Sara-Jane Knock
Partner | British Virgin Islands
Experience
Track record
Removal of a Trustee
We act for the beneficiary of a large BVI Trust who is applying to remove the trustee of a family trust. The other beneficiary and trustee are actively opposing the application.
Successful restructuring of two BVI Trusts worth in excess of US$400m
We acted for the trustees of two BVI trusts worth in excess of US$400 million, who undertook an extensive restructuring process involving assets and beneficiaries located in multiple jurisdictions and received the blessing of the BVI Court for their restructuring decisions following an application made under the Public Trustee v Cooper regime. Not only did this matter involve complex issues of cross-border restructuring, but also issues of surrogacy and parental rights of children in the BVI. Click here to read the Judgment.
Successful strike out of an Appeal
We acted for the Respondent to an Appeal and successfully struck out the Appeal at the initial stage, before significant work was undertaken. The Appellant was attempting to appeal a judgment relating to the beneficial ownership of a valuable property in London, which we had secured for our client.
Successful discharge of receivership order in BVI
We acted for an Anguillan company whose asset, a BVI company, was the subject of a receivership order obtained by VTB Bank. VTB is attempting to enforce Russian judgments against a Russian individual via BVI companies, which VTB claims are ultimately owned by the Russian individual. The receivership order was successfully discharged. Click here to read the Judgment.
Trustees of two BVI Trusts
We are instructed by the trustees of two BVI trusts worth in excess of US$400 million, who are currently undergoing a restructuring exercise involving assets in multiple jurisdictions. Recent issues relating to this matter have involved a discussion of parental rights in the BVI.
Successfully resisted the enforcement of Russian judgement
We acted for a high-net-worth individual in the successful defence of the enforcement in the BVI of Russian judgments obtained by VTB Bank. The matter involved the BVI Commercial Court, Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal and the Privy Council. Click here to read one of the many Judgments relating to this matter.
BVI hedge fund
Successfully acted for a BVI hedge fund in the removal of its investment manager and its liquidation.
Cyprus based trustee
Successfully acted for a Cyprus based trustee in defending beneficiary claims of $150m in the BVI Commercial Court.