Ingrid Pierce
Global Managing Partner
Cayman Islands
Walkers has once again achieved outstanding recognition in the latest Chambers Fintech 2025 rankings, securing Band 1 team rankings across the Cayman Islands and Bermuda and, for the first time, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Jersey. These results showcase the growing global recognition of our ongoing commitment to excellence and leadership in fintech across international investment hubs.
The firm’s exceptional team is reflected in Band 1 rankings for partners Melissa Lim (Cayman Islands) and Natalie Neto (Bermuda), with several of our global team moving ahead in the rankings. Dilmun Leach has gone straight in at Band 1 for Jersey, while Lucy Frew (Cayman Islands) and Alex Drysdale (BVI) moved up to Band 2. Shane Martin (Ireland) also made the rankings for the first time in Band 3, joining Niall Esler (Ireland). Our rising stars were celebrated, with Rachel Nightingale (Bermuda), Sarah Townsend (Jersey) and Iona Wright (BVI) all ranked as Up and Coming.
With Band 1 fintech teams across all four jurisdictions - Cayman Islands, Bermuda, BVI and Jersey - and a strong presence in Ireland, the latest Chambers Fintech guide is proof we deliver seamless cross-border expertise to help our clients succeed.
Natalie Neto, Bermuda partner and co-head of the firm's Fintech group, said: "The fintech sector continues to evolve at a rapid pace. It's rewarding to see our team's innovative work recognised with top-tier rankings across multiple jurisdictions. Having four Band 1 fintech teams, including Bermuda, marks a significant milestone and shows the strength of our global fintech offering."
Melissa Lim, Cayman Islands partner and co-head of the Fintech group, added: "These top rankings in Chambers Fintech 2025 reflect our expertise and dedication across our global fintech teams. We help clients navigate cutting-edge blockchain initiatives and complex financial structures with practical, tailored solutions. Our rankings demonstrate both our technical excellence and our ability to work seamlessly across international investment hubs."
Dilmun Leach, partner, Walkers CI LP, added: "It is a privilege to see Jersey’s fintech practice recognised with a Band 1 ranking in the Chambers Fintech 2025 guide. This acknowledgment reflects the exceptional work of our team and the growing prominence of Jersey as a hub for fintech innovation. We are committed to delivering the practical, cross-border expertise our clients rely on to get fintech deals moving."
Niall Esler, partner and head of Walkers' Ireland Regulatory & Risk Advisory group said: "It’s an honour to see Ireland’s Fintech practice continue to be recognised in the Chambers Fintech 2025 guide. This reflects our team’s deep understanding of the complexities facing fintech clients and our ability to deliver innovative, practical solutions. As Ireland’s role as a hub for EU fintech and innovation continues to grow, we are excited to support our clients at the forefront of the sector.”
The Chambers Fintech guide results round off an exceptional year for the firm in legal directory rankings. Recent achievements include top results in the latest IFLR 1000 rankings, recognition as the highest-ranked investment hub law firm in the GRR 30 and Tier 1 for our Hong Kong office in the Legal 500 Greater China guide.
Our global fintech team supports clients across both international investment hubs and financial centres, delivering clear, practical solutions that address today's changing fintech landscape.
