposure while living in a beautiful, safe, and vibrant environment.

Confidentiality Statement: Quix Recruitment prioritises confidentiality throughout the recruitment process. We understand the sensitivity of exploring new career opportunities while currently employed. Rest assured that when you apply through Quix Recruitment, your application is kept completely confidential from both your current employer and the hiring company. If we determine that you might be a good fit for the position, we will arrange a confidential call with you to discuss the opportunity in more depth. Only after obtaining your permission will we share your CV with the hiring company.

Disclaimer: Please note that all personal information collected during the application process will be used for recruitment-related purposes only. We are committed to protecting your privacy and will not disclose your information to any third parties.