Peter Hayden

Overview

I am a Partner in the Litigation team in our Cayman Islands office.  I have practised with the firm in the Cayman Islands since the beginning of 2008.

Over the last 15 years I have acted in many of the largest and most complex cases to be litigated in the Cayman Islands. I act for the Algosaibi family in their on-going claims against Maan Al Sanea and his companies, successfully obtaining a US$2.5 billion judgment against Mr Al Sanea and settling certain claims. I also act for the liquidators of the Madoff impacted Primeo fund, in successfully resolving litigation against the Trustee in New York and the Cayman Islands, the investment manager, the Herald feeder fund – where the Privy Council has found in favour of Primeo on both the creditor and shareholder distribution issues – and in the litigation against the administrator and custodian.

I have acted in a number of precedent setting fund liquidations (including Lancelot, Belmont and Heriot), large fraud cases (including Madoff, Dynamic Decisions, Fletcher and Alpha Re) and high profile restructurings (including Arcapita, CEVA, Eircom, Ocean Rig and Tailored Brands). I am regularly instructed to make urgent applications to obtain interim relief and/or to appoint provisional liquidators/receivers.

I also have experience of contentious regulatory matters, including pursuing judicial review proceedings to challenge MLAT and regulatory requests, and have advised on a number of crypto claims.

Prior to joining Mourant, I worked in London as a Partner at Matthew Arnold & Baldwin (now Dentons) and before that at Allen & Overy.

I have extensive experience in financial services litigation and insolvency matters, and have also worked in-house at UBS and Barclays.

Professional qualifications

• Attorney, Cayman Islands, 2008
• Granted English Higher Rights of Audience, 2002

Memberships

• The Insolvency Lawyers' Association
• Recovery and Insolvency Specialists Association (Cayman) / INSOL
• The Commercial Fraud Lawyers' Association

What the directories say

In Legal 500 Caribbean 2025, Peter is ranked as a Leading Partner in Dispute Resolution. A source comments: "Peter Hayden is one of the top litigators in the Cayman Islands. Often his position or approach to a dispute foreshadows changes to the law. Peter is technically brilliant."

In Legal 500 Caribbean 2024, Peter is ranked as a Leading Individual in Dispute Resolution.

In Chambers and Partners Global 2023, Peter is ranked in Dispute Resolution. A source says: "Peter is very efficient and knows the market inside-out."

In Legal 500 Caribbean 2023, Peter is recognised as a Leading Individual for Dispute Resolution.

"Peter has an excellent grasp of Cayman Islands law… and is clear, concise and thoughtful in his recommendations." Chambers and Partners Global 2022.

Chambers and Partners Global 2021 states that commentators describe Peter as a "good litigator" who is "very strategic" and "extremely commercial."

"He is a good advocate, very solid and knows what he is doing." Chambers and Partners, 2020.

"A tactically-sound senior litigator who is always a pleasure to work with." Legal 500, 2020.

"Very experienced and knowledgable litigator who is always good to have on your side." Legal 500, 2020.

Peter is a "very tough and experienced litigator." Legal 500 Caribbean, 2019.

Sources describe Peter as "someone to bring calm and reasoned analysis to litigation. He knows how to deal with a case tactically" and is "incredibly responsive and hard-working." Chambers Global, 2019.

Peter is "a top class lawyer who is one of the best litigators in Cayman." Chambers Global, 2018.

'Sources describe Peter Hayden as "incredibly responsive and hard-working." He is involved in very high-value fraud cases as well as shareholder disputes and liquidation proceedings. Commentators highlight that his presence in the firm has won it some very high-quality work.' Chambers Global, 2018.

Peter is "robust yet calm under pressure – the kind of tough but pragmatic litigator you want on your side when difficulties arise." Chambers Global, 2017.