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Rawlinson & Hunter Cayman Islands is pleased to announce the addition and appointment of Catherine Anderson-Bond as Director. Catherine will have operational responsibility for the Client Accounting and Private Fund Services business lines and, together with Chris Bodden, Director of R&H Private Fund Services, will lead the growth of these areas. Catherine will also work closely with the CEO on firm-wide strategic initiatives, including the continued development and expansion of the firm’s service offerings in the Cayman Islands.   Catherine brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, having held senior roles in restructuring and fiduciary services. Her depth of experience spans restructuring and insolvency, structured finance, digital assets, assurance and fiduciary services. Catherine began her career working with a Big Four firm leading and supervising complex audits of hedge funds, operating companies and charities. She then spent more than six years with Rawlinson & Hunter in progressively more senior roles in both the funds and restructuring business groups, supporting independent directors and business heads in delivering fiduciary services to fund, private equity and restructuring clients. Most recently, prior to re-joining Rawlinson & Hunter, Catherine spent seven years in a senior role with a global advisory firm.   “We are delighted to welcome Catherine back to the R&H team,” said Alan Milgate, Senior Partner at Rawlinson & Hunter. “She spent several years with the firm earlier in her career, during which time she developed her professional qualifications and gained valuable experience across our firm. We are thrilled to have her return at this stage of her career, bringing with her a breadth of experience that will greatly benefit the firm during this period of growth and development.”   Catherine is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA). She is a member of the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA), INSOL International, the Cayman Islands chapter of INSOL, and the American Bankruptcy Institute.   This appointment follows the December 2025 appointment of Dion Degrand as CEO, responsible for overall strategy, growth, and operational oversight for the R&H Group in the Cayman Islands.

Rawlinson & Hunter Cayman Islands (R&H) is pleased to announce that Dion Degrand has joined the firm as their Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for leadership, strategy, growth, and operational oversight across the R&H group of companies in the Cayman Islands.    Early in his career Dion worked with R&H and has since had a successful career in investment banking in Canada before returning to the Cayman Islands in 2023. He has more than 25 years of finance experience, holding senior executive positions in investment banking, international banking, and independent governance firms.  Dion brings industry leading expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, public and private capital markets, valuation, blockchain, and digital assets to his role.   “My fellow partners and I are delighted to have found such an experienced and driven leader for this important role. Our business has grown in size and complexity over the past two decades, with new regulatory requirements, service lines and a shifting human capital landscape. Dion is familiar with our firm, our processes, our values and our goals, and will help us to proactively consider and plan for the future, working to the benefit of all and leaving us in the best possible place for the next generation," says Alan Milgate, Senior Partner of Rawlinson & Hunter Cayman Islands.   Dion has held senior positions at leading investment banks, including Head of Canadian Energy Investment Banking for a global investment bank and Head of Western Canada, Head of Energy, and board member of one of Canada’s largest independently owned investment dealers. He has advised boards and management teams on domestic and cross border M&A as well as public and private capital financings, supporting businesses from entrepreneurial startups to multi-billion-dollar exits. Most recently, he served as Chief Business Officer of a CIMA-licenced independent governance firm in the Cayman Islands, where he led firm-wide strategy and business development, and launched the firm’s digital asset support business. He also served on the boards of a Top 50 global digital asset project and its real-world asset tokenisation platform.   Dion is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Accountant (CA), and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.  He is also a Registered Professional Director with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) .

Vasil joins with more than 10 years of experience in legal entity management, corporate compliance, and subsidiary governance. He has advised multinational corporations, investment funds, and cross-border structures during his time with a Big Four accounting firm in the UK, and most recently held a senior leadership role overseeing global subsidiary governance models and Managed Services engagements for FTSE 100 and S&P 500 clients. In his new role, Vasil, alongside Yvonne Plamondon, will lead the delivery of R&H’s comprehensive suite of corporate services, including incorporations, registered office facilities, and regulatory compliance support.  In addition to his leadership role, Vasil will work closely with clients to develop effective governance structures and manage complex entity frameworks. His appointment strengthens our ability to provide practical, high-quality corporate solutions tailored to the needs of our diverse client base.   Senior Partner Alan Milgate said: “Vasil brings a wealth of experience in entity management and a strong grasp of corporate structures, making him a valuable addition to the team. With Vasil and Yvonne as co-heads of the corporate team, we’re well positioned to expand our corporate services platform in response to our clients’ evolving needs. My fellow partners and I are delighted to welcome him during this exciting phase of growth.” R&H Trust & Corporate operates as The R & H Trust Co. Ltd., and is a licensed trust service provider wholly owned and operated by the Cayman Islands office of Rawlinson & Hunter.

Estate and wealth planning is not a one-size-fits-all undertaking. While trusts have historically been the go-to solution, evolving family dynamics, tax considerations, and jurisdictional complexities have paved the way for complementary vehicles such as private funds. While this article focuses on private funds, we also provide a high-level overview of trust structures, with further detail available in our companion article at this link . What is a Private Fund? A private fund is a pooled investment vehicle that allows a group of investors, such as families, individuals, or institutions, to collectively manage and grow their capital. By consolidating asset ownership into a single vehicle, a private fund streamlines reporting, reduces administrative burden, and introduces investment discipline. This centralised approach enables the fund to reflect the investors’ long-term financial goals, risk appetite, and governance preferences. Private funds are typically structured to: Pool investor capital into a shared investment vehicle to pursue a defined and strategic investment portfolio Delegate investment authority to fund operators (e.g., directors, the general partner, trustee or third party investment manager) with fiduciary responsibilities to act in the best interests of the fund Provide investors with participation rights, typically through interests or units that entitle them to benefit from the overall financial performance of the fund These structures are most often organised as limited partnerships, exempted companies or segregated portfolio companies (SPCs), offering flexibility in design and operation. They can cater to a broad range of investment strategies, including but not limited to private equity, hedge, real estate, and other public market investment strategies. They can also hold a broad range of private assets. Private funds are particularly well-suited for families with: Members residing in multiple jurisdictions, each with distinct tax and regulatory considerations A desire for centralised, professional investment management Complex ownership and succession planning needs For families who may be uncomfortable with relinquishing control through a traditional trust structure, private funds offer a more familiar corporate structure. They allow for consolidated reporting, consistent asset oversight, and coordinated investment decision making, all while preserving individual and family autonomy. How Trusts and Private Funds Work Together Private funds can be used in combination with trust, company and foundation structures to create sophisticated, flexible, and tax-efficient wealth planning strategies. This hybrid approach brings together the protective and succession advantages. Some of the ways these structures work together include: Single Trust with Multiple Share Classes: A single trust may hold different share classes in a private fund, with each class linked to a specific beneficiary class or generation. This structure allows tailored distributions and investment strategies aligned with the needs and objectives of each beneficiary group. Multi-Trust Ownership Model:  Separate trusts may each own a distinct class of shares in the same fund. This approach is ideal for families with multiple branches or cross-border residency, allowing for separate governance, distribution provisions, and tax treatment within one investment structure. A Private Trust Company (PTC) can serve as trustee to these trusts, ensuring centralised oversight and consistent decision-making. Mixed Ownership: Ownership of the fund can be shared between trusts and individual family members, catering to differing legal requirements or preferences regarding asset control. This structure allows for the flexibility to transition assets into trust over time or maintain a portion under direct personal ownership. This integrated model is especially useful in managing multi-generational wealth. It offers: Enhanced asset protection and risk segregation Simplified and consolidated investment reporting Alignment of investment policy with family governance frameworks Improved tax efficiency through careful structuring Greater flexibility for succession planning and liquidity events Dynamic reporting Private Fund Setup: What to Expect  Establishing a private fund in the Cayman Islands involves compliance with key regulatory steps. R&H Private Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd (“RHPFS”) can guide you through this process - either directly or in collaboration with your existing legal counsel. Once established, private funds are subject to ongoing obligations, such as audited financial statements, annual filings, and maintaining appropriate valuation and asset safekeeping procedures. These regulatory requirements ensure transparency while preserving the fund’s utility as a private family vehicle.   Fund Administration Services Offered by RHPFS RHPFS, is part of a privately owned, multi-disciplinary financial services firm with a highly personalised level of client care and an uncompromising approach to technical excellence. The core components of our fund administration include: ·        Fund accounting: o   Qualified Cayman based team o   Calculating the period net asset value of the fund o   full suite accountancy services and flexible reporting o   bank account management o   automated market data feed o   calculating and paying all fees and expenses o   financial statement preparation   ·        Registrar & Transfer Agency Services o   maintaining the investor registers o   process all capital activity and reporting and AML, CTF and CPF monitoring support throughout the audit   ·        Corporate Services o   full incorporation services o   full suite of registered office services o   AMLCO and MLRO appointments RHPFS works seamlessly with clients to ensure efficient operation and reporting of their fund structures. Private funds are an increasingly attractive solution for families seeking consolidated investment solutions with flexibility, efficiency, and global reach. Whether used in conjunction with or in place of traditional trusts, they offer a powerful framework for managing generational wealth. For a deeper dive into the utilization of trust structures, see our companion article on Cayman Islands trusts here , prepared by our affiliates at R&H Trust & Corporate. Both RHPFS and R&H Trust & Corporate are owned and operated by Rawlinson & Hunter LLP Cayman Islands.

As part of its ongoing growth, Rawlinson & Hunter LLP, Cayman Islands is delighted to welcome Yvonne Plamondon to its Trust & Corporate Services team. Yvonne will be leading the firm’s corporate services group within R&H Trust & Corporate (operating as The R&H Trust Co. Ltd.), a licensed trust company owned and operated by the Cayman Islands office of Rawlinson & Hunter.   With over 18 years of experience, Yvonne brings a deep and varied background in fiduciary and financial advisory services, with a strong focus on complex and distressed structures. Her career includes over 12 years with the Financial Advisory team of a Big 4 accounting firm in the UK and Cayman Islands, where she advised multinational corporations, investment funds, and cross-border structures on strategic restructuring and operational challenges. Prior to joining Rawlinson & Hunter, she held a senior leadership role at the Cayman Islands office of a prominent multinational consultancy firm, acting as a fiduciary for a broad portfolio of Cayman entities, often in distressed scenarios. As part of her new role, Yvonne will contribute to monitoring and interpreting changes in Cayman Islands legislation and regulatory developments, helping ensure our clients are consistently well-informed and supported in an evolving landscape.   A qualified Chartered Accountant and licensed insolvency practitioner, Yvonne brings to the team her analytical approach and ability to deliver pragmatic solutions in complex environments. She has served on the board of the Cayman Islands chapter of the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC) and regularly shares her insights as a speaker on webinars and industry panels. She is also an active member of 100 Women in Finance.   Alan Milgate, Senior Partner, commented on the appointment: “My fellow partners and I are delighted to welcome Yvonne to the team. Her diverse skillset, deep understanding of corporate structures, and significant fiduciary experience make her a valuable addition as we continue to expand our corporate services platform to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

June 2025 – Rawlinson & Hunter LLP in the Cayman Islands is pleased to announce the promotion of Owen Walker to Partner, R&H Restructuring, a specialist insolvency and restructuring practice owned and operated by the firm.   Owen joined the firm in 2017 and has nearly two decades of experience in corporate restructuring and insolvency. He has a strong focus on offshore cross-border matters and is an appointment taking Insolvency Practitioner in both the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands.   A Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Owen is also an INSOL Fellow and an active member of RISA (INSOL’s Cayman chapter).   Commenting on the appointment, Alan Milgate, Senior Partner of Rawlinson & Hunter LLP Cayman Islands, said: "Owen’s promotion to Partner is well-deserved recognition of his dedication, team leadership, and the value he has brought to our restructuring practice. His expertise has been instrumental in expanding key service lines and fostering collaboration across our organisation. We congratulate Owen and look forward to his continued impact on the growth and success of R&H Restructuring and our firm."   R&H Restructuring is a multidisciplinary team of restructuring professionals operating under the Rawlinson & Hunter LLP Cayman Islands umbrella, providing specialised solutions in complex and distressed scenarios across global markets. R&H Restructuring is an independent member of HLB global advisory and accounting network.

March 2025 - Rawlinson & Hunter LLP, Cayman Islands is delighted to announce the expansion of its Trust services team with the appointment of James Long as Director, Trust Services with R&H Trust & Corporate (operating as The R & H Trust Co. Ltd.). The company is a licensed trust provider, owned and operated by Rawlinson & Hunter LLP. James joins the firm with a strong resume, bringing over 10 years of experience in the creation and management of international trust structures, private trust companies, and purpose trusts. Throughout his career, James has worked extensively with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, advising on complex trust structures and wealth management strategies. His experience spans multiple jurisdictions, including Switzerland and the Cayman Islands, providing him with deep insights into the global landscape of trust services. In addition to his practical expertise, he holds the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation and is an active member of the Cayman Islands branch of STEP, where he serves as Chair of both the Education and NextGen sub-committees. His contributions to STEP demonstrate his dedication to advancing professional standards and nurturing the next generation of trust professionals. Senior Partner Alan Milgate, welcoming James to the firm noted, "James’ extensive international private client experience will be a tremendous asset to our trust team. His arrival further strengthens our leadership team and ability to deliver top-tier service to our clients, reinforcing our commitment to providing the best possible expertise and guidance in a rapidly evolving global trust landscape. My fellow partners and I are confident that his expertise will benefit both our current and future clients as we continue to enhance our reputation as a leading provider of trust services."

Congratulations to members of the Rawlinson & Hunter team who were recently promoted across business and support teams for outstanding service, performance and technical ability within their respective fields. They are: - Valerie Akow - Senior Manager with our Accounting Services Team - Jonathan Walmsley - Senior Accountant with our Accounting Services Team - Gerardo Rodriguez-Pomare - Senior Software Developer with our IT Team - Abigail Stoddart – Assistant Manager with our Internal Finance Team Alan Milgate, Senior Partner of Rawlinson & Hunter Cayman Islands, commented, “We are proud to recognise and reward the professional development of these individuals as well as their important and increasing contributions towards the success of their teams and the firm, which further enhances the services we are able to provide our clients as part of our best-in-class offerings.” There are other group promotions that will be announced across our affiliates.

As we continue the yearlong celebration of our 50th anniversary in the Cayman Islands, we recognise and extend a special thanks to another group of our long-service employees. Their dedication and work at Rawlinson & Hunter LLP Cayman Islands is appreciated and celebrated. For being with the firm we say a special thanks to – Kayla Shibli – Senior Manager, Human Resources (15 years), Cassandra Powell - Managing Director of The Harbour Trust Co. Ltd. & Director of HTC Fiduciary Services Limited (16 years), Philip Dickie - Managing Director of The Harbour Trust Co. Ltd. & Director of HTC Fiduciary Services Limited (16 years) and Frances Ebanks - Senior Administrator The Harbour Trust Co. Ltd. (18 years).

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in the Cayman Islands, we continue to recognise and extend a special thank you to our long-service employees. Their dedication and work at Rawlinson & Hunter LLP Cayman Islands is appreciated and celebrated. For being with the firm we say a special thanks to - Leanne Golding - Director of HTC Fiduciary Services Limited and Officer of The Harbour Trust Co. Ltd. (14 years ), Sophia Campbell - Senior Administrator of The Harbour Trust Co. Ltd. (13 years), Darcia Tatum – Administrator of The R&H Trust Co. Ltd. (13 years) and Lucy Comacchio - Director, Trust Services of The R&H Trust Co. Ltd. (12 years).

As part of our 50th anniversary celebration we are taking the opportunity to say “thank you” to the dynamic and innovative employees who have provided professionalism, commitment to excellence and diligence throughout the years. For being with the firm for 10 years we say a special thanks to Philippa Stokes (Partner of Rawlinson & Hunter and R&H Trust & Corporate), Vivian Morahan (Associate Director, R&H Trust & Corporate), Tom Elliot (Associate Director, Information Technology Applications). Kevin Huys (Senior Vice President of R&H Services Ltd.) and Daniel McGrath (Senior Manager, R&H Restructuring).

In the Greek tradition, the word philanthropy comes from the words “philos” meaning “love” and “anthropos” meaning “man” or “humanity” - The love of humanity. A Philanthropist is someone who donates their money, time and/or talent to a cause that aims to improve lives and better the community. We may often think of a philanthropist as an ultra wealthy individual who has millions of dollars to donate (Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Bezos spring to mind). But anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of status or net worth. Great fulfillment comes from these selfless acts of kindness. Generational Giving Every generation has their own approach towards philanthropy and the causes they choose to support. This is because our attitudes are influenced by our experiences. Each generation has lived through some major events that have shaped them. Understanding generational dynamics can help us understand generational trends in giving. The GI Generation “Greatest Generation” born 1901-1924 This generation lived through the Great Depression and fought in WWII. They were greatly impacted by economic turmoil. They valued trustworthiness and relied on one another. One job or one marriage often lasted an entire lifetime. This great generation were more likely to give to religious causes. The Silent Generation “The Silents” born 1925-1945 This generation was molded by World War II, the Great Depression and the Atomic Bomb. The "Silents" focused on their careers, valued hard work and dedication. They had great respect for authority and rules and grew up believing that ‘children should be seen and not heard’. This generation are big supporters of emergency relief, troops and veterans and religious causes. Baby Boomers born 1946-1963 The Boomers (due to the rise in post-WWII birth rate) are a generation of workaholics. They value teamwork, growth and success. They are independent and self-reliant. Due to their belief in hierarchal structure, they may find it difficult to adjust to modern workplace flexibility trends. This generation heavily supports traditional institutions like colleges, libraries and religious organisations. Generation X born 1964-1981 This generation grew up with minimal adult supervision and thus learned the value of independence and work-life balance. They were the first generation to grow up with computers and witnessed the birth of cell phones and the Internet. Gen-Xers were the first gamers. They have a strong desire to make the community better. They are more likely to give to nonprofits that focus on research and public policy, international affairs, and community development. Generation Y / “The Millennials” born 1982-1994 Also known as the Digital Natives, this generation has grown up with digital services so they naturally align themselves with technology for communication, shopping, education, etc. They collaborate with each other and have a positive mindset. The Millennials are strong supporters of international causes and human rights. Generation Z / “The Zoomers” born 1995-2012 Gen Z has been exposed to terrorism, economic instability, climate change and different humanitarian challenges around the world. As a result, Gen Z is eager to make this world a better place. This generation will often support environmental and social causes. Gen Alpha / i-Generation born 2013-2025 This generation is growing up with the familiar voice of their friends ‘Siri’ and ‘Alexa’. From utilising facial recognition software to surgical robots, interacting with Artificial Intelligence will be second nature to members of Gen Alpha. This generation will be passionate supporters of climate change, LGBT+ and other human rights and advocacy …but with AI being integrated into online giving platforms and tools to enhance and expand philanthropic giving. Despite the generational differences certain things have not changed; - The demand for reliable professional advisors that can deliver trusted expertise - The desire for lasting dependable relationships with these Advisors to ensure that family succession remain in safe hands - The need for adaptability and understanding in order to accommodate varying generational views and values - And thankfully, the love of humanity! As trusted advisors how can we help? · Make philanthropy a family affair As you continue to develop your client’s family relationship make sure that each generation’s needs are listened to. Whether it is an informal family discussion, or the creation of a formal structure such as a Trust or foundation, you can assist in navigating generational differences by including multiple generations of your client’s family in these meetings. · Be responsive Speed is everything, especially when a client is requesting something that is time-sensitive. Reply to your client as soon as you can. In addition, keep your client updated on relevant matters - communication is essential. · Address your communication avenues Building a broader multichannel communication strategy will ensure you reach and engage all generations from traditional in-person meetings and direct mail approach to connecting through chats platforms, video conferencing and webinars. This may mean spending additional time and resources to optimise your digital communications. · Engage the right people Create your own philanthropic ‘toolkit’ of key advisors; - Professional legal advisors experienced in the charity sector and philanthropic giving - Proficient Tax advisors to provide solutions on how best to utilise available tax reliefs and allowances so as to maximise the benefit to the charity concerned - Competent Investment Advisors to ensure that the right asset allocation strategy is created to support your clients investment objectives and ethics - Philanthropic advisors to research topics a donor may be considering supporting and to look for opportunities for philanthropic funding to match the donor’s goals - A professional and experienced corporate Trustee to advise individuals and families on philanthropy and charitable giving. To deliver their expertise on the creation of new charities, whether by way of a trust, foundation or corporate vehicle, and to assist on administrative, accounting, regulatory and compliance matters. The more skilled Trustee will also be well positioned to advise on cross-border giving, and on any practical issues that may arise. · Always, always, always deliver! Commit to those promises you made to your client and to yourself as their advisor. Go that extra mile and make a difference! Takeaway By taking time to listen, adapt and understand your client’s needs and their family’s diverse generational views and values, you will not only create long-term relationships but thoughtful stewards of your client’s wealth and their lasting legacy. Author: Lauretta Bennett, Senior Manager Rawlinson & Hunter, Cayman Islands Lauretta.Bennett@rawlinson.com.ky