Stephenson Harwood > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile
Stephenson Harwood Offices
43/F, One Taikoo Place
979 King's Road
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Stephenson Harwood > The Legal 500 Rankings
Hong Kong > Asset finance (including aviation and shipping finance)
Lauded by clients as ‘forward-looking’ and ‘excellent’, Stephenson Harwood draws superlative praise on account of its wide-ranging capabilities in advising a balanced array of stakeholders, including banks, financial institutions, leasing companies, commercial lenders, lessors, airlines, and export credit agencies, on cross-jurisdictional deals across aviation and shipping arenas. The firm’s aviation finance team, one of the largest in Hong Kong, is well-versed in handling the entire spectrum of matters, including financing, leasing, and trading of commercial aircraft and business jets across Hong Kong, the wider APAC region, and Europe. Associates Raina Xian and Louis Ng excel in these areas. Under the leadership of Simon Wong, whose expertise covers aircraft repossession and airline insolvency and rehabilitation, the team has handled a host of defaults and debt restructurings. The firm’s shipping subgroup, co-headed by Hongkai Zhou and Simone Liu, is emblematic of the eclectic nature of the firm’s workflow. In addition to providing advisory and risk mitigation services, the team is frequently involved in cross-border financings and restructuring matters.Practice head(s):
Simon Wong; Hongkai Zhou; Elton Chan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Professional, dedicated and enthusiastic.’
‘Always maintain professionalism, dedication, enthusiasm and other excellent work attitudes and qualities.’
‘They have an excellent team of lawyers who can handle various kinds of aircraft transactions. They are very responsive, and their advice is sharp and useful.’
‘I am impressed by Simon Wong. He is a great aviation lawyer in Hong Kong. He knows the nature of work and has in-depth knowledge of aviation operation matters in each country.’
‘The partners are hands-on and are willing to spend time on the details of the project, which is amazing.’
‘The SH team is deeply involved in cross-border financial business, has extensive business experience, and is good at handling complex and innovative transactions. The team has solid professional capabilities, can quickly respond to customer needs, and can provide high-quality legal services. It is a forward-looking and excellent team.’
‘Simon Wong is a senior partner in SH’s aviation business. He has extensive practice experience and has participated in various structured aviation transactions, including finance leases, sale and leasebacks, prepayment financing, delivery financing, refinancing and leasehold assets.’
‘Good customer service and very knowledgeable in the industry.’
Key clients
CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd.
ICBC Leasing
China Development Bank
The Export-Import Bank of China
CIBL Leasing
JIC Leasing
Hong Kong > Private Client and Family Tier 1
Underpinned by a substantial global network of offices, Stephenson Harwood's private client team in Hong Kong is regularly engaged on a wide range of high-profile matters, providing advice on trusts, estates, philanthropy, and multi-jurisdictional tax issues. Kevin Lee heads the practice and has an excellent reputation for representing numerous high-net-worth clients on diverse matters, including succession planning and asset preservation. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Canadian and UK tax law, Lee is often sought after the most high profile, legally complex and multi-jurisdictional trust disputes. Wei Kang is a key contact for trustees and institutions seeking advice on asset protection structures and fiduciary risks, while associate Tze-wei Ng is renowned for her detailed understanding of ESG matters and charities, which allows her to effectively advise on strategic philanthropy and impact investing. Ross Davidson, who joined the firm in 2023 from Macfarlanes LLP, is a trilingual (English, Mandarin, and Italian) international tax and trust law expert.Practice head(s):
Kevin Lee
Other key lawyers:
Wei Kwang; Ross Davidson; Tze-wei Ng
Testimonials
‘The team has strong capabilities in serving high-net-worth individuals in Greater China. It can provide compliant and practical solutions from several different aspects, such as customers’ specific needs, legal compliance, and tax efficiency.’
‘The solutions provided are implemented accurately. It is noted that the team also has good cooperation and connections with other law firms, private banks and related service institutions, and can well support customers’ needs in different aspects.’
‘Wei Kang demonstrated a high level of professionalism and rigorous attitude during the cooperation process. She has extensive knowledge and experience in Canadian taxation, Hong Kong legal affairs, and offshore trusts. She can guide and help clients design and select offshore structures and solutions. She can complete the work efficiently and with high quality. She is also good at proposing high-value propositions. opinions and suggestions.’
‘Wei Kang is are able to combine external resources very well in the field and expand their service areas to solve legal and tax issues in the United States and mainland China, which is of great significance to both partners and clients.’
Work highlights
- Advising one of the largest PRC banks on setting up PRC onshore trust structures with Canadian resident beneficiaries.
- Advised a UK client on structuring a Singaporean trust to acquire a Monaco company which holds a real property in France.
- Advising an ultra-high-net-worth individual who is moving back to Canada.
Hong Kong > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2
With a strong focus on contentious matters, the ‘hands-on’ team at Stephenson Harwood represents international and domestic clients alike. Contentious matters are not the only facet of the firm, as in recent months, the firm has actively developed its non-contentious offering and has seen an upswing in work from both international and PRC-related corporates in their refinancing proceedings. ‘Quick to adapt legal and practical strategies’, Jamie Stranger leads the team and focuses his practice on contentious proceedings, representing liquidators, receivers, and bankruptcy trustees in various insolvency proceedings. Alexander Tang is another standout disputes lawyer, and in addition to his expertise in insolvency, he also represents clients in commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. In team news, noteworthy developments include the departure of Eloise Matsui and the retirement of Mark Reed.Practice head(s):
Jamie Stranger
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Tang; Simon Wong
Testimonials
‘Practical solutions and excellent client service.’
‘Attention to detail and thinking out of the box.’
‘On a very complex multi-jurisdictional insolvency matter that required significant coordination but also numerous key strategic decisions, I was impressed by how the firm handled the matter.’
‘Jamie Stranger was extremely hands on in the matter.’
‘A diverse team with talents from different areas.’
‘The team, including Jamie Stranger, was able to demonstrate their strong competence and experience throughout the process. They were able to provide thoughtful advice and high-quality deliverables for the best interest of their clients.’
‘The Stephenson Harwood team is efficient, experienced and hands-on. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Jamie Stranger is an experienced partner who is great at client management and quick to adapt legal and practical strategies.’
Key clients
JIC Leasing Co., Ltd
United Overseas Bank Limited
GT Luxemburg
PwC
Madison Pacific
Société Générale
FTI
GT HK –
Finance & Risk Services Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Madison Pacific on HNA distressed asset sales.
- Advising JIC Leasing Co., Ltd on the UK and HK restructuring of Hong Kong Airlines.
- Advising UOB on the refinancing and restructuring of the Shimao Group.
Hong Kong > Shipping Tier 2
Stephenson Harwood has a large team of Hong Kong shipping specialists and has further expanded with the arrival of Paul Ho in October 2023 from Ince & Co who excels in maritime and international trade, and ship finance. It is highly rated for ship financing mandates and shipping disputes, covering the full spectrum of shipping litigation work, from dry and wet charterparty work to insolvency and restructuring matters. In addition to its work for major international banks, credit agencies, owners, and operators, the group also acts for commodities finance companies. The practice is jointly led by Elizabeth Sloane, who is an expert in distressed enforcement and crisis management of urgent situations across both dry and wet sides of shipping, and Hongkai Zhou, who is noted for his shipping finance capabilities. Andrew Rigden Green is another senior practitioner experienced in marine and international trade matters, and Jason Toms is noted for his extensive experience in both wet and dry shipping matters and commercial litigation. Elton Chan is a shipping finance expert.Practice head(s):
Hongkai Zhou; Elizabeth Sloane
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Andrew Rigden Green is a standout lawyer. He is hardworking, commercial and astute, and he instinctively knows when a transaction calls for a firmer approach or a more measured tone. We genuinely feel like Andrew is part of our team and understands our business and our priorities, which is all too rare in external counsel.’
‘The Stephenson Harwood team is excellent. They are commercial, helpful, responsive and focus on what is important to the client. They do this by getting to know your business through the transaction and your priorities, and then focus on achieving the end result you are looking for.’
‘A commercial approach to litigation, combined with technical acumen. Stephenson Harwood has a knowledgeable team that is great to worth with.’
‘Andrew Rigden Green is calm and measured in his approach. He is extremely well-regarded in the market. Elizabeth Sloane is an excellent maritime lawyer, who works hard for her clients and is thoughtful in her litigation strategy.’
‘Impressed with not only the quality of the individuals we work with, but also the firm’s effort in supporting and promoting female lawyers.’
‘Our go-to lawyers at SH HK are Elizabeth Sloane. Elizabeth is impressive in her speed and clarity.’
‘A very excellent team that has always maintained stable and advanced service quality in the industry.’
‘A very stable team. that does a well-done job. Excellent and efficient.’
Key clients
China Development Bank
China Development Bank Financial Leasing
Everbright Fortune International Leasing
ICBC Financial Leasing Ltd.
Michharry and Company Nigeria Limited
The People’s Insurance Co of China (Hong Kong) Ltd
The Export-Import Bank of China
CMB Financial Leasing Ltd.
Pantainer (H.K.) Limited
Panalpina World Transport (Japan) Ltd
Maersk Line
Societe Generale
Work highlights
- Acting for Damco Hong Kong Limited in prosecuting and defending claims in the Hong Kong Court arising out of a large fire casualty in a warehouse at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3
Stephenson Harwood is a robust presence in the Hong Kong litigation market, using its international network to act in numerous cross-border disputes related to shareholders, fraud, maritime and international trade, employment and contentious liquidation and insolvency matters. Ivan Ng and Ian Childs lead the practice, with the latter being a specialist across the board of civil, regulatory and criminal litigation; he has a particular focus on the financial sector and contentious regulatory issues. Jamie Stranger is a key presence when it comes to corporate insolvency disputes, as well as contentious probate and commercial litigation. Emily Li is highly sought after by PRC and international clients for her expertise, especially in the field of shareholders disputes.Practice head(s):
Ian Childs; Ivan Ng
Other key lawyers:
Jamie Stranger; Evangeline Quek; Emily Li
Testimonials
‘Hard working and user friendly, Stephenson Harwood works very well with counsel teams.’
‘Ian Childs has a good knowledge of the Hong Kong court system and procedure. He is helpful and is keen to work in a collaborative manner.’
‘Excellent on the ground capability in Hong Kong. Very user friendly.’
‘Very good collaboration.’
‘Jamie Stranger demonstrates excellent legal analysis of the facts of the case.’
‘Good commercial and practice advice.’
Key clients
Purple Surgical UK Limited
Employees of China Shanshui Investment Limited
United Overseas Bank
Dan Form International Limited (a BVI company) and its owner (a PRC individual)
Société Générale
OCBC Wing Hang
OCBC
ICBC
Deloitte
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Bank of East Asia
FTI Consulting
Work highlights
- Advised employees and minority shareholders of China Shanshui Investment Company Limited on a dispute relating to China Shanshui Cement Group Company Limited.
- Act for the administrators of the estate of LSK concerning the proposed sale of a mansion house in central Hong Kong.
- Acting for Purple Surgical UK Limited in a dispute regarding a sale and purchase agreement for $27m.
Hong Kong > Investment funds Tier 3
The ‘responsive, professional and efficient team’ at Stephenson Harwood provides ‘practical and useful advice’ to fund managers on the establishment and regulation of a range of open-end and closed-ended funds of all types, including hedge funds, venture capital funds, private equity funds, real estate funds, and credit funds. Drawing upon ‘a deep understanding of Asia’s asset management market’, team head Penelope Shen delivers a ‘top-tier service’ for fund managers and investors, which are appreciative of her ability to ‘navigate economic, political, and ESG factors’. Yong Ren, who acts for fund sponsors, investors, and managers in the formation of investment funds in Asia, joined from Proskauer Rose LLP in October 2023.Practice head(s):
Penelope Shen
Other key lawyers:
Katherine Liu; Brian Ho; Yong Ren
Testimonials
‘The responsive, professional and efficient team provides practical and useful advice.’
‘Penelope Shen has a deep understanding of Asia’s asset management market, fortified by collaborations with industry service providers. Consequently, she is able to adeptly navigate economic, political, and ESG factors, delivering a top-tier service.’
Hong Kong > Regulatory Tier 3
Stephenson Harwood‘s wide-ranging regulatory practice advises retail and wholesale banks and funds on licensing and ongoing regulatory mandates. Katherine Liu is a key contact for this work and is also well-versed in the evolving fintech landscape, regularly advising start-ups in the space, as well as conventional banking clients on digitisation projects and on their fintech initiatives. Ian Childs co-heads the team, handling some contentious work in the sector as part of his broader commercial litigation offering.Practice head(s):
Katherine Liu; Ian Childs
Other key lawyers:
James Wong
Key clients
Airstar Bank Limited
Airwallex (Hong Kong) Limited
Ant Group Co., Ltd.
China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited
Endowus HK Limited
Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited
Futu Lending Limited
HKT Flexi Limited
Impax Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited
OnePlatform Asset Management Limited
PrimeCredit Limited
WeLend Limited
Work highlights
Hong Kong > Banking and finance Tier 4
Key areas of expertise for Stephenson Harwood include asset finance, including shipping, aviation and real estate, in addition to syndicated lending, structured finance, trade finance, fintech, investment products and secured and unsecured lending. Katherine Liu leads the team and frequently advises banks on regulatory and compliance issues. Other key members include Elton Chan, who acts for both lenders and borrowers on a wide range of corporate lending matters, as well as Anna Kwong, an expert in trade finance and commercial banking. Of counsel Teresa Tsoi is praised as 'technically excellent and very diligent'.Practice head(s):
Katherine Liu
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fast, efficient and knowledgeable. Willing to go the extra mile.’
‘The banking and finance team at Stephenson Harwood Hong Kong has the understanding and knowledge of the Japanese maritime industry and provides accurate and elaborate legal analysis of Hong Kong law and English law.’
‘SH is well-developed in Hong Kong market with an impressive reputation.’
‘One strength of SH is its flexibility on pulling adequate resources in helping urgent deals get across the line.’
‘Teresa Tsoi from SH has been extremely responsive and can always provide professional advice to us. She has very strong negotiation skills who can always work the best for the client.’
‘A diverse team with great talent.’
‘Teresa Tsoi is technically excellent and very diligent. She delivers high-quality legal documentation with high efficiency.’
Key clients
Airstar Bank Limited
Airwallex (Hong Kong) Limited
Ant Bank (Hong Kong) Limited
Ant Group Co., Ltd.
Bank of Communications Co., Ltd
Bank SinoPac Co., Ltd.
BNP Paribas
China Construction Bank
China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited
China Development Bank
China Minsheng Bank
CIB Leasing
Cinda Leasing
Credit Suisse
CTBC Bank Co., Ltd.
Futu Lending Limited
Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited
Haitong Leasing
HKT Flexi Limited
HSBC
ICBC Financial Leasing Co., Ltd.
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
JPMorgan Chase
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Limited
OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited
PrimeCredit Limited
Raiffeisen Bank International
Shanghai Pudong Development Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ)
The Export-Import Bank of China
United Overseas Bank Limited
WeLend Limited
Wells Fargo Bank
Work highlights
- Advised United Overseas Bank Limited on its HK$ 12.1bn refinancing of Shimao Group’s Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong) residential development.
- Acting for Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch, Bank of Dongguan Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Branch, China Bohai Bank Co., Ltd.-Hong Kong Branch, China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch and China Zheshang Bank Hong Kong Branch on PRC on-shore guarantee and on-shore loans, which are a major product offered by many PRC banks in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong > Labour and employment Tier 4
Stephenson Harwood's employment practice maintains a robust presence in labour tribunals, while also excelling in advisory work, providing day-to-day HR guidance; it further extends its reach through a comprehensive global network and a strategic partnership with Wei Tu Law Firm firm in China, offering tailored PRC law advice. Ian Childs leads the practice, specialising in matters relating to terminations, breaches of information, trade secrets, and discrimination. Assisting Childs, associate Karis Yip provides advice across the complete spectrum of employment relationships.Practice head(s):
Ian Childs
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
TAG Aviation Asia Limited
Work highlights
- Advised TAG Aviation Asia Limited on a significant Labour Tribunal claim lodged by a former employee (pilot) claiming a total sum of HK$5,143,977.87 for additional salary payments which the pilot would have received if he were to be promoted as a Client Aviation Manager, statutory holiday pay and rest day pay.
Hong Kong > Corporate (including M&A) Tier 6
Regularly collaborating with Wei Tu Law Firm, Stephenson Harwood handles the full scope of transactional mandates throughout the greater China region. Amongst the variety of issues the group works on, financings, divestments, and joint ventures are particular areas of expertise, with the team exhibiting deep knowledge of shipping regulation, aviation, and real estate issues. Practice head Jane Ng has expansive expertise in advising on regional and PRC related issues concerning corporate secretarial practices and corporate governance from a regulatory perspective. Michelle Chung is accomplished in matters involving IPOs, spinoffs and the transferral of listings, while counsel Denise Tsui bolsters the practice with her knowledge of general compliance and share listings.Practice head(s):
Jane Ng
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They offer practical advice and are willing to go the extra mile to deliver results.’
‘Michelle Chung understands client needs and is able to deliver coherent services.’
Key clients
Arts Optical International Holdings Limited
Asia Orient Company Limited
Asia Standard Hotel Group Limited
Asia Standard International Group Limited
Canadian Real Estate Investment Centre
China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd.
Computime Group Limited
Eurofins Scientific
FTI Consulting (Hong Kong) Limited
Global Telecom Capital Partners Holding Limited
Madison Pacific Trust Limited
Mark Allen Group
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Pure International (HK) Limited
Television Broadcasts Limited
The joint provisional liquidators of CECEP COSTIN New Materials Group Limited
Unitas Group Company Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Beijing Enterprises Water Group Limited as the offeror in the public takeover (which also constitutes its discloseable transaction under the Listing Rules) and assisted in reviewing and drafting the composite offer document and announcements pursuant to the Hong Kong Takeovers Code and the Listing Rules, and other ancillary documents.
- Advised Corporation Service Company, a global Delaware-based provider of business, legal, tax and digital brand services, on the Asian aspects of its acquisition of Intertrust Group.
- Advised Fine Art Management on its establishment of a joint venture with a prominent art advisor in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong > Real estate
Hong Kong > TMT
China > Fintech: foreign firms Tier 2
Praised for its ‘strong knowledge in regulatory compliance and fintech mandates’, Stephenson Harwood‘s Hong Kong-based team is a popular destination for banks, virtual banks, money services operators, and other players connected to the fintech space. Practice head Katherine Liu has broad experience extending to crowdfunding, regulatory compliance and employment issues in the fintech sector. Anna Kwong brings her knowledge of international trade finance and commercial banking to bear on a wide range of fintech mandates. Teresa Tsoi is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Katherine Liu
Other key lawyers:
Penelope Shen; Anna Kwong; Teresa Tsoi; James Wong; Anthony Wong; Phoebe Cheng
Testimonials
‘The team has strong knowledge and practice experience in regulatory compliance and fintech mandates.’
‘The partner Katherine Liu is very experienced and sophisticated in legal knowledge and strong commercial sense as well.’
Key clients
Airstar Bank Limited
Airwallex (Hong Kong) Limited
Ant Group Co., Ltd.
China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited
Endowus HK Limited
Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited
Futu Lending Limited
HKT Flexi Limited
OnePlatform Asset Management Limited
PrimeCredit Limited
WeLend Limited
China > Dispute resolution: Litigation: foreign firms Tier 3
Delivering ‘creative and nimble solutions for complex disputes‘, Stephenson Harwood acts in a range of contentious matters, including corporate, finance, trust, and insolvency and restructuring matters. The team is also able to offer PRC legal advice through its Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with Guangzhou-based Wei Tu Law Firm. In Hong Kong, Ian Childs acts in complex civil litigation; Ivan Ng is an experienced commercial litigator; Jamie Stranger is another disputes expert; and Emily Li is ‘an excellent junior partner‘. Shanghai-based Evangeline Quek specialises in commercial dispute resolution.Practice head(s):
Ian Childs
Other key lawyers:
Ivan Ng; Jamie Stranger; Emily Li; Evangeline Quek; Elizabeth Sloane
Testimonials
‘Stephenson Harwood has unique insights into the global market, leveraging connections in Hong Kong, Mainland China and elsewhere in the world to offer creative and nimble solutions for complex disputes.’
‘Strongly recommended.’
‘An exceptionally strong team.’
‘Elizabeth Sloane, who leads Stephenson Harwood’s marine and international trade team in Hong Kong, is truly exceptional. She brings her experience to bear on the most complex of cases and is a delight to work with.’
‘Ivan Ng is one of the smartest and most pragmatic litigation lawyers in Hong Kong. His knowledge of practice and the market is without equal.’
‘Emily Li is an excellent junior partner who is calm and will plan all the steps to take from the outset. ’
‘Very commercial and practical advice.’
Key clients
Purple Surgical UK
Employees of China Shanshui Investment
United Overseas Bank
Dan Form International
Société Générale
OCBC Wing Hang
OCBC
ICBC
Deloitte
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Bank of East Asia
FTI Consulting
Work highlights
- Acted for over 2,000 employees and minority shareholders of China Shanshui Investment Company in a dispute concerning China Shanshui Cement Group Company.
- Acted for the administrators of the estate of LSK, in relation to the proposed sale of a mansion house.
- Acting for Purple Surgical UK, which in May 2020 entered into a sale and purchase agreement to purchase five million 3M surgical masks (which were allegedly never delivered) from the defendants for $27m.
China > Restructuring and insolvency: foreign firms Tier 3
Stephenson Harwood has a track record handling contentious insolvency cases whilst continuing to expand its restructuring and insolvency advisory services. The team’s expertise lies especially in aviation restructuring and insolvency, but also extends to transportation and trade. The highly regarded Jamie Stranger heads the practice and acts for a diverse roster of clients in corporate and debt restructuring and buy-outs. The team also includes the disputes lawyer Alexander Tang , and the aviation specialist Simon Wong who recently acted for JIC Leasing Co. Ltd in the debt restructuring of Hong Kong Airlines.Practice head(s):
Jamie Stranger
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Tang; Simon Wong
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge and experience in the team.’
‘Jamie Stranger is excellent and puts the client’s best interests first.’
Key clients
JIC Leasing Co., Ltd – Hong Kong Airlines restructuring
United Overseas Bank Limited – Shimao Group refinancing & restructuring
GT Luxemburg re EZ Land
PwC – CECEP
PwC – Shanghai Huaxin
Madison Pacific – Project Aquarius
Société Générale – Project Sparrow
FTI – Coastal Oil & Yeung
FTI – Days group of companies
FTI – Kaplink group of companies
GT HK – Imperial Entertainment
GT HK – U A Cinema
Finance & Risk Services Limited (Bermuda) – Noble Group Limited (in liquidation)
Finance & Risk Services Limited (Bermuda) – Global Brands Group Holding Limited (in liquidation)
Work highlights
- Advised Madison Pacific on HNA distressed asset sales (European oil storage facilities).
- Advised JIC Leasing Co., Ltd on the UK and HK restructuring of Hong Kong Airlines.
- Advised UOB on the refinancing / restructuring of the Shimao Group.
China > Banking and finance: foreign firms Tier 4
Stephenson Harwood‘s Hong Kong-based banking and finance team is experienced in both transactional and advisory work. Key areas of expertise range from asset finance (including shipping, aviation and real estate) to syndicated lending, structured finance, trade financings, fintech, investment products, and secured and unsecured lending. Katherine Liu heads the Hong Kong office’s finance and financial services group; Elton Chan is a shipping finance and general structured finance expert; and Anna Kwong specialises in international trade finance and commercial banking.Practice head(s):
Katherine Liu
Other key lawyers:
Elton Chan; Anna Kwong; Teresa Tsoi
Testimonials
‘Lots of talented professionals and a high-level service and favourable fee quotes that give SH a significant advantage.’
‘Katherine Liu and Teresa Tsoi always give prompt responses and are highly efficient.’
‘Teresa Tsoi is very talented and has great drafting abilities – her explanations are easy to understand and straightforward, which saves time and improves the level of efficiency.’
‘Teresa Tsoi is appreciated for her logic – she is alway thinking about her clients and finds suitable proposals for them.’
Key clients
Airstar Bank
Airwallex (Hong Kong)
Ant Bank (Hong Kong)
Ant Group Co
Bank of Communications Co
Bank SinoPac Co
BNP Paribas
China Construction Bank
China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation
China Development Bank
China Minsheng Bank
CIB Leasing
Cinda Leasing
Credit Suisse
CTBC Bank Co
Futu Lending
Futu Securities International (Hong Kong)
Haitong Leasing
HKT Flexi
HSBC
ICBC Financial Leasing Co
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
JPMorgan Chase
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation
OCBC Wing Hang Bank
PrimeCredit
Raiffeisen Bank International
Shanghai Pudong Development Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
The Export-Import Bank of China
United Overseas Bank
WeLend
Wells Fargo Bank
Work highlights
- Advised United Overseas Bank on its HK$12.1bn refinancing of Shimao Group’s Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong) residential development.
- Acting for the Hong Kong branches of Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Dongguan Co, China Bohai Bank Co, China Merchants Bank Co and China Zheshang Bank on PRC onshore guarantee and onshore loans.
China > Shipping: foreign firms
Stephenson Harwood is well-regarded in the fields of both shipping litigation and shipping finance and has further strengthened its offering with the hire of Paul Ho and Shirley Li, both joined from Ince & Co in October 2023. Evangeline Quek is the key name in the China-focused arm of the firm’s maritime law offering. Based in Shanghai, Quek offers significant expertise in shipping arbitration and is well-placed to advise on cross-border matters, having previously managed shipping disputes concerning Singapore, Taiwan, India, England and the Netherlands. Shanghai-based ship financing expert Simone Liu is also key, regularly advising PRC state-owned enterprises.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Ship financing business is SH’s strong business. It is good at various transaction structures and flexibly dispatches lawyers in various jurisdictions to provide comprehensive legal services.’
‘The service is responsive and the team is able to provide critical solutions.’
‘Evangeline Quek and her team in Shanghai combine all the benefits of an international legal practice with local, Chinese know-how.’
‘Evangeline Quek has an impressive understanding of the Chinese market.’
‘Very good team, the collocation of partners, lawyers and assistants is very reasonable, can provide reasonable price, efficient service, and the cooperation with other teams is also very smooth.’
‘Simone Liu, a partner in the Shanghai office, has a good understanding of Chinese business and the needs of Chinese customers, and can provide professional services and opinions.’
Key clients
China Development Bank
China Development Bank Financial Leasing
Everbright Fortune International Leasing
ICBC Financial Leasing Ltd.
Michharry and Company Nigeria Limited (“MCN”).
The People’s Insurance Co of China (Hong Kong) Ltd
The Export-Import Bank of China
CMB Financial Leasing Ltd.
Pantainer (H.K.) Limited
Panalpina World Transport (Japan) Ltd
Maersk Line
Societe Generale
Work highlights
- Acting for Damco Hong Kong Limited in prosecuting and defending claims in the Hong Kong Court arising from a large fire casualty in a warehouse at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal in Hong Kong.
Vietnam > Foreign desks
Stephenson Harwood LLP’s Vietnam desk, operating principally from the firm’s Singapore and Hong Kong offices, regularly advises both domestic and multinational clients on their operations in Vietnam, including in the aviation, consumer goods, energy, financial services, healthcare, real estate, and telecommunications sectors. Tom Platts, Saugata Mukherjee, and Gregory Xu in Singapore lead the practice alongside Hong Kong-based Simon Wong. Platts is a cross-border M&A and capital market deals specialist with considerable experience in Southeast Asia.Practice head(s):
Tom Platts; Saugata Mukherjee; Simon Wong; Gregory Xu
Key clients
TotalEnergies Renewables Asia Pte. Ltd.
The Mines Advisory Group
Eurofins Product Testing LUX Holding Sarl
r-pac International
Work highlights
- Advised TotalEnergies on its complex joint venture and associated commercial arrangements with Japanese energy group, ENEOS, to develop onsite B2B solar distributed generation across Asia over the next five years.
- Advising The Mines Advisory Group, a mine clearance charity working to clear the way for a new 100MW wind project, which is located in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam.
- Advised Eurofins Product Testing LUX Holding Sarl on its acquisition of the Modern Testing Services Group, a company whose business is mainly based in Hong Kong and the PRC, but also includes entities under common ownership in a number of other jurisdictions.
China > Investment funds: foreign firms
Stephenson Harwood > Firm Profile
The firm: Stephenson Harwood is a law firm with over 1,300 people worldwide, including more than 200 partners. Our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients – listed and private companies, institutions and individuals. The firm offers multilingual and multidisciplinary services from two offices in Greater China. Its lawyers based in Hong Kong and Shanghai have been providing quality English and Hong Kong law advice to clients within and outside Greater China since 1979. The firm’s lawyers also advise on selected aspects of laws of other jurisdictions. Established in 1979, the Hong Kong office was the first of Stephenson Harwoods’ Greater China offices. However, the firm has a long history of acting as a gateway between East and West, starting in 1867 when one of the firm’s founders William Harwood opened an office in Shanghai. The firm was one of the first UK firms to open in Hong Kong and then mainland China (PRC). We are celebrating our 40 years anniversary in 2019. Stephenson Harwood’s Greater China offices offer a comprehensive spectrum of its global services including finance, corporate, dispute resolution and private wealth. Working hand-in-hand with our regional offices and associations in Guangzhou, Jakarta, Seoul, Singapore and other parts of Asia, the firm is able to provide a comprehensive Asian law service to clients operating within Asia. In 2016, Stephenson Harwood entered into a CEPA association under the name ‘Stephenson Harwood – Wei Tu (China) Association’ with independent PRC law firm Wei Tu. CEPA (Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement) is a free-trade agreement concluded between PRC and Hong Kong. Under CEPA, Hong Kong-law firms are permitted to operate in association with PRC law firms to provide comprehensive legal services in PRC governed by PRC and non-PRC laws. The association allows Stephenson Harwood to offer a ‘one-stop service’ for Hong Kong, English and PRC law advice, with Wei Tu providing the PRC advice. The Shanghai office has a particular focus on ship finance, marine and international trade. It is one of the few international law firms with a base in mainland China and a truly international shipping practice. The team is able to advise on cross-border shipping matters, drawing closely on the expertise of colleagues based in Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Dubai, Paris, Piraeus and the United Kingdom. Our dedicated lawyers represent Chinese corporates, international banks, insurance companies, shipping, shipbuilding and trading companies. The depth and importance of the firms relationships with our clients and our common sense approach to achieving results allow Stephenson Harwood to become your trusted advisor.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Asset finance: aviation | Simon Wong | ||
Asset finance: shipping | Hongkai Zhou | ||
Banking and finance | Elton Chan | ||
Banking and finance | Katherine Liu | ||
Employment | Ian Childs | ||
Insurance | Andrew Rigden Green | ||
Capital markets | Jane Ng | ||
Marine and international trade | Andrew Rigden Green | ||
Real estate | Janice Yau Garton | ||
Dispute resolution | Ian Childs | ||
Dispute resolution | Ivan Ng | ||
Regulatory (contentious) | Ian Childs | ||
Regulatory (non-contentious) | Katherine Liu | ||
Restructuring and insolvency | Jamie Stranger | ||
Private wealth | Kevin Lee | ||
Marine and international trade | Elizabeth Sloane | ||
Restructuring and insolvency | Alexander Tang | ||
Trusts | Kevin Lee | ||
Funds | Penelope Shen |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Elton Chan | Partner | View Profile | |
Ian Childs | Partner | View Profile | |
Michelle Chung | Partner | View Profile | |
Janice Yau Garton | Partner | View Profile | |
Paul Ho | Partner | View Profile | |
Danny Kan | Partner | View Profile | |
Wei Kang | Partner | View Profile | |
Anna Kwong | Partner | View Profile | |
Kevin Lee | Partner | View Profile | |
Emily Li | Partner | View Profile | |
Katherine Liu | Partner | View Profile | |
Ivan Ng | Partner | View Profile | |
Tze-wei Ng | Associate | View Profile | |
Jane Ng | Partner | View Profile | |
Yong Ren | Registered foreign lawyer (New York) partner Stephenson Harwood LLP London | View Profile | |
Andrew Rigden Green | Partner | View Profile | |
Penelope Shen | Partner | View Profile | |
Dorothy Siron | Partner | View Profile | |
Elizabeth Sloane | Partner | View Profile | |
Jamie Stranger | Partner | View Profile | |
Alexander Tang | Partner | View Profile | |
Teresa Tsoi | Partner | View Profile | |
Simon Wong | Partner | View Profile | |
Karis Yip | Managing associate | View Profile | |
Hongkai Zhou | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 500+ Greater China : 70+Languages
English Chinese (Mandarin) Cantonese Shanghainese Malay Korean French RussianOther
Contacts : Evangeline Quek (Office managing partner Greater China) Contacts : Nancy Tsang (Business Development Manager - Greater China)Comparative Guides
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United Arab Emirates: Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters
Published: September 2023
Authors: Rania TadrosCaroline HibberdRanna MusaMayss Akasheh
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters laws and regulations applicable in United Arab Emirates.
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United Kingdom: Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters
Published: September 2023
Authors: Dan SmithDonna NewmanChris Pettett
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
- Asset finance (including aviation and shipping finance)
- Private Client and Family
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Shipping
Firm Rankings
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