British Virgin Islands: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration

The UK Supreme Court's landmark decision in Drelle v Servis-Terminal LLC fundamentally reshapes cross-border insolvency practice by confirming that creditors may rely on unrecognised...

A BVI Court case examines whether a publicly traded company can be restrained from redomiciling to another jurisdiction when allegations of fraud and control by interested parties threaten to render enforcement of potential claims impossible. The proceedings reveal the complex interplay between corporate independence, jurisdictional authority, and the protection of alleged fraud victims in offshore litigation.

Maritime litigators are witnessing an increase in vessel arrests stemming from contractual disputes, with poorly drafted contracts identified as the primary culprit. While no contract can guarantee dispute-free operations, understanding best practices and the importance of tailored agreements can significantly minimize risks in complex maritime transactions subject to delays, sanctions, regulatory requirements, and market conditions.

A BVI Court case examines whether a publicly traded company can be restrained from redomiciling to another jurisdiction when allegations of fraud and control by interested parties threaten to render enforcement of potential claims impossible. The proceedings reveal the complex interplay between corporate independence, jurisdictional authority, and the protection of alleged fraud victims in offshore litigation.

The British Virgin Islands Court of Appeal examines whether sanctions against a Russian bank unlawfully denied it access to justice in fraud proceedings, and whether the trial judge properly assessed the merits of joint tortfeasor liability claims under Russian law at the interlocutory stage.

The UK Supreme Court's landmark decision in Servis-Terminal LLC v Drelle has overturned the English Court of Appeal's controversial ruling, clarifying that unrecognised foreign judgments can form the basis of insolvency proceedings without prior recognition. This briefing examines how the Supreme Court's restoration of the common law 'obligation principle' impacts creditors seeking to enforce foreign judgment debts in the BVI, particularly following the uncertainty created by the first instance decision in

The British Virgin Islands Court of Appeal examines whether sanctions against a Russian bank unlawfully denied it access to justice in fraud proceedings, and whether the trial judge properly assessed the merits of joint tortfeasor liability claims under Russian law at the interlocutory stage.

Recent amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules in the British Virgin Islands have introduced a clearer procedural framework for determining whether trust and estate proceedings should be heard publicly or privately. This development marks a significant shift in BVI trust and estate practice, particularly given the jurisdiction's historical approach to confidentiality in such sensitive matters.

The British Virgin Islands Commercial Court has issued a significant ruling clarifying that liquidators should have broad powers to act without prior court approval, marking a departure from longstanding practice. Justice Mithani's decision in Jin Yao Holdings Ltd v Forever Winner International Ltd challenges the routine inclusion of sanction requirements in liquidation orders, restoring flexibility to insolvency practitioners while maintaining appropriate judicial oversight.

Recent amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules in the British Virgin Islands have introduced a clearer procedural framework for determining whether trust and estate proceedings should be heard publicly or privately. This development marks a significant shift in BVI trust and estate practice, particularly given the jurisdiction's historical approach to confidentiality in such sensitive matters.

In an article for STEP Journal, Alex Hall Taylor KC and Tyrone Bailey examine how recent amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules in the British Virgin Islands shape whether trust and estate proceedings...

On 17 February 2025, the BVI Court recognised a Committee, appointed by the Hong Kong Court of First Instance, with responsibility over the financial affairs of a family member who lacks capacity and has movable assets in the BVI.