Baker McKenzie > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Baker McKenzie > The Legal 500 Rankings

Hong Kong > Antitrust and competition Tier 1

The team at Baker McKenzie regularly leverages its partnership with FenXun Partners to assist clients with the merger control aspects of joint ventures, and proceedings before the Hong Kong Competition Tribunal concerning price fixing and market sharing. The group is also known for its expertise in dawn raids and compliance audits, often advising clients on matters across the APAC region. Practice head Stephen Crosswell is well-known for his knowledge of multi-jurisdictional cartel matters, leniency applications, and major merger clearance projects. Vivian Tsang maintains a broad practice spanning competition investigations, abuse of dominance issues, competition proceedings initiated by the Hong Kong Competition Commission.

Hong Kong > Asset finance (including aviation and shipping finance) Tier 1

Baker McKenzie regularly advises lessors and lenders on aviation finance mandates, and is commended for ‘its expensive experience acting for a broad range of clients across multiple jurisdictions in the aviation market’. Andrew Lockhart leads the team and counts major airlines among his key roster of clients, frequently assisting clients in the aviation sector with structuring their assets. Allen Ng is also noted for his expertise in aviation leasing and financing matters, in addition to advising on aircraft transactions. Jane Wang is another key contact in the group.

Hong Kong > Domestic and International Corporate Tax Tier 1

With a strong presence in Greater China and also able to leverage vast tax-focused resources throughout its international network of offices, Baker McKenzie is well-positioned to advise local clients, as well as international companies with operations in Hong Kong, across a myriad domestic and cross-border contentious/non-contentious matters. Team head Pierre Chan's own practice is reflective of the eclectic nature of work handled by the team as a whole, being as adept at handling complex succession planning tax issues for high-net-worth individuals as he is advising large financial institutions and corporations on income tax and stamp duty matters. Chan has also been increasingly active of late advising on contentious matters, both in terms of audit responses and core litigation - a reflection of the general heightened scrutiny the authorities have placed on falling more into line with current international tax standards. Steven Sieker also regularly  represents clients in tax disputes with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue, as well as helping clients formulate robust risk management strategies to avoid scrutiny. Amy Ling  is also a key member of the team and regularly advises multinational corporates on the PRC tax implications of investment activity on the Mainland.

Hong Kong > Intellectual property Tier 1

Baker McKenzie maintains its position as a high-profile firm within IP, frequently sought out for its expertise in handling IP matters in commercial transactions and is particularly active in trade mark and patent disputes. The firm displays great experience in handling cross-border matters for its global clientele, whilst operating across multiple sectors. Isabella Liu, who is head of IP and technology, leads the team with a vast knowledge of patent and design protection and is recognised within the pharmaceuticals sector. Ruby Chan excels in brand protection and IP acquisitions, whilst Loke-Khoon Tan is well-regarded for handling IP matters in the consumer goods and retail industry, and is particularly noted for representing clients against counterfeiters.

Hong Kong > Labour and employment Tier 1

With extensive experience in defending major Labour Tribunal claims and overseeing sexual harassment investigations, Baker McKenzie leverages its regulatory, tax, and ethics expertise to provide commercial solutions. The firm routinely represents domestic and international clients from across the TMT, consumer goods, and financial services spheres. ‘Very responsive’ co-head Tess Lumsdaine is an expert in contractual disputes, restraint litigation, and safety-related prosecutions. The second co-lead, Jonathan Isaacs, brings in-depth insight into termination and data privacy issues to the outfit, while Roberta Chan concentrates on all aspects of commercial and corporate litigation. Sonia Wong regularly supports companies on employment due diligence, Ken Ng focuses on post-termination restrictive covenants, while Emily Rayner is hailed as an ‘absolute stand-out’ for her cross-border work.

Hong Kong > Real estate Tier 1

Praised for its commerciality, Baker McKenzie has a strong track record in complex real estate transactions and is commended for its work on matters involving REITs. This is combined with a recent increase in work in the logistics, warehousing, and self-storage facilities spaces. The group stands out for its ability to work on the full life cycle of real estate transactions, from pre-transaction corporate, legal and tax structuring to completion. Immovables expert Edmond Chan oversees the overall group with a strong presence in Hong Kong and mainland China's real estate industries, as is the wider group, working with developers and investors alike. Jeremy Ong leads the REIT aspect of the practice, May Lau is another key name for real estate transactions, and Rico Chan has a varied real estate practice.

Hong Kong > Banking and finance Tier 2

Counting lenders and borrowers among its key roster of clients, Baker McKenzie is noted for its expertise in matters concerning leveraged finance, fund finance and private credit, and is complemented by the firm’s wider aviation finance and real estate finance groups. An expert in aircraft financing, Andrew Lockhart leads the group and Kenneth Ching acts for banks, alternative capital providers, private equity sponsors and corporate borrowers on a range of cross-border financing transactions. Sally Hung maintains a stellar reputation acting for lenders on structured financings, PRC-related financing, real estate financings and large cap syndicated financings.

Hong Kong > Corporate (including M&A) Tier 2

Baker McKenzie houses an 'unparalleled' team which often draws on the strength of its relationship with Baker McKenzie FenXun to assist global corporations looking to invest in Hong Kong and China. Practice head Tracy Wut has vast experience in advising on foreign direct investments and transactions within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. In addition to leading the capital markets group, the 'extremely professional and reliable' Christina Lee has deep knowledge of corporate finance issues and corporate regulatory matters. Derek Poon is a key name on the private equity side, often advising on both public, private, and distressed M&A., while the 'exceptional' Robert Wright routinely assists clients with co-investments and leveraged M&A.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 2

Baker McKenzie‘s dispute resolution practice possesses a prominent market presence, harnessing decades of experience in complex ‘bet the company’ litigation to advise on the full range of cross-border disputes. The team boasts an impressive client roster which includes major public and private corporates, SOEs, financial institutions and high-profile individuals across a range of industries. Practice head Kwun Yee Cheung is highly sought-after by corporate clients and banks on disputes and insolvency and restructuring matters, including compulsory and voluntary liquidations, corporate restructuring and schemes of arrangement. Cynthia Tang has expertise in listed company and financial services regulatory enforcement and regularly advises local and multi-national corporations. Bryan Ng focuses on disputes related to financial services, regulatory investigations and white-collar crime. Roberta Chan regularly assists with high-stakes property-related litigation. Ronald Sum and Philipp Hanusch have joined as partners.

Hong Kong > Fintech and financial services regulatory Tier 2

Leveraging an 'impressive breadth and depth of experience' in the financial services sector, Baker McKenzie can provide 'responsive and efficient' advice to banks, investment managers, broker-dealers and insurance companies across a wide range of regulatory issues impacting their Hong Kong/Greater China operations. Karen Man, who heads up the non-contentious arm of the practice, exemplifies this wide-ranging approach, being conversant as she is 'across the regulatory aspects of different banking and investment products', as well as in the context of the thriving fintech space. Notably, she recently advised Chinese investment manager Harvest Global Investments on the establishment of one of the first retail crypto exchange traded funds (ETFs) in Hong Kong. The contentious side of the practice is headed up by Cynthia Tang and is particularly active guiding large investment banks and European-based private banks through various probes by Hong Kong regulators (often acting in unison with other global regulators), running the gamut from alleged market misconduct through to AML infractions. The 'very client-oriented' Bryan Ng is noted for his enforcement expertise and also leads the team's work in dawn raids by regulators. Other key practitioners include Grace Fung and the 'extremely diligent, dedicated and reliable' Jannice Lau.

Hong Kong > Investment funds Tier 2

Relatively well hedged across various asset classes and strategies in the registered and private funds space, Baker McKenzie’s investment fund team has shown resilience in tough market conditions. Real estate remains a core area of focus both in the retail and private space, with Jason Ng  continuing to regularly handle work for cornerstone client GAW Capital (including on the formation of its seventh flagship $3bn private equity real estate fund), and Jeremy Ong instructed by the majority of Hong Kong-listed REITs. Edwin Wong also handles closed end real estate funds, although his work spans other asset classes to include infrastructure and clean energy, as well as investor mandates (including for prominent sovereign wealth funds). Sophia Man ‘understands what regulators want’, ensuring she is a popular choice on the establishment of registered funds, including in relation to crypto-registered matters. In addition, Man is at the forefront of the Hong Kong pension fund market, and continues to act for the majority of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) providers in the country. Hayley Irons is also recommended and serves both sponsor and investor clients, offering a wealth of experience in advising on club funds, joint venture funds, and platform investments across various sectors.

Hong Kong > TMT Tier 2

Baker McKenzie‘s TMT practice advises on regulatory compliance, data privacy, technology transactions, and licensing issues. The firm's clientele includes international and domestic tech, finance, software, hardware, and telecom companies. Practice head Lex Kuo regularly advises Chinese tech companies on transactional and regulatory issues from tech and IP licensing to data protection assessments. Grace Gao was recently promoted to partner and focuses on assting clients in the media and entertainment industry with film co-financing, co-production, and co-distribution.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (equity) Tier 3

Leveraging strong relationships with the SFC and the HKEX, Baker McKenzie has ‘unique insights into local regulations and market dynamics’, ensuring that is well-placed to advise clients on complex transactional ECM work, as well as on standalone regulatory and compliance matters. Brian Wong’s ‘technical knowledge and unique commercial sense’ is much appreciated by both banks and issuers, including on Hong Kong listings, ongoing compliance matters as well as public M&A mandates. Capital markets Asia Pacific team head Christina Lee has ‘strong knowledge in listing rules’, which she leverages to good effect on transactions and standalone regulatory compliance post-listing. She is also very active on public M&A work and was recently appointed to the Takeovers and Mergers Panel and the Takeovers Appeal Committee for the SFC.

Hong Kong > Data protection and cyber security Tier 3

Baker McKenzie's data protection and cyber security practice is prominent in the media sphere, advising leading Chinese technology companies. Its varied workload encompasses cross-border data transfers, data protection compliance, data privacy disputes, cyber security and risk management. IP expert Isabella Liu and Lex Kuo head up the team alongside cyber fraud recovery group head Gary Seib, who is particularly reputed for complex arbitration and litigation related to cybersecurity and data recovery. Kuo acts in a range of regulatory and transactions projects relating to cybersecurity and data privacy.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 3

The Baker McKenzie team is recommended for its arbitration expertise concerning IP and commercial disputes. Gary Seib leads the team, harnessing his longstanding experience in tech and TMT to handle major asset tracing matters. Philipp Hanusch often operates as an arbitrator under HKIAC, ICC, CEITAC, VIAC, ICDR and UNCITRAL rules. James Ng is also recommended for his expertise in arbitrations and disputes arising in the hospitality and TMT sectors, with a strong focus on shareholder and joint venture-related disputes.

Hong Kong > Insurance Tier 3

Although it does handle some investigatory/enforcement work in the sector, Baker McKenzie is best-known for its ability to provide 'practical legal advice' to general and life insurance companies across a myriad non-contentious matters. Team head Martin Tam is 'an expert in the insurance regulatory field', and is consequently regularly involved in standalone advisory matters as well as on corporate and restructuring transactional work in the sector.

Hong Kong > Private Client and Family Tier 3

Baker McKenzie houses an accomplished tax and wealth management practice which often leverages its global network of offices to handle cross-border tax-related matters. Pierre Chan leads the team, and is a key name for regional succession planning, tax advisory and tax disputes within the team. Lisa Ma acts for a broad client base of financial services companies, independent trustee companies, and family offices.

Hong Kong > Private equity Tier 3

The ‘very knowledgeable‘ Derek Poon leads the ‘well-rounded‘ team at Baker McKenzie, which leverages its relationship with Fenxun to handle the full range of private equity issues. Poon is recommended for his vast knowledge of distressed M&A, while Xinxing Chen is noted for advising on LBOs and deals involving Chinese companies. Robert Wright is a key name for leveraged M&A transactions, co-investment mandates, and exits. Vivian Choi routinely assists both Chinese and international corporate and private equity clients with strategic investments and joint ventures.

Hong Kong > Regulatory: white-collar, compliance and investigations Tier 3

Guided from Hong Kong by the highly experienced Mini vandePol, and able to mobilise substantial resources across APAC and worldwide, Baker McKenzie is strategically equipped to conduct internal and regulatory investigations for regional and international multinationals across a broad spectrum of suspected anti-corruption activities, including AML, sanctions, and financial fraud issues. Recently promoted to partner Christine Cuthbert  is also a pivotal member of the team and excels at handling cross-border investigations into allegations of financial fraud, bribery and corruption for clients from a range of industry sectors, including a growing amount in the engineering space.

Hong Kong > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 3

Leveraging its network of offices across Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, Baker McKenzie assists with all elements of restructurings and liquidations, with a distinctive focus on the banking and finance sector. Kwun Yee Cheung spearheads the team with vast expertise in cases involving winding up petitions and commercial disputes, while Gary Seib is highly knowledgeable of multi-jurisdictional litigation mandates arising from liquidation matters. Meanwhile, Edmund Ma has a strong court restructuring background.

Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration > Leading firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie ’s arbitration practice in the Asia-Pacific region is robust, supported by highly regarded teams across key jurisdictions. In Hong Kong, Gary Seib is a key contact in a team that also includes Philipp Hanusch , who combines work as counsel and as arbitrator. In Singapore, Nandakumar Ponniya  leads a dynamic team that includes Ashish Chugh , who has a particular track record in India-related disputes. In Jakarta, Andi Kadir, who heads the firm’s Indonesian disputes practice, frequently handles complex cross-border cases. Beomsu Kim  heads the South Korean team, which also includes  Sunyoung Kim and the Canadian-qualified David Kim. In Thailand, Wynn Pakdeejit and Pisut Attakamol manage substantial commercial arbitrations, while in Vietnam, Minh Tri Quach  and Frederick Burke  bring significant experience, and the firm also has a highly-rated contentious practice in Taiwan.

Indonesia > Foreign firms Tier 3

China > Insurance: foreign firms

The Baker McKenzie FenXun practice is well equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional restructurings for major insurers and advise insurtech groups in establishing their platforms. The team regularly supports clients on sophisticated M&A and group restructurings, alongside focusing on Chinese insurance JV regulations, with Hong Kong-based Martin Tam continuously representing large insurers in corporate transactions and investigations. In Beijing, Ada Hu has extensive experience in the financial sector, being knowledgeable on compliance management affairs, while in Hong Kong, Tina Li and Jovita Law are also highlighted as key contacts.

China > Fintech: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun is well versed in handling complex transactions in the fintech arena and has assisted clients with platform and product launches, cryptocurrencies, virtual banking and online payments. The team is based in Hong Kong and advises fintech, technology start-ups and financial institutions from Hong Kong, China and the US. Karen Man leads the team and is known for her work advising banks, fund managers and fintechs on compliance and regulatory issues. Grace Fung is a key member of the financial services regulatory team alongside Robert Wright who focuses on advising financial sponsors cross-border transactions.

China > Dispute resolution: Litigation: foreign firms

Able to advise on Chinese law through a joint operation office platform, Baker McKenzie FenXun‘s broad expertise ranges from banking litigation to family disputes, shareholder conflicts and property-related litigation. Notably active in cross-border mandates, the practice’s client base includes public and private corporations, SOEs, investment banks, financial institutions, charities, HNW individuals, and asset management and utility companies. On the FenXun Partners side, Yanfei Zeng in Shanghai specialises in litigation and arbitration; while Beijing-based Hailin Cui is experienced in both international and domestic commercial arbitration. Key figures in Hong Kong are Kwun Yee Cheung, Cynthia Tang, Bryan Ng, Gary Seib, Roberta Chan and Ronald Sum.

China > Intellectual property: foreign firms

The Hong Kong-based IP tech group at Baker McKenzie FenXun works closely alongside its joint operation FenXun Partners in mainland China to assist multinational clients with a range of contentious and non-contentious IP issues. The team advises clients on their IP portfolios in Asia and overseas and excels in IP transactions related to life sciences technology licensing. Isabella Liu is adept at IP and life science matters, combining her expertise to advise life sciences clients on protecting key IP assets and leading on IP transactions. Grace Wong is a key member of the practice and assists with brand protection, trade mark portfolio management and commercial exploitation of IP. Bertha Ho is noted for expertise in assisting luxury, fashion, and consumer product clients in managing their trade marks.

China > Labour and employment: foreign firms

Renowned for its ‘timely, commercial and pragmatic’ advice, Baker McKenzie FenXun represents clients from across the media, financial services and consumer goods spheres, regularly assisting with contentious and non-contentious employment proceedings. The firm’s offering is broad, spanning complex mediated settlements and litigation surrounding employee mental health to tax and pensions matters. Operating out of both mainland China and Hong Kong, the ‘exceptional’ Jonathan Isaacs heads the team, being an expert on collective bargaining and termination affairs, while simultaneously concentrating on data privacy issues. Zheng Lu has experience in leading major employment projects and restructuring investigations, alongside handling disputes ranging from sexual harassment to union issues.

China > Real estate and construction: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun‘s team continues to handle an increasing amount of real estate work involving warehouses, storage facilities and data centres. Practice head Edmond Chan is active in in real estate transactions in the Hong Kong market, and acts for Chinese clients in outbound real estate investments. Other key practitioners in the team include May Lau, who focuses on real estate finance matters. In Shanghai, Alexander Gong, who is part of joint operation firm FenXun Partners, leads the real estate team.

China > Regulatory/compliance: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun‘s Hong Kong and PRC-based team comprises specialists in corporate and government-led investigations, anti-corruption, and compliance issues. The practice is also expert in cross-border US work, as well as local regulatory and enforcement matters; and its sector specialisms cover technology, healthcare, entertainment, consumer goods, retail, and financial services. Hong Kong-based Mini vandePol heads the Asia-Pacific investigations, compliance and ethics offering. Also in Shanghai (at Baker McKenzie’s joint operation firm FenXun Partners), cross-border compliance and regulatory practitioner Henry Chen focuses on bribery, corruption and fraud; and Kailin Wang advises multinational, listed and private companies on compliance.

China > Tax: foreign firms

The large team of tax specialists at Baker McKenzie FenXun are particularly well-placed to support international clients with cross-border investments and M&A support. Based in Hong Kong, Brendan Kelly heads the firm’s China tax practice. Kelly is noted for its longstanding expertise in Chinese tax, and regularly advises clients on the tax implications of cross-border investments. Also based in Hong Kong, Amy Ling is experienced in advising clients on government investigations. In Shanghai, Nancy Lai often assists clients with negotiations with Chinese customs authorities, whereas Luis Zhang focuses on tax planning and litigation. In Beijing, Jinghua Liu is well-regarded for providing advice concerning equity transfers, while Jason Wen often acts as M&A support in addition handling disputes with tax authorities.

China > Antitrust and competition: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun is a joint operation between Baker McKenzie and FenXun Partners, giving the international firm seamless cooperation with its PRC counterpart. Based in Hong Kong, Stephen Crosswell is particularly experienced in advising clients in the technology, media, and telecommunications industries. Laura Liu, experienced in both Chinese and European competition law, often advises financial services clients in merger control filing and compliance matters. Liu is based in Beijing.

China > Banking and finance: foreign firms

The ‘responsive and proactive‘ team at Baker McKenzie FenXun leads in aviation finance, real estate finance, and project finance, along with growing strength in leveraged and acquisition finance, fund finance and private credit. Andrew Lockhart heads the team from Hong Kong, while Simon Leung handles cross-border financing matters from both Hong Kong and Beijing. In Beijing, Duan Cui focuses on China related outbound banking and finance matters. Grace Li is a key name in Shanghai, working with both domestic and international banks on their financing and business operation matters.

China > Corporate and M&A: foreign firms

Providing a full end-to-end service on the whole spectrum of cross-border M&A, tax, and employment issues, the ‘global and resourceful’ practice at Baker McKenzie FenXun has extensive expertise across the TMT, financial services, and real estate spheres. Operating out of Shanghai, Howard Wu leads the team, predominantly concentrating on multi-jurisdictional corporate transactions within the information technology and consumer goods sectors. Hong Zhang routinely advises Chinese companies and multinationals on both China inbound and outbound investments, Cherrie Shi focuses on complex joint ventures. Jeff Xu and Jacky Zhu are also each noted as key contacts in the group.

China > Data protection: foreign firms

International clients seek out Baker McKenzie FenXun for its advice on cross-border data transfers, cybersecurity and Chinese data protection law. The team comprises of IP, technology and disputes experts who are well-versed in data protection issues. Practice head Zhenyu Ruan assists the team from Shanghai and is key to both data privacy and cybersecurity matters. Co-leads Isabella Liu, Lex Kuo and Gary Seib are all based in Hong Kong, with Kuo advising technology companies on data-related issues in transactions and Seib handling commercial disputes.

China > Investment funds: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun‘s China and Hong Kong private funds practice advises government-linked investors, pensions, funds-of-funds, corporations and financial institutions on their fund investments. It has a strong market reputation for private equity real estate matters, but the team is increasingly active in relation to data centres, logistics, self-storage, energy transition, and credit and secondary funds. Jason Ng predominantly focuses on private investment funds; Edwin Wong advises on general partner-side fund formations, joint venture fund platforms and separate account work; and Sophia Man acts for mandatory provident fund and occupational retirement scheme service providers in Hong Kong. The practice further features Jeremy Ong, who is experienced in the formation and structuring of Hong Kong Real estate investment trusts.

China > Life sciences and healthcare: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun‘s Greater China healthcare and life sciences group comprises lawyers who are medical practitioners, as well as lawyers who hold PhDs in molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmacology and bioethics. The practice, which additionally fields non-lawyer medical experts, acts for large pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare and life sciences companies on both inbound and outbound work, including transactional, regulatory and compliance matters. At the firm’s joint operation partner, FenXun Partners, Vivian Wu leads the firm’s investigations, compliance and ethics team in Beijing, where Yilan Yang specialises in the healthcare and cosmetics sectors. Over in Hong Kong, Isabella Liu, Derek Poon, Grace Tso and Mini vandePol are the names to note.

China > TMT: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun leverages its joint operation with FenXun Partners to assist domestic and multinational TMT clients with IT, e-commerce, fintech and data privacy matters. The team advises on regulatory issues, M&As, technology licensing, outsourcing and a slew of other TMT and corporate matters. Zhenyu Ruan leads the TMT practice from Shanghai, advising on major deals such as joint ventures and technology licensing transactions as well as assisting with data privacy and regulatory issues.

China > Private equity: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun routinely leverages its enviable global footprint for major cross-border investment and divestment transactions. The practice has notable sector experience in healthcare, life sciences, TMT, digital infrastructure, consumer, retail and real estate. In Shanghai, China private equity head Hong Zhang is experienced in advising Chinese companies and multinationals on both China inbound and outbound investments. Over in Hong Kong, Derek Poon advises private equity firms, investment banks and major corporations on a range of corporate matters.

China > Projects and energy: foreign firms

Baker McKenzie FenXun handles the gamut of corporate, regulatory, transactional and disputes with a special focus on projects within the power, oil and gas, petrochemicals, renewables and mining and metals spaces. On the projects side, the group is led by Simon Leung, who splits his time between Beijing and Hong Kong, and is sought after for his experience in cross-border financings, while on the energy side, Beijing-based Stanley Jia advises on overseas investments in the energy, power and mining sectors. In Shanghai, Alexander Gong is also noted for transactional work.

China > Restructuring and insolvency: foreign firms

Hailed as an outfit which provides ‘pragmatic solutions’, Baker McKenzie FenXun leverages its experienced partner resources in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, when advising domestic and international clients in financial restructurings and bankruptcy litigation. The firm is particularly experienced in the energy, automotive, and manufacturing industries, with the Hong Kong-based head Kwun Yee Cheung specialising in company insolvency proceedings and court restructurings. Gary Seib stands out for his handling of multi-jurisdictional litigation arising from liquidation matters.