Capital Markets: Debt (International Firms) - China
What the team is known for
Herbert Smith Freehills has a respected ECM team spanning Hong Kong IPOs and secondary offerings. The team is familiar with acting on large-scale rights issuances and additionally well regarded in debt matters, advising issuers and underwriters on investment-grade bonds and MTN programmes. Its expertise spans convertible and exchangeable issuances, as well as trustee representation. The firm frequently represents clients in the healthcare, technology and biopharma sectors. Key clients include Central Wealth Securities Investment, Haitong Bank and JP Morgan.
Strengths
"The team consistently demonstrates a keen attention to detail, as well as a remarkable ability to analyse and interpret complex information. It possesses exceptional problem-solving skills and is adept at developing innovative strategies to achieve favourable outcomes for its clients."
"The team I worked with has a very strong ability to handle sophisticated matters and would always be able to provide useful solutions."
Work highlights
Herbert Smith Freehills advised the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China's government green bond programme and the issuance of its inaugural retail green bonds due 2025 in the aggregate principal amount of HKD20 billion.
Herbert Smith Freehills advised CITIC Securities, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs as joint sponsors of Onewo's HKD5.6 billion listing on the Main Board of the SEHK.
Notable practitioners
Matt Emsley is the head of Herbert Smith Freehills' ECM team in Hong Kong and a trusted adviser to banks and funds on a variety of ECM work. "Matt Emsley is an excellent lawyer; he's terrific." "Matt is the encyclopedia for all HKEX, SFC or listing rules-related matters. It feels highly reliable to have him on the transaction."
William Ku is head of Herbert Smith Freehills' DCM team and is recognised for his focus on advising Chinese clients on debt issuances. "William Ku is very good to work with."
Jason Sung offers clients two decades' experience advising on Hong Kong IPOs, most frequently for sponsors and underwriters. "Jason is experienced in this field. He's very professional and has in-depth thoughts. He also thinks from the client's perspective and is responsive too." "I would highly recommend Jason Sung. He really helps with smoothing any complications with the regulators."
