Counting Chinese and international banks and financial institutions, aircraft managers, leasing companies and airlines in Asia and the Middle East among its key roster of clients, Stephenson Harwood advises on the financing, leasing and trading of commercial aircraft and business jets. The firm also maintains a stellar track record in shipping finance, acting for international banks and major finance leasing companies on cross-border mandates. Simon Wong, who is praised for his ‘rich industry experience and superb negotiation skills’, jointly leads the practice alongside Hongkai Zhou, and Elton Chan. Zhou focuses on the financing and leasing of ships and offshore installations, while Chan handles structural finance matters. Simone Liu has experience in work concerning shipbuilding assistance, transactions and ship finance, while Louis Ng is a go-to lawyer for commercial aircraft and business jets seeking aviation finance advice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team consists of partners and senior lawyers who are deeply involved in the project and work very patiently and meticulously.'

  • ‘Simon Wong has rich industry experience and superb negotiation skills, and is able to strive for better commercial and legal interests for clients when handling projects.'

Work highlights

  • Advised various major international operating lessors, creditors and financial institutions on contingency planning and strategic advice in relation to their exposure to Hong Kong Airlines, as well as their rights and remedies under the UK restructuring plan and Hong Kong scheme of arrangement.

Lawyers

Leading partners: Aviation Finance
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading partners: Shipping Finance
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners: Shipping Finance
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Simon Wong, Hongkai Zhou, Elton Chan

Other key lawyers

Simone Liu, Louis Ng, Raina Xian