Meet the Sponsor: Walkers

Each month, we’re spotlighting one of our brilliant sponsors behind the Gala Dinner – this time it’s Partner at Walkers,Partner, Chris Hutley Hurst.

1. What should we know about you, and the company you work for?

Walkers is an international offshore law firm, covering multiple jurisdictions and great at knowing which is right for each client and each matter. I head up our Channel Island Regulatory & Risk Advisory team which is part of the largest and longest-established global group of dedicated financial regulatory lawyers of all the offshore firms.
I spend my days advising various financial services businesses. Recently for example, I advised Aston’s founders and senior team on the formation of a new bank headquartered in Guernsey.

2. What’s something most people don’t know about your company, but should?

We are the only offshore law firm to have dedicated financial regulatory lawyers located on the ground in each of our 10 offices.  Plus, we don’t make crisps!

3. Why are you supporting this year’s Gala Dinner?

I’m the Finance Sector Industry Lead for the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce and like to support them and their events in any way I can. I think that the work the Chamber does for both businesses and the wider community is invaluable and am delighted to help.

4. What’s your team most proud of right now?

I was delighted to see three of my colleagues in the Channel Islands regulatory team recently promoted. Congratulations to Jamie Bookless in Guernsey and Gemma Palmer and Sian Langley in Jersey who were all promoted to partner.

Also as mentioned earlier, we were very pleased to assist Aston on launching one of the first new banks in Guernsey for a while, and the only bank to be headquartered here.

5. What kind of impact do you want to make through your work or in the community?

I’m from Guernsey and I love living here. Guernsey has always embraced entrepreneurship and I want help attract new technology and businesses to the Island.

6. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in your industry?

Seize all the opportunities you can, as you never know where things will take you. A drink with a new client a few years back has led to my passion for sea swimming!

7. What’s your go-to pick-me-up after a long day — coffee, music, fresh air, or something stronger?

Coffee and sea swimming are my go-to morning pick-me ups, and after a long day it’s nice to unwind with my wife and our two dogs, Tokyo and Kyoto.

For more information about Walkers, click here