Jointly led by Chris Whiteley and Kingsley Ong, the emerging team at CMS provides a comprehensive suite of offering to a range of stakeholders spanning the breadth of derivatives and structured finance matters. While encompassing some mandates involving new capital, especially within the securitisation realm, Ong’s distinctive forte lies in navigating downturn scenarios, effectively combining acumen in restructuring with a profound understanding of structured finance products, therefore providing ‘well-considered and commercial advice’. Splitting his time between Hong Kong and London, Whiteley dedicates his time to a wide spectrum of derivatives, ranging from conventional hedging to intricate funding transactions. Counsel Simon Barrell ably supports the team, handling complex structured finance and OTC derivatives matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team led by Kingsley Ong is one of the top firms in HK in this practice area. He is an experienced lawyer with a sound commercial mind to help solve legal issues. He is constantly looking for ways to provide the most efficient and cost effective solution to clients. ’

  • ‘Kingsley Ong's team excels over its competitors in terms of its quality of legal advice and efficiency in running and managing the transactions. Structured Finance deals require deep knowledge in the transactions and the underlying portfolios, as well as the ability to manage all parties involved. Kingsley's team has plenty of experience in these areas. ’

  • ‘The team at CMS is knowledgeable and has long-standing structured finance and securitisation expertise. The CMS team offers a tailored and flexible approach in dealing with their clients and transactions.'

  • 'Kingsley Ong demonstrates a deep understanding of the workings and requirements of international financial institutions in structured finance and securitisation transactions. Kingsley is always responsive and gives well-considered and commercial advice. ’

  • ‘Kingsley Ong leads the team to solve problems and make communication smooth!'

  • ‘The team is very strong at structuring OTC derivatives and professional in advising the legal and regulatory aspects in relation to the OTC derivatives issues.’

  • ‘Kingsley Ong is very professional and helpful in helping clients throughout the process. He is also resourceful and a good communicator in terms of listening to client's needs and offering solutions to address the problems.’

  • ‘The team is capably led by Kingsley Ong, a seasoned structured finance lawyer who is calm, polite and popular with clients. He is a strong technical lawyer and able to explain complex issues clearly and concisely.'

Key clients

  • Bank of China International
  • BNP Paribas Securities
  • Chong Hing Bank Limited
  • CIMB Bank Berhad
  • Fitch Ratings
  • Hantec Securities Co., Ltd
  • The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
  • Hong Kong Capital Finance Corporation Limited
  • Huarong International Financial Holdings Limited
  • Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.
  • Lianhe Global Ratings
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Prudential Hong Kong Limited
  • Siegfried Service Limited
  • Taipei Sky Tower development group

Work highlights

  • Advised the Bank of China on the successful workout of the Tsingshan-LME nickel derivatives crisis.
  • Acted for HKCFC on its capacities as Originator, Transaction Administrator, Servicer and Junior Subscriber.
  • Advising Fitch Ratings on the credit rating of a high-value Singapore sustainability linked asset-backed securitisation.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Kingsley Ong, Chris Whiteley

Other key lawyers

Simon Barrell