Jeremy Lam > Deacons > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Lawyer Profile

Drawing upon excellent ties with Hong Kong financial regulators, in part due to a number in the team that formerly served in-house at the SFC, Deacons is abreast of regulatory changes in the market, providing ‘expert and practical input’ to banks, funds and exchanges on compliance and licensing applications, in particular. Led by Jeremy Lam, who ‘delivers succinct advice on tricky issues’, the team not only acts on standalone matters, including for local financial services clients, but also often works with international law firms, which are appreciative of the firm’s independent status and its knowledge, regularly providing the Hong Kong law advice for global financial services on multi-jurisdictional matters. Lam himself excels in  handling regulatory matters pertinent to the asset management industry including establishment and licensing with the SFC, regulatory compliance and marketing of collective investment schemes.  For fintech matters, Isabella Wong is ‘very knowledgeable and responsive’, while Joseph Kwan takes the lead on contentious work in the financial services sector.

The ‘responsive and proactive’ team at Deacons provides ‘high-quality and client-focused’ advice to fund managers across a range of fund establishment, regulatory (including licensing and authorisation) and ongoing compliance mandates. While the firm does handle some private fund work, under the leadership of the vastly experienced Jeremy Lam, the team is, however, undoubtedly best-known for its work in relation to retail funds where it is ‘able to provide the latest market insight’ by dint of its deal flow and its strong interactions with the regulators. Alwyn Li is noted for his ability to provide a ‘solutions-oriented service’ for clients establishing and seeking SFC authorisation of unit trusts and mutual funds domiciled in Hong Kong and overseas. Noted for his knowledge of registered fund regulatory procedures, Taylor Hui spearheads the team’s efforts for China funds work and has developed particular expertise advising PRC fund managers establishing retail funds in Hong Kong. Of the more junior partners, the ‘business-friendly’ Pinky Siu and Ming Chiu Li are also key members of the team for the establishment of a wide range of retail funds as well as on regulatory and compliance matters.