Maples Group > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Maples Group
26th Floor, Central Plaza
18 Harbour Road
Wanchai
Hong Kong

Hong Kong > Offshore law firms Tier 1

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.

Practice head(s):

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

Testimonials

‘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.

Foreign-based expertise > Leading firms

Singapore > Offshore

Maples Group‘s global brand and presence in multiple jurisdictions provides a more than solid platform for the Singapore office. The team works closely with colleagues in Hong Kong and across the globe (including BVI, Cayman Islands, Dubai, Dublin, Jersey, London and Luxembourg) on a range of matters in the corporate, finance, insolvency, funds and investments, and dispute resolution sectors. It has continued to advise on numerous headline and landmark transactions, including the first de-SPAC transaction in Singapore and several other de-SPAC deals. The Singapore team is also noted for its prominence in structured debt programmes and for its expertise in fund finance and private credit. Working with Hong Kong colleagues, the Singapore group provides further senior firepower in fund launches. Based in Asia since 2006, Michael Gagie is regional head for Asia and leads the finance team in the region, also leading the global BVI legal practice. Matt Roberts is Asia head of corporate, splitting his time between Hong Kong and Singapore. Nick Harrold is an experienced partner in funds and investment management, along with Iain Anderson and Ian Clark, the latter joining from Harneys in 2023. Dispute resolution specialist Cherrin Wong was promoted to counsel in 2024.

Practice head(s):

Michael Gagie; Ann Ng; Matt Roberts; John Trehey

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is commercially minded and is very knowledgeable in respect of offshore practices.’

‘Matt Roberts  is very hands-on and available to attend to queries and to provide guidance.’

‘The Maples team is of high caliber and their work is of good quality. They are very responsive.’

‘Matt Roberts is easily reachable and can often provide quick and concise legal advice.’

Key clients

IQEQ

Global Funds Trust Company

UBS Management (Cayman)

Vertex Technology Acquisition Corporation

Metals Acquisition Corp

ZG Group

Aquila Acquisition Corporation

Carsome Group

QuantumPharm

Work highlights

  • Advised Vertex Technology Acquisition Corporation on its business combination with 17LIVE, the first ever de-SPAC transaction in Singapore.
  • Acted as Cayman Islands legal counsel to Global Funds Trust Company, a fully owned subsidiary of Nomura Bank on the launch of Bond Plus 7.0.
  • Advised UBS Management (Cayman) on the launch of Nuveen Churchill Private Capital Tokai Tokyo Access Fund.

The Maples Group, through its leading international law firm, Maples and Calder, advises global financial, institutional, business and private clients on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg. With 30 years on-the-ground experience in Asia, the Maples Group remains committed to providing clients with comprehensive legal, fiduciary, fund, regulatory and compliance, entity formation and management services.

With offices in key jurisdictions around the world, the Maples Group has specific strengths in areas of corporate commercial, finance, investment funds, litigation and trusts. Maintaining relationships with leading legal counsel, the Group leverages this local expertise to deliver an integrated service offering for global business initiatives. Our global network of over 2,500 lawyers and industry professionals are strategically located in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East to ensure that clients gain immediate access to expert advice and bespoke support, within convenient time zones.

The Maples Group has had a presence in Hong Kong since 1995. We offer legal, fund and fiduciary services to clients based in or doing business across Asia.

Established in 2012, the Maples Group’s Singapore office provides services to Southeast Asia-based clients seeking legal, fund administration and fiduciary services across the region.

Many of our professionals are proficient in Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean.

Department Name Email Telephone
Regional Managing Partner, Asia Michael Gagie [email protected] +65 6922 8402
Partner, Funds & Investment Management Ann Ng [email protected] +852 3690 7475
Partner, Corporate Matt Roberts [email protected] +852 3690 7405
Partner, Dispute Resolution & Insolvency John Trehey [email protected] +852 2971 3014
Photo Name Position Profile
Josie Ainley photo Josie Ainley Josie is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management …
Aisling Dwyer photo Aisling Dwyer Aisling is partner of Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency team at…
Nick Harrold photo Nick Harrold Nick is partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management team…
Terence Ho photo Terence Ho Terence is partner of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management team…
Juno Huang photo Juno Huang Juno is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the…
Derrick Kan photo Derrick Kan Derrick is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the…
Vivian Lee photo Vivian Lee Vivian is of counsel of the Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in…
Ann Ng photo Ann Ng Ann is Co-Head of Maples and Calder’s Asia Funds & Investment Management…
Lorraine Pao photo Lorraine Pao Lorraine is a partner of the Maples and Calder’s Finance team in…
Matt Roberts photo Matt Roberts Matt is a partner and Head of Corporate, Asia of the Maples…
Richard Spooner photo Richard Spooner Richard is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the…
Nick Stern photo Nick Stern Nick is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency…
John Trehey photo John Trehey John is Head of Maples and Calder’s Asia Dispute Resolution & Insolvency…
Dan Won  photo Dan Won Dan is of counsel of Maples and Calder’s Funds & Investment Management team…
Cherrin Wong photo Cherrin Wong Cherrin is Of Counsel in Maples and Calder’s Dispute Resolution & Insolvency…
Andrew Wood photo Andrew Wood Andrew’s practice focuses on investment funds for Asian clients and includes advising…
Irena Wu photo Irena Wu Irena is of counsel of Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the…
Sharon Yap photo Sharon Yap Sharon is an investment funds and corporate lawyer who specializes in a…
Jessica Zhan photo Jessica Zhan Jessica is of counsel of the Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in…
Karen Zhang Pallaras photo Karen Zhang Pallaras Karen is a partner of Maples and Calder’s Corporate team in the…
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Cantonese
Chinese (Mandarin)
Shanghainese
Korean
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Maples Group Appoints New Funds Lawyer to Partner in Luxembourg

Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL, the Maples Group’s law firm in Luxembourg, is pleased to announce the promotion of Donnchadh McCarthy to Partner in its Funds & Investment Management practice.


Maples Group Appoints Of Counsel Duo in Hong Kong

Maples and Calder, the Maples Group's law firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of two of its lawyers to Of Counsel in its Hong Kong office.

Maples Group Expands Global Asset Finance Practice with Strategic Aviation Hire in Ireland

Maples and Calder (Ireland) LLP, the Maples Group’s law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Stephen Gardiner who joins the firm as a Partner in its Irish Asset Finance practice.


Maples Group Earns Eight Tier 1 Placements in 2025 Legal 500 Caribbean Guide

Maples and Calder, the Maples Group's law firm, is pleased to announce that its British Virgin Islands ("BVI") and Cayman Islands practices have received high rankings in The Legal 500 2025 Caribbean Guide. The firm earned eight Tier 1 placements, with clients endorsing the practices as having '"a global presence and as a result have the ability to address multi-jurisdictional matters that we have encountered/partnered with them on." The firm's Cayman Islands Regulatory & Compliance practice retained its Tier 1 status, earning praise for its experienced lawyers and exceptional offering, "We enjoy working with them because they are very accessible, responsible and provide creative solutions" with clients describing the team as having "strong industry connections and experience not only in regulatory issues but also in investment funds so have practical knowledge about fund operations." Maintaining its Tier 1 status, the firm's Cayman Islands Corporate & Commercial practice was described as "being equipped to advise on the full spectrum of advisory and transactional matters" and "routinely engaged in some of the market's most significant and high-valued deals'". Clients praised the team for consistently providing "high-quality service" and that "it becomes very clear that Maples is a top-tier firm, with top-tier professionals". The Cayman Islands Dispute Resolution & Insolvency practice, retaining its Tier 1 status, was described as "pre-eminent in Cayman" with its lawyers labelled "absolute stand out experts in their field" and that the practice is "at the forefront of developments in insolvency and restructuring, involved in the largest cases." Similarly, the Cayman Islands Funds & Investment management team was praised by clients for being an "absolute pleasure to deal with on CIMA issues, fund formation issues, and regulatory issues in the funds space" with the practitioners who are "very competent and responsive". The practice was also noted as being a "very strong private funds practice and clearly the leading practice in the Cayman Islands". The Cayman Islands Banking, Finance and Capital Markets practice was described as "a stellar choice across the spectrum of work in banking, finance and capital markets" with a team who "responds fast and offers various services for the Cayman companies". The firm's BVI Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Corporate and Commercial and Investment Funds practices maintained their Tier 1 statuses. The BVI Banking, Finance and Capital Markets practice was described as a "reliable high-end choice in general banking matters, equity and debt capital markets, deals with private equity backing, cross-border restructurings, and asset and project financing". While the BVI Corporate and Commercial team was commended as being "a top choice for corporate advisory issues, M&A, private equity matters, and restructurings." Meanwhile, the BVI Investment Funds practice was lauded for its "comprehensive knowledge of the licensing and regulatory law requirements for the gamut of funds operating in the jurisdiction." The BVI Dispute Resolution & Insolvency practice was also ranked. The practice was praised by clients for being "very approachable" and providing "pragmatic, easy to understand advice", being the "go-to firm" for any matters that require legal services involving BVI law. Clients also noted that they are "always aware of the latest advances in the market and industry, and provide great advice." In addition to the practice rankings, there were several lawyers who received recognition this year, with 57 lawyers ranked across the various categories. In the Guide, 27 Partners received the 'Leading Individual' accolade, and 12 Partners were recognised in the 'Next Generation Partner' category. Malachi Sweetman, Matthew St-Amour, Jeremy Bomford and Stuart Rau entered the 'Next Generation Partners' category this year. Furthermore, the firm secured 5 'New Individual Rankings,' with 4 lawyers achieving 'Improved Individual Rankings'. Commenting on the rankings, Global Managing Partner Jonathan Green said, "We are delighted to once again be so highly recognised by Legal 500. We are extremely grateful to our clients and industry colleagues for their trust and kind endorsements. I extend my congratulations to our Cayman Islands and BVI practices and lawyers on this well-deserved recognition, reflecting their unwavering commitment to delivering the best legal advice and highest levels of service to our clients.' For over 30 years, The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme that is revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. Its research is based on submissions from law firms, interviews with leading private practice lawyers and feedback from over 300,000 clients worldwide. An extract of some of the testimonials received can be found below. "The Maples team are very approachable and provide pragmatic, easy to understand advice. They are always aware of the latest advances in the market and industry and provide great advice." "Good team. With younger, energetic partners. Well-resourced." "Maples' team responds fast and offers various services for the Cayman companies." "The team is knowledgeable and thoroughly reviews documents." "Maples & Calder Cayman has a great Corporate and Commercial practice. We have been working together for more than 15 years, and the results are exceptional. The overall availability of the partners and associates is fantastic." "When compared to other law firms in Cayman, it becomes very clear that Maples is a top-tier firm, with top-tier professionals." "They have a global presence and as a result have the ability to address multi-jurisdictional matters that we have encountered/partnered with them on." "Maples BVI is our go-to firm whenever we have any matters which require legal services involving BVI law. Having worked with Maples for about a decade on two highly contentious matters, I am happy to say that they have been consistently reliable and efficient in responding to whatever queries and legal issues put to them with intelligent, sound and practical advice and solutions for our mutual clients. Their fees are reasonable given the quality of their work and prompt response. We are very comfortable working with Maples as we know they will render advice that best protect and advance our clients' interests". "Flexibility, practical solution, good knowledge and experience."

About The Maples Group

The Maples Group, through its leading international law firm, Maples and Calder, advises global financial, institutional, business and private clients on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg. With offices in key jurisdictions around the world, the Maples Group has specific strengths in areas of corporate commercial, finance, investment funds, litigation and trusts. Maintaining relationships with leading legal counsel, the Group leverages this local expertise to deliver an integrated service offering for global business initiatives. For more information, please visit: maples.com/services/legal-services.

Contact

Rachel Yates

Senior Communications Executive, Caribbean +1 345 814 5197 [email protected]

Maples Group Luxembourg Advises ICG on Innovative US$240 Million Capital Call Facility Refinancing

Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL, the Maples Group's law firm in Luxembourg, is pleased to announce that its Luxembourg Finance team has successfully advised ICG on the Luxembourg legal aspects of a new capital call facility provided by HSBC Bank PLC. This facility will refinance an existing facility from HINV and will be structured as a securitisation for EU/UK Securitisation Regulation purposes, with HSBC holding the senior tranche and ICG the junior tranche. This was the first capital call facility structured as such for ICG. The new capital call facility represents a sophisticated fund finance instrument, reflecting a growing trend in the market towards embracing securitisation as a viable financing option, whereby the securitised assets are the fund’s exposure to its investors’ capital calls, satisfactorily addressing regulatory constraints bearing on institutional lenders. The Group’s multi-disciplinary team provided Luxembourg counsel to ICG on legal matters regarding all aspects of this significant capital call facility refinancing. The team was led by co-head of the Luxembourg Finance team, Arnaud Arrecgros, with assistance from Associates Arina Belikova and Maurice Honnen. Arnaud said, "We are delighted to have advised ICG on this transaction. Structured as a capital call facility, this deal highlights a trend we have been observing for several years and is an exciting realisation of an innovative approach that was anticipated by the fund finance community for the past couple of years. Our extensive experience in advising both lenders and borrowers on numerous similar transactions underscores our solid expertise in this evolving market. We take great pride in our Luxembourg team's ability to leverage on this occasion their deep knowledge in both fields of practice, fund finance and structured finance, consistently delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients." Latham & Watkins provided US and UK legal counsel to ICG. Clifford Chance London, Luxembourg and New York provided US, UK and Luxembourg advice to HSBC. Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL provides full service legal advice on Luxembourg matters and has dedicated practices in Corporate, Finance, Funds & Investment Management and Tax, with a deep bench of highly experienced lawyers on the ground. The Maples Group also provides fund and fiduciary services from Luxembourg and the breadth of its combined international capabilities along with its ability to advise on multi-jurisdictional transactions continues to set the law firm apart from its local counterparts.

Nick Holland Named Among eprivateclient’s 50 Most Influential 2025

The Maples Group is proud to announce that one of its Partners, Nick Holland, has been named among eprivateclient's 50 Most Influential 2025. The list recognises the leading practitioners in the private client industry and shows the breadth and depth of talent at the forefront of the private client professions today. Notably, Nick was the only Caribbean-based lawyer to be included in the list. Nick, global head of the Trusts & Private Client team and based in the Group's Cayman Islands office, has a well-established practice, with clients in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. He has extensive experience advising institutional trustees, private clients and other market advisers on complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. A highly experienced lawyer, Nick has worked in the UK, Cayman Islands and Canada. In addition to his practice, Nick is a member of the International Academy of Estate and Trust Law (TIAETL) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). He has taught at the University of Western Ontario and University College of the Cayman Islands. Commenting on the accolade, Nick said, "It is a privilege to be included in this prestigious list and to be ranked among other influential leaders in the private client field. I wish to extend my gratitude to eprivateclient for this recognition and to congratulate my fellow recipients on their own ranking." The Group's international Trusts & Private Client team advises on the laws of the BVI and the Cayman Islands, working with some of the world’s largest private businesses, individual private clients, institutional trustees and other fiduciary service providers on matters concerning all types of private wealth trusts, commercial trusts, estate planning structures, trusts and fiduciary arrangements and trust litigation.