Cayman Islands firm Maples and Calder has expanded, acquiring a British Virgin Islands firm and opening a new office in Jersey.

The firm has acquired Smith-Hughes, Raworth & McKenzie - the second-largest firm in the British Virgin Islands. Funds partner Charles Jennings will take the helm, working alongside partners Robert McIntyre, Clinton Hempel and Anthony Lynton. The moves bring Maples and Calder's global numbers to 34 partners and more than 100 lawyers.

The new Jersey office will be integrated with Maples and Calder's existing trust management arm, Maples Finance Jersey, and headed up by former Ogier & Le Masurier lawyer Natalie Sullivan. Sullivan will be joined by ex-Ogiers lawyers Andreas Haug and Paul Govier in support roles.

Chris McKenzie, former senior partner of Smith-Hughes, Raworth & McKenzie and partner Barry Mitchell will join Maple and Calder's London and Hong Kong offices respectively as partners. S-HRM's wholly-owned trust company will become Maples Finance BVI, part of the Maples Finance Groups management and administration division.

Maples and Calder senior partner Anthony Travers said the moves were in response to demand from the firm's existing institutional clients.