Insurance: Non-contentious (International Firms)
Greater China Region Guide 2024 : China
Band 1
Contact number
+852 2160 9800About
Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Debevoise’s Asia practice advises on the region’s largest, most innovative deals in the insurance sector
The firm has a long history of working with major insurers in Asia, both domestic and international. It has developed a reputation for leading on the market’s most ambitious transactions, regularly working with insurers on matters that grow, reshape or refocus their business, both in Asia and around the world.
As well as transactional advice, the team works closely with clients on regulatory needs, guiding them through key requirements and the ongoing changes to the regulatory landscape in the region. In working alongside colleagues in the firm’s market-leading, global Insurance practice, the team also provides regulatory and enforcement advice to Asian insurance clients as they do business in international markets.
Chambers Review
Debevoise & Plimpton is a broadly respected practice that enjoys prominence for transactional work and regulatory advice. The team regularly assists international and domestic clients with sales, acquisitions and bancassurance matters, and regularly attracts such instructions from across the Asia-Pacific region. Clients benefit from the strength of the firm's international presence in the sector, with notable teams in the USA and London. It has particular expertise advising clients in the life insurance sphere. Sun Life and Chubb are key clients of the insurance team.
Work Highlights
- Debevoise & Plimpton represented AIA in relation to its USD278 million acquisition of Hong Kong insurer Blue Cross and an associated 15-year bancassurance agreement between Blue Cross and the BEA Bank.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are a very experienced team with a strong eye for detail, but also an ability to proactively progress discussions."
"Debevoise's sector knowledge is excellent, which makes for an efficient and seamless exercise."
"They are a very experienced team with a strong eye for detail, but also an ability to proactively progress discussions."
"Debevoise's sector knowledge is excellent, which makes for an efficient and seamless exercise."
Notable Practitioners
Edwin Northover is well reputed for his deft handling of bancassurance and life insurance matters, and has an acclaimed practice in insurance-related mergers and acquisitions, advising on both the buy side and sell side of such transactions. He is also notable for his expertise in the growing field of insurtech.
"He brings substantial experience to bear in an effective way. He has a great focus on ultimately securing an agreement, not on point scoring."
"I'm more than happy to endorse him as a high-quality practitioner in this area."
Jan Buschmann is gaining recognition for his expertise in insurance and reinsurance regulatory matters. An international counsel based in the firm's Hong Kong office, he is also well placed to advise on M&A transactions across the Asia-Pacific region.
"Jan Buschmann has strong technical knowledge and strong knowledge of the latest regulatory changes."
Ranked Lawyers at
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
China