Sidley Austin
Drawing upon deep regulatory expertise and knowledge in the financial services sector, Sidley Austin is an increasingly popular choice among financial services clients as a result of its ability to ‘render insightful and tailored advice’ across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Key to the firm’s recent success is the ’exceptional’ work of Stephanie Chan, who since her arrival with a team of associates from Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP, has galvanised the team’s offering, increasing its visibility across a range of high-profile mandates as a result of her ‘in-depth understanding of the Hong Kong financial regulatory regime’ and ’experience in handling complex regulatory matters’. Chan’s strength on the contentious front complements that of longstanding team member (and former barrister), Dominic James, who is appreciated, in particular by buy-side clients for his ‘technical knowledge’ and ability to navigate the myriad regulations in the investment management space. Associate Louisa Wong is, like Chan, trilingual and is praised for her ability to deliver ’clear and relatable advice’, particularly to PRC clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They are very detail-oriented and have excellent critical analysis skills. They are always able to identify key factual details when reviewing documents or from our communication to formulate the most targeted strategies, which I believe is crucial when dealing with litigation and regulatory matters.'
- 'Their advice is very in-depth and thoughtful, and covers issues and concerns from practical, commercial and legal perspectives.'
- 'The team is particularly well-placed to assist financial institutions in resolving litigation and regulatory matters, delivering highly positive results for their clients. Their deep financial knowledge enables them to communicate with us effectively regarding the complicated underlying transactions and fully understand our business needs. We can always trust them to render insightful and tailored advice.'
‘Stephanie Chan has extensive experience in handling regulatory and compliance related matters. She is very committed and dedicated, and handles matters efficiently and cost-effectively, while being mindful of our business needs and concerns.'
‘ Stephanie Chan is one of the best regulatory lawyers and litigators we have worked with. As a robust, diligent and experienced lawyer, she is exceptionally well placed and experienced in assisting clients in resolving litigation and regulatory matters.'
- 'Stephanie Chan has an in-depth understanding of the Hong Kong financial regulatory regime. We are truly impressed by Stephanie’s extensive experience in handling complex regulatory matters and the strategic approaches she adopted in dealing with our matters.'
- ‘Dominic James is an outstanding lawyer who is technically brilliant and a market leader in his field.’
- 'Louisa Wong is conscientious and proactive in her work and well versed in contentious regulatory matters. Her outstanding Mandarin capability makes her highly valued in the current legal industry, particularly in advising PRC clients as she is able to deliver advice in a clear and relatable manner.'
Key clients
- Envision Global Investments Ltd
- Chicago Trading Company LLC
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank)
- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
- Marsh McLennan Companies, Inc.
Work highlights
- Representing a Hong Kong-based asset manager in a concurrent SFC investigation involving suspected misconduct arising from losses under a series of complex derivative contracts entered into with related parties.
- Representing Envision Global in defending a multi-billion dollar lawsuit in the Hong Kong courts involving 33 co-defendants and several third parties.
- Representing a Hong Kong-based asset manager in parallel SFC and FCA investigations into market sounding/wall-crossing practices, including an ongoing trial before Securities & Futures Tribunal.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Effie Vasilopoulos