Bermuda-based law firm Appleby has announced the opening a new office in the Republic of Seychelles.

Appleby is the first international law firm to open in the country and the new office in the capital Victoria will provide clients with greater access to the fast-growing emerging markets in Africa, Asia and India.

This follows the company's merger with law firm Dickinson Cruickshank in the Isle of Man last month, which will create the world's largest offshore law firm by partner numbers, with 10 offices in key offshore and major financial centres worldwide and more than 800 staff, including 73 partners.

Malcolm Moller, managing partner of Appleby's Mauritius office, played a key role in setting up the office, and will also serve as the managing partner in the Seychelles.

Appleby's incorporated entity in the Seychelles, Appleby Corporate Services (Seychelles) Ltd., will offer corporate and trust administration services.

The firm has also announced that Conrad Benoiton, chairman of the Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA), director general of securities and financial markets, Central Bank of Seychelles and the former executive chairman and director of Air Seychelles, will become managing director of Appleby Corporate Services (Seychelles) Ltd. Mr. Benoiton is credited with establishing the Seychelles first regulatory body SIBA, in 1995.

In addition, the new office will be staffed by two lawyers and a support team, with a focus on investment into the emerging African, Asian and Indian markets.

Mr. Moller said: "This is a significant opportunity for both Appleby and the Seychelles as we will offer world-class legal, fiduciary and administration services from the Seychelles to international clients and to businesses based in the islands.

"We believe our presence in this fast growing jurisdiction will complement our Mauritius office and, as the first international law firm to open here, we will be well positioned to offer our clients sophisticated offshore services for investment in the African, Asian and Indian markets.

"In addition, our global resources and reputation will further assist the growth of international business in the Seychelles."