Wesley O’Brien

Partner

Hong Kong | T +852 2842 9453 | M +852 5197 4909

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Wesley O’Brien is a Partner in the Hong Kong Private Client & Trust practice. He joined Conyers in 2019 in the Cayman Islands office prior to relocating to Conyers’ Hong Kong office in 2025.

Wesley has a broad practice encompassing all aspects of private client and trust law advice and litigation, as well as advising on structuring for web3 and digital asset matters.

Wesley advises on the establishment, reorganisation and governance of complex trusts, pensions, foundation companies and other wealth management structures and is also regularly engaged to advise on estate planning, contentious trust and probate matters, as well as a range of regulatory matters, including the application of economic substance and exchange of information laws. Wesley has significant experience in relation to web3, crypto and digital assets matters, in particular with respect to the structuring, governance and regulation of Cayman Islands foundation companies in connection with decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) and token issuances.

Prior to joining Conyers, Wesley practiced as a tax lawyer at a leading Australian law firm. His experience advising on complex tax matters continues to provide valuable insight and understanding of the challenges and issues facing many of his clients.

Wesley recently spoke at a seminar hosted by the Hong Kong Trustees’ Association (HKTA) on “Utilising Offshore Trusts as a Tool for Estate Planning, Family Governance, and Managing Risk”.

Jurisdictions

Experience

Advised a non-profit digital art collective regarding the establishment of a Cayman foundation company and BVI token issuance company structure. The foundation company was structured to act as a legal wrapper for decentralised autonomous organisation whereby cryptocurrency token-holders are able to participate in the governance of the structure via the Blockchain. Our advice relates to the establishment and governance of the structure, regulatory issues and licensing approvals concerning the provision of virtual asset services in the Cayman Islands and the BVI as well as the acquisition of various digital assets

Expertise

Qualifications

Professional Background

Associate, Gadens, Melbourne, Australia

Education

Australian National University, Legal Practice Course, 2015
Monash University, Master of Laws (Juris Doctor), 2014
RMIT University, Bachelor of Arts (International Studies), 2009

Bar Admissions

Bermuda, Registered Associate, 2025
Cayman Islands, Attorney-at-Law, 2019
Victoria, Australia, Solicitor, 2015 (not currently practising)

Awards & Accolades

Recognised as an “Associate to Watch” by Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide 2023 – 2024
Recognised by The Legal 500 Caribbean (Trusts/Private Client) 2021 – 2025
Recognised as one of the Citywealth 2019 Future Leaders Top 100
Recognised in Legal Week’s The Private Client Global Elite 2024