Linklaters' top derivatives team has been recruited by KWM for their expansion in Hong Kong
King & Wood Mallesons (KWM), the largest law firm in Hong Kong with nearly 180 lawyers, has made strategic moves to bolster its expertise in the areas of derivatives, structured finance, and financial market infrastructure (FMI). The firm has announced the appointment of three senior lawyers from Linklaters and Zhao Sheng - Chin-Chong Liew, Ying Zhou, and Simon Zhang.
Chin-Chong Liew, a recognized expert in derivatives and restructuring, joins KWM as a partner. With over 30 years of experience, Liew will undoubtedly bring valuable insights to the firm. Liew previously led the Asia Structured Finance and Derivatives team at Linklaters.
Ying Zhou, another seasoned professional, joins KWM as a partner as well. Zhou has extensive experience in assisting financial institutions in developing their derivatives business in Chinese markets. Her expertise extends to advising major international and Chinese exchanges and clearing houses. Zhou spent more than a decade at Linklaters Zhao Sheng before joining KWM.
Simon Zhang, who spent over 19 years at Linklaters, joins KWM as counsel. Zhang is a regular advisor on the China Connect Schemes, including taking security over Stock Connect and Bond Connect securities. He has over 20 years of experience advising on Mainland financial regulatory issues and Chinese financial institutions on global market products.
Wang Junfeng, global chairman of KWM, stated that the appointments strengthen KWM's expertise and reflect the fortitude of their regional business and ongoing attention to market dynamics and growth opportunities. The appointments indicate a focus on growth opportunities in the Hong Kong and Shanghai markets. KWM currently boasts over 30 partners in Hong Kong.
While there is no detailed public information available about Zhao Sheng's precise area of expertise or if Zhao Sheng is among these three senior hires or another separate hire, the main three named senior hires are Liew, Zhou, and Zhang, all strengthening KWM's derivatives and structured finance capabilities.
The trio, along with their team, will serve both the Hong Kong and Shanghai markets, providing KWM with a significant boost in its capabilities and position in the competitive legal market. The appointments are a testament to KWM's commitment to providing top-tier legal services to its clients.
[1] Law.com International [2] Asian-mena Counsel
[1] The appointments of Chin-Chong Liew, Ying Zhou, and Simon Zhang from Linklaters and Zhao Sheng will undoubtedly strengthen King & Wood Mallesons' (KWM) finance industry capabilities, especially in areas such as derivatives and structured finance.
[2] The strategic moves made by KWM to bolster its expertise in the finance sector also involve a focus on business growth opportunities in the Hong Kong and Shanghai markets, with over 30 partners currently in Hong Kong.
