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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Sophia Man understands what regulators want.'
  • 'Edwin Wong is commercial and has a strong ability to understand and contextualise client needs to provide sound legal support. He is also very personable and easy to work with.'

Key clients

  • Amber Global Limited
  • APG Asset Management
  • Cambium Grove Capital
  • Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)
  • CapitaLand Fund Management
  • Eastgate Capital Management
  • Gaw Capital Partners
  • Keppel Capital / Alpha Investment Partners
  • Link REIT
  • M3 Capital Partners
  • Pleiad Investment Advisors
  • SF Holding / SF REIT
  • Spring REIT
  • Weave Living

Work highlights

  • Acting as lead counsel to Gaw Capital Partners on the formation of its seventh flagship Asia Pacific real estate fund, Gateway Real Estate Fund VII, which raised $3bn in total equity (including sidecar co-investments).
  • Acted for APG Asset Management on the restructure, roll-over and $400m investment into ESR Group's open-ended Korean logistics core fund. Also acted for CPPIB on the restructure, partial roll-over of its 24% interest and partial sale of its 21% interest in the same ESR managed Korean logistics core fund.
  • Acted for Harvest Global Investments in the authorisation and successful listing of Harvest Bitcoin Spot ETF and Harvest Ether Spot ETF on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
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.

Jason Ng

Other key lawyers

Edwin Wong, Sophia Man, Jeremy Ong, Hayley Irons, Elizabeth Mifsud