Professional services firm the Maitland Group is to open a new office in the Cayman Islands, taking its number of global locations to 12.

The operation will be led by Sara Collins, who has been hired from offshore rival Walkers, with the new office set to open on September 1.

The Cayman branch is the latest addition to a network that includes offices in South Africa, the City and the British Virgin Islands and will provide legal advice on areas including private client, investment funds and trusts.

Commenting on the move, Maitland managing director Steve Georgala said: "Unlike many offshore firms, Maitland is not jurisdictionally bound. We focus on cross-border solutions which are increasingly sought after by international private clients and companies.

"Having a presence in Cayman broadens our international operation. It offers significant business opportunities, as many of our international private and corporate clients and fund managers require sophisticated solutions in this jurisdiction."

Collins said: "My decision to join Maitland is motivated by the firm's transparency, quality of clients and range of cross-border services. I relish the challenge to develop Maitland's presence in Cayman and grow the full service range we can offer to both private and corporate clients."

Recently, Maitland – which offers a range of other professional services alongside legal advice – acquired asset management company Insinger de Beufort Luxembourg, increasing its trusts and corporate services capacity.

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