Ann Ng, Matt Roberts, and John Trehey jointly lead the team at Maples Group, which is hailed by clients as the 'market leader for offshore law firms in Asia'. Ng specialises in fund formation and often acts for investors and sponsors, Roberts primarily assists financial institutions and SPACs with corporate governance matters and the full spectrum of capital markets issues, and Trehey is known for his extensive cross-border disputes and insolvency expertise, often handling matters involving Cayman Islands and BVI structures. Derrick Kan often handles matters concerning listings in the US, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, while Aisling Dwyer often appears before the Cayman Islands and BVI courts on behalf of private equity houses and ultra-high-net-worth families. Nick Stern is well-versed in cross-border insolvencies and restructurings. Terence Ho is well-known for his expertise in the structuring and formation of hedge, private equity, and venture capital funds, and Josie Ainley is recommended for her knowledge of downstream transactions and the maintenance of hedge funds. Key figures within the team include Vivian Lee, who routinely assists with the listing of Cayman Islands company shares in Hong Kong and the US, and Jessica Zhan often advises financial institutions and SOEs on series financings and SPACs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Having worked with Maples Hong Kong, I can vouch for their high degree of professionalism and commitment to advance their clients' interest. We have come to expect sound and practical advice from Maples, they are very transparent in their practice and it has been a pleasure to work with them over the last 10 years.’
‘Aisling Dwyer stands out as a committed and passionate lawyer who goes the extra mile for the client. She has an innate ability to identify the key issues and more importantly provide ideas, strategies and practical solutions to overcome the issues, no matter how complicated they may be.’
‘Maples Group in Hong Kong is the market leader for offshore law firms in Asia. Their knowledge of market trends and Cayman legal/regulatory developments is exceptional. I have worked closely together with them on many of the major Korean private equity funds that have been successfully raised, and their knowledge of that market is unparalleled.’
‘Sharon Yap stands out for her responsiveness and commercial/practical approach to complex Cayman legal and regulatory issues. She is able to come up with novel and creative solutions for her clients.’
‘Strong local team with the ability to provide strong commercial advice on issues important for Chinese clients, while anticipating and avoiding unnecessary issues - particularly in contentious settings.’
‘Aisling Dwyer is a solid disputes lawyer, able to bring first-hand experience to bear on contentious offshore issues, with solid judgment and just the right amount of risk tolerance. A valuable team member.’
‘Maples is our go-to Cayman counsel on matters requiring Cayman advice. They are very responsive.’
Work highlights
- Advised Sunac China Holdings Ltd on the successful restructuring of its US$10.2 billion offshore debt.
- Advised Chindata Group Holdings Limited on its take-private transaction. The transaction, which completed on 18 December 2023, implied an equity value of approximately US$3.16 billion.
- Acting as Cayman legal counsel to NIO Inc. in connection with issues of (1) an aggregate of US$575m convertible senior notes due 2029, and (2) an aggregate of US$575m convertible senior notes due 2030 convertible into American Depositary Shares of NIO Inc.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Ann Ng; Matt Roberts; John Trehey
Other key lawyers
Derrick Kan; Aisling Dwyer; Nick Stern; Terence Ho; Josie Ainley; Lorraine Pao; Vivian Lee; Jessica Zhan; Sharon Yap; Richard Spooner