50 Leading Women in Private Markets 2025: in conversation with Joanne Huckle

Joanne Huckle, Ogier's Head of Investment Funds, has been named one of the 50 Leading Women in Private Markets 2025 by The Hedge Fund Journal, joining an elite group of individuals recognised for their leadership and influence in private equity. 

Based in the Cayman Islands, Joanne advises many of Ogier's most prestigious clients, including some of the largest fund managers in the world. Joanne also leads Ogier’s international funds practice across Ireland, Luxembourg, Jersey, Guernsey, Dubai and throughout Asia.

Joanne is widely acknowledged as a leading practitioner, ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers, and a sought-after funds regulatory specialist, with an intricate knowledge of the Cayman Islands’ anti-money laundering regime.

Through her work with the Cayman Islands Financial Services Legislation Sub-Committee, Cayman Finance’s AML sub-committee and AIMA’s regulatory initiatives, Joanne has played an influential role in shaping legislative and regulatory development in the Cayman Islands. 

Joanne's recognition in the Private Markets: 50 Women Leaders 2025 report follows closely on the heels of another major win for Ogier’s funds team, having won Best Law Firm – Fund Domicile at the Hedgeweek US Awards 2025, further cementing the firm’s position at the forefront of the industry.

In this interview, Joanne shares practical insights on where the private equity market is heading, how Cayman is leading the way in the global funds industry, and she reflects on Ogier’s contribution to the jurisdiction’s continued success.

In conversation with Joanne 

You've been named one of the 50 Leading Women in Private Markets – is visibility for women in this sector important and, if so, why?

Initiatives like this help to highlight the breadth of talent in the private equity sector and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Reflecting on my own career, the importance of mentorship and proactive leadership can’t be overstated. I benefited enormously from colleagues and mentors (in fact, many of those were men) and I’ve worked hard to offer that same support to others.

This acknowledgement is not just a personal achievement – it’s a testament to the strength of our team in Cayman and at Ogier. From a Cayman perspective, this award also underscores the jurisdiction’s global relevance and the exceptional quality of legal work being done here.

How does the Cayman Islands’ position in private equity compare today to when you started practice? What factors have contributed to its continued relevance and growth?

When I first moved to the Cayman Islands, the jurisdiction was particularly well known as a leading hedge fund jurisdiction. While that’s still true, Cayman’s private equity footprint has expanded. The jurisdiction is now firmly established as a hub for the full spectrum of investment funds, from private equity to credit and from real estate to venture capital. This evolution reflects a global trend which has seen increased allocation to less liquid assets.

Cayman’s dominance stems from continuous enhancements to our regulatory framework, deliberate reputation management and the sophistication of local service providers. The result is a trusted, adaptive environment that supports a diverse set of managers and strategies. Cayman has built and maintained a reputation for flexibility, innovation and alignment with international standards.

From your vantage point in Cayman, what key trends are you seeing in fund structuring for US-based managers? Are you seeing these trends play out across your teams in Europe and Asia?

Private credit continues to surge. We have seen a number of traditional hedge fund managers looking to less liquid asset classes for returns. This has resulted in a variety of more bespoke fund structures – hybrid funds, evergreen funds and an increase in the use of side pockets. Funds of one continue to be in demand for some of our largest managers that can offer a bespoke fund for a large ticket investor.

Segregated portfolio companies remain popular because they are cost efficient, provide speed to market and allow a tailored product to meet specific investor requirements.

US managers are increasing distribution channels and reaching global capital often through multi-jurisdictional structures, which meet their tax and regulatory needs. Many of the structures we establish require us to work closely with our funds teams in Ireland and Luxembourg, creating vehicles for European distribution. At the same time, many of our managers are raising capital in Japan, where the Cayman Islands unit trust remains the go-to structure for asset managers seeking global diversification.

What advice would you give to US managers working with Cayman fund vehicles for the first time – or looking to deepen their offshore strategy?

Engage with Cayman counsel early in the structuring process. Our jurisdiction offers a suite of flexible fund vehicles. Our team has established thousands of funds and is well placed to advise you on the structuring options and to guide you through the Cayman fund launch process. 

In addition, ensure you are advised on the key regulatory requirements to ensure regulatory compliance from the outset. Do not wait to address these issues once the fund has launched – this is particularly important given the continued evolution of the regulatory landscape in Cayman and the risk of enforcement for noncompliance.

Why does Cayman remain the gold standard for private funds?

Cayman offers certainty, trust and extensive experience. Managers are not reinventing the wheel when they chose to launch a Cayman structure. The jurisdiction and its legal and regulatory regimes are tried and tested. We have more than 30,000 registered, regulated funds in the jurisdiction. 

Investors are familiar with the Cayman Islands and managers can concentrate on marketing the differentiating factors of their strategy rather than their jurisdiction choice. Its legal and regulatory infrastructure provides the flexibility and rigour global sponsors need, while the quality and expertise of our professionals help ensure ongoing excellence. 

I’m proud of the role Ogier has played in shaping Cayman’s legacy, setting a benchmark for investment fund structures worldwide.