Abreast of the fast-moving regulatory and legislative changes in the market, not only does Linklaters excel in helping banks navigate the new rules but is also able to ‘utilize their commercial and legal knowledge’ to assist stakeholders devise novel products and structures. For example, the ’excellent and professional’ Karen Lam recently advised the Honk Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) on the offering of the first infrastructure loan- backed securities in Hong Kong. ‘Extremely responsive’ and a ’safe pair of hands’, Stephen Song is also at the cutting-edge of new products/structures, recently advising the AIA Group on the establishment of the first ever guaranteed discounted VWAP share repurchase programme in Hong Kong. Team head Chin-Chong Liew draws upon deep regulatory and transactional nous to good effect (including on the development of digital assets in Hong Kong) for a variety of stakeholders, including in the context of transformational market infrastructure projects like the Swap Connect Scheme – which for the first time allowed participants outside the Mainland to trade on the China swaps market without being physically based in the PRC. The vastly experienced Victor Wan excels at structuring derivatives and securitisation transactions throughout Asia, including Japan, and is also a key member of the team that includes I-Ping Soong, who focuses her practice on regulatory issues concerning OTC derivatives.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘It is a great team that is at the forefront of new products and structures. They are able to utilize their commercial and legal knowledge and advise on novel products and structures.’
'We appreciate their professional and practical advice.'
‘The team is at the forefront of assisting on transactions with an ever-evolving legislative and regulatory framework. I think this team are the most innovative in Hong Kong for helping banks navigate new rules and even new unwritten rules.’
‘Karen Lam is responsive, with excellent technical skills and high integrity. Karen is well versed in regulatory matters and well able to provide commercially oriented solutions. She is an excellent and professional lawyer. ’
‘Stephen Song is an excellent partner and is a true trusted advisor. Not only is he extremely responsive but I feel he is a safe pair of hands who is also leading the way in market practice. ’
Key clients
- Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
- Shanghai Clearing House
- Harvest Global Investments
- GF Securities (Hong Kong) Brokerage Limited
- Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited
- Maybank Singapore Limited
- ING
- BNP Paribas SA
Work highlights
Advised on AIA’s establishment of the first ever guaranteed discounted VWAP share repurchase programme in Hong Kong.
Advised GF Securities (Hong Kong) on the successful launch of its tokenised securities in Hong Kong SAR, making it the first major Chinese brokerage firm to mint, issue and distribute self created financial assets on the public blockchain.
Advised more than 10 foreign financial institutions on their participation in Swap Connect as clearing members and clearing clients of HKEx, and some within a short timeframe in order to participate on the launch date.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Victor Wan
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
I-Ping Soong
Practice head
Chin-Chong Liew
Other key lawyers
Victor Wan; Mary Matson; Stephen Song; Karen Lam; I-Ping Soong; Simon Zhang; Shirley Chan