Hayden Isbister

Overview

I'm the Managing Partner of our Cayman Islands office. I specialise in corporate and finance work, with an emphasis on investment funds.

I have significant experience advising a broad range of clients on the formation of all variations of investment funds as well as advising on private equity fund downstream transactions.

My corporate and commercial experience includes advising on joint venture arrangements and other corporate deals, such as SPACs. I also have experience in structured finance transactions, including CLOs, and advising on fund finance, acquisition finance and general lending matters.

Prior to moving to the Cayman Islands, I worked at Minter Ellison in Australia.

Professional qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Queensland University of Technology
• Bachelor of Business, University of Queensland

Memberships

• An Alternate Director of Cayman Finance

What the directories say

Hayden is Recommended in the Lexology Index Report 2024 for Private Funds - Formation.

In Legal 500 Caribbean 2025, Hayden is ranked as a Leading Partner in Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Corporate and Commercial, and Investment Funds. A source comments: "Hayden Isbister is very responsive and knowledgeable and has a good team. We view Mourant as an excellent option for offshore funds counsel." 

In the Legal 500 Caribbean 2024, Hayden is ranked as a Leading Individual in Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Corporate and Commercial and Investment Funds. A source comments: "Hayden Isbister and team are absolute stand-outs. On the pulse, commercial and highly rated. They understand the needs of global clients and are ready to unlock complex scenarios for our clients."

In Chambers and Partners Global 2024, Hayden is individually ranked in Investment Funds. He's described as "great with clients - very responsive and practical." Another source adds: "Hayden is a great attorney in the Cayman fund space, with a strong team of associates supporting him."

Hayden is Highly Regarded in Investment Funds in IFLR1000 2023.

In Chambers and Partners Global 2023, Hayden is individually ranked in Corporate and Finance, where he is described as "a top practitioner and trusted legal counsel."

Hayden is also individually ranked in Investment Funds in Chambers and Partners Global 2023. A source praises his "superb" client service, with another adding: "Hayden is always willing to assist on new projects, even ones with short timeframes."

In Legal 500 Caribbean 2023, Hayden is recognised as a Leading Individual in the areas of Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Corporate and Commercial, and Investment Funds. He is described as being "calm and measured" and "very approachable and available".

Hayden is listed as Highly Regarded in IFLR1000 in 2022.

"He is very practical and very responsive." "He is extremely responsive, technically strong and very easy to get along with." Chambers and Partners Global 2022.

Sources report that Hayden is "responsive and knowledgeable," praising his "fantastic client relationship skills." Chambers and Partners Global 2021. 

Sources report: "Hayden is a very knowledgeable and practical lawyer.", Chambers and Partners Global 2021. 

"Hayden Isbister is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and personable- any client referred to him will be in good hands." Legal 500 2020. 

One market insider commented that he is "tremendous, extremely responsive, knowledgeable and a fund formation expert." Chambers and Partners 2020.

Clients laud him for being "great to work with. He is extremely personable, smart and friendly." Chambers and Partners 2020. 

Hayden is described as "a fantastic lawyer" who is "very good when dealing with hedge fund matters". Market commentators further note that "he has great technical ability and a very keen business sense," Chambers Global 2019.

Legal 500, 2018, lists Hayden as a 'Leading Individual' in the Investment Funds and Corporate and Commercial categories.

Chambers and Partners Global 2017 describes Hayden as: "someone who goes out of his way to make clients comfortable. He inspires confidence in clients."

'Hayden is "tireless and knowledgeable",' Legal 500 Caribbean 2016.

'Hayden Isbister has substantial experience relating to all elements of investment fund formation, structuring and restructuring. One client said: "I feel very confident asking for his advice on any aspect of funds. I get a really good sense of the Cayman market by speaking with him."' Chambers Global 2016.

Hayden is listed as Recommended in Legal 500 Caribbean 2015, and is described as "outstanding – he follows up on a very timely basis and has vast knowledge of specific corporate laws".

Hayden is "highly responsive" and gives "top-notch legal advice." IFLR1000 2015.