Laura Birrell

Laura Birrell is a pioneering female founder in the Cayman Islands digital asset industry and an experienced legal professional. She brings a unique combination of legal acumen, governance expertise and hands-on operational leadership to her role as an Independent Director at Leeward.

Prior to joining Leeward, Laura founded one of the first Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) registered under the Cayman Islands regulatory framework and was at the forefront of the industry in its early development. In that capacity, she helped develop a regulated platform to bridge virtual assets with real-world assets, delivering secure and compliant solutions for digital asset investors. Her governance expertise combines deep regulatory knowledge with extensive operational experience, positioning her as a trusted advisor in a sector defined by rapid innovation and evolving compliance standards. 

Laura’s career spans roles as General Counsel for a FTSE 250 plc in the UK and as a compliance leader for regulated entities, where she designed and implemented robust governance structures and risk frameworks from the ground up. Her deep familiarity with the Cayman Islands’ regulatory environment and active engagement with industry stakeholders position her as a trusted advisor to companies navigating complex compliance landscapes. 

Laura is the elected inaugural Chair of the VASP Committee at the Blockchain Association of the Cayman Islands, playing a central role in shaping the jurisdiction’s digital asset regulatory landscape.