Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Leveraging deep transactional and regulatory expertise and appreciated for its ‘client-centric, responsive, and helpful’ approach, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has, over the years, forged strong relationships with international and local banks, ensuring that has a seat at the table on many high-profile Hong Kong IPOs. ’Very hands on and approachable’ team head Matt Emsley has been central to this success and has gained particular acclaim for his ability to help navigate complex transactions, particularly within the biotech (including for pre-revenue issuers on 18A listings), healthcare and TMT sectors. Jeremy Shen handles work for both banks and issuers, including on IPOs and follow-on offerings, and is also well-versed in regulatory matters, as evidenced by his ongoing assistance to the Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA)’s ECM committee on drafting the industry form of placing agreement for issuance of primary/treasury shares by Hong Kong-listed companies. Recently promoted to of counsel, Maisie Ko ‘is meticulous in providing high-quality legal advice’ to banks, in particular, on biotech and healthcare listings, and is also recognised for her extensive knowledge of the Hong Kong listing rules.