Machiuanna Chu > Deacons > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Lawyer Profile

The TMT practice at Deacons is sought out by international clients for assistance with TMT transactions, fintech, and IP matters. The team is especially active in the fintech sector where it advises e-commerce and cryptocurrency platforms on fintech projects,  virtual assets, and tokensiation. Machiuanna Chu spearheads the practice and leads on corporate and commercial matters, being the main port of call for technology companies, cryptocurrency issuers, fintech companies and financial institutions for building digital businesses. Charmaine Koo handles contentious litigation, while Ian Liu focuses on IP issues.

Deacons is well-known for handling all manner of proceedings initiated by the HKCC involving allegations of bid rigging and price fixing. Machiuanna Chu leads the team, utilising her expansive transactional expertise to assist with HKSAR Competition Tribunal enforcement actions. Peter So is a key figure within the firm’s dispute resolution practice, often advising on Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) investigations.

Deacons houses a broad team known for its strong focus on private M&A, venture capital investments, and joint ventures. The group assists a diverse client roster of state-owned corporations, global companies, and partnerships. Ronny Chow jointly leads the team alongside Machiuanna Chu; Chow is noted for his longstanding expertise in takeovers and privatisations, while Chu is recommended for her deep knowledge of cross-border M&A and investment mandates. Alexander Que is a key contact for Hong Kong listed companies and banks, while Maynard Leung routinely acts for real estate, telecoms, and financial services clients in mandates involving corporate reorganisations and voluntary general cash offers.

Deacons is especially prominent in the hospitality, gaming, and IT sectors and is active across China, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as having a strong presence in Hong Kong. The group is accomplished in drafting data processing agreements, and advising on data regulations across these jurisdictions, as well as privacy issues in advertising and marketing. Machiuanna Chu heads up the team, bringing a great deal of compliance expertise to clients and experience in investment transactions. Andy Yu and Dora Si are lauded for their ‘deep knowledge of data protection and a longstanding practice in this field.’

Often advising state-owned companies, government bodies, and global corporate clients, Deacons handles the full spectrum of corporate matters. Ronny Chow jointly leads the team alongside Machiuanna Chu; Chow has longstanding experience in corporate finance and securities issues, while Chu specialises in venture capital investment and cross-border M&A. Maynard Leung regularly assists food and beverage, health care, and real estate clients, and Alexander Que is a key name for takeovers, particularly in relation to Hong Kong listed companies, often advising banks. Gary K.S. Wong is well-versed in joint venture and business transfer issues.