Maples Group is distinguished by its expertise in fund structuring, establishment, and ongoing maintenance, particularly for vehicles investing into Japan or targeting Japanese investors. The firm is also highly active on the corporate side, regularly advising on IPOs and SPAC transactions involving Cayman Islands and BVI companies listed on US, Hong Kong, and PRC exchanges. Co-head Ann Ng is a recognised authority on fund formation across both open and closed end funds, while fellow co-head John Trehey is a leading figure in insolvency and restructuring. Matt Roberts, also co-head, advises on a wide spectrum of corporate governance and capital markets matters. Offshore litigators Aisling Dwyer and Nick Stern are both widely respected for their dispute resolution expertise, while Terence Ho acts for a broad range of sponsors on fund structuring and offerings. Regulatory specialist Josie Ainley provides further strength to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Maples Hong Kong has a highly professional yet personal approach in their dealings with us as instructing solicitors. Their advice on BVI law has always been sound and well-supported by case law and legislation. We are regularly kept up to date with the latest developments in BVI law in areas which have an impact on the cases they are handling for our mutual client.'
‘Their partner Derrick Kan was very good. Responsive and pragmatic advice. Very helpful. ’
‘Provide a global coverage on key jurisdictions, delivering asset management services that are commercially minded and provide up-to-date legal knowledge. ’
‘Sharon Yap - Responsive and up to date on trends in the market that I operate in.'
‘Aisling Dwyer stands out as a lawyer with a strong grasp of the law and the facts of each case we work on. More importantly, she has something extra to bring to the table and different insight to share each time we discuss complex issues.'
‘Maples is the leading Cayman law firm in Asia. They are responsive, commercial and knowledgeable about the latest Cayman regulatory developments and how they affect the Asian funds market and my clients. They have a deep bench of lawyers here in Asia and advise many of the most high-profile Asian private equity clients on the formation of Cayman, BVI and Bermuda fund vehicles. ’
Work highlights
Advised on Aquila Acquisition Corporation and ZG Group's de-SPAC transaction.
Advised on Baidu's CNY10 billion and US$2 billion bond issuances.
Acted on Kaisa's US$12.3 billion offshore debt restructuring.
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; Michael Gagie; John Trehey
Other key lawyers
Derrick Kan; Karen Zhang Pallaras; Aisling Dwyer; Nick Stern; Terence Ho; Josie Ainley; Sharon Yap; Lorraine Pao; Vivian Lee; Jessica Zhan; Aidan O'Regan; Dan Won