Collas Crill has appointed Ellie Crespi as Local Managing Partner and Head of Corporate, Finance and Funds in the British Virgin Islands. She will join the firm in the spring, subject to permit.

Currently a partner at Harneys, Ellie advises on all aspects of corporate, capital markets and banking transactions as well as corporate reorganisations and restructurings. Her clients include leading onshore law firms, private equity investors, major international financial institutions, listed and private companies and British Virgin Islands statutory and public bodies.

Ellie started her career at CMS in London then spent four years with Allen & Overy working in Moscow then Hong Kong. She moved to Harneys in 2013, initially working in the firm's Hong Kong office before relocating to the British Virgin Islands.

Ellie is recognised as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500 directory and is listed as 'highly regarded' in the ILFR 100. In 2020, she was nominated by peers as Lawyer of the Year in BVI Finance's Financial Service Awards.

Group Managing Partner Jason Romer said: 'Ellie is an extremely impressive lawyer and partner with a strong understanding of established and emerging markets gained through a varied, international career. Her focused and personable approach is a great fit for Collas Crill and we are very much looking forward to welcoming her to the firm.'

Ellie Crespi said: 'Collas Crill is a relationship driven firm that puts its clients and people first. I am delighted to be granted the exciting opportunity to lead the talented BVI team and to build on the deep local foundations of the firm to serve clients, the BVI financial services sector and through it the community as a whole.'