How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Our Legal Team consists of four lawyers, and the wider Compliance and Legal team comprises ten professionals who support various business units and back-office functions of our financial institution in matters related to contracts, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, distressed debt and restructuring, employment, corporate governance, risk management, corporate social responsibility, and ethics.

During periods of instability or crisis, we are committed to helping our company and its clients navigate challenging situations and mitigate legal risks. Adopting a proactive, agile, and collaborative approach is pivotal, as is having a clear understanding of business objectives and challenges. We first assess the specifics of each matter that arises and ensure the legal team fully understands the potential legal risks and pitfalls. We maintain regular and effective communication with senior management, business teams, and external stakeholders, including our parent company and, at times, directly with our clients, to keep them informed of legal implications and risks in the changing environment and the actions taken by the legal team.

To ensure general compliance and mitigate legal risks, we periodically review our internal policies, business activities, and administrative measures to ensure they align with existing contractual obligations and evolving regulatory requirements. We also prioritise the most urgent and critical legal issues, allocating resources accordingly, while balancing short-term issues with long-term development goals and maintaining the quality and consistency of our legal services.

To continuously enhance our legal and regulatory knowledge, we actively participate in seminars and CPD sessions organised by law firms and regulators, and exchange views and experiences with peer practitioners. This engagement allows us to stay informed about regulatory changes and the latest market trends relevant to our business operations. For example, we closely monitor the implementation of the Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Civil and Commercial Judgments between Hong Kong and the Mainland to assess its impact on the enforcement of commercial judgments in both regions. We also utilise external legal counsel and experts as needed to supplement our internal capabilities, benefiting from their insights and perspectives.

My legal strategy aligns with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience by focusing on three main aspects: value, innovation, and culture.

The value of our legal work lies in delivering high-quality and cost-effective solutions that enable the business to achieve its strategic objectives while protecting its interests and reputation. I seek to measure and communicate the value of the legal function using relevant metrics and indicators, such as legal costs, risk exposure, customer satisfaction, and stakeholder feedback.

Innovation is a core pillar of our organisation, and we actively embrace new technological tools to streamline our legal work. Recently, AI has emerged as a prominent topic, and our legal team has adopted this technology to enhance our capabilities. Given the dynamic nature of the law, we recognise the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology to stay at the forefront of advancements in the legal landscape.

I foster a culture of collaboration and trust within the legal team and across the organisation by involving team members in decision-making, acknowledging their contributions and achievements, and supporting their well-being and work-life balance. I also advocate for the highest standards of ethics and integrity by ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, as well as the organisation’s values and code of conduct.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

There are two main causes that I am committed to upholding throughout my career as General Counsel.

The first is professionalism, ethical conduct, and corporate governance. Our legal team is unwaveringly committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and robust corporate governance in the delivery of our work. Professionalism forms the foundation of our practice, ensuring that we deliver high-quality legal advice with utmost competence, diligence, and integrity. Ethical conduct is a non-negotiable priority, as I consistently model and promote adherence to the organisation’s values, as well as all applicable laws and regulations. Crucially, I also place significant emphasis on strengthening corporate governance practices, recognising their pivotal role in safeguarding the company’s long-term sustainability, accountability, and shareholder trust. By embodying these core principles, I strive to be a trusted advisor and respected leader who contributes to the organisation’s success while upholding the legal profession’s esteemed reputation.

The second cause is diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am deeply committed to cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal department and the entire organisation. I recognise the immense value that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences bring to the legal function and the organisation as a whole. As such, I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment where all team members feel empowered to contribute and thrive. By nurturing an inclusive environment, legal departments can benefit from diverse perspectives, enhance decision-making, and contribute to a more equitable workplace. An inclusive environment ensures that every employee feels valued, heard, and respected, which is instrumental in creating a collaborative workplace that augments productivity and ultimately translates into economic benefits for the organisation.