Capital Markets: Derivatives & Structured Products (International Firms) - China
What the team is known for
King & Wood Mallesons offers a strong securitisation practice, frequently acting for major clients on novel and complicated cross-border issuances, including international securitisation of PRC assets. It is also known for its robust derivatives and structured products expertise, advising clients on regulatory and transactional matters, including OTC derivatives transactions for both buyers and sellers. The team is noted for a particularly deep well of expertise relating to warrants. Clients benefit from its very strong Mainland China network and its pool of Australian experience. The team is frequently engaged by regulatory bodies, as well as Hong Kong and PRC securities firms and fund houses. Key clients include ICBC Asia, FWD Insurance and Guotai Junan Securities (Hong Kong).
Strengths
"KWM was able to offer practical advice to us. KWM has always been very responsive and able to answer any ad hoc questions that we might have."
"They are the go-to firm for Hong Kong listed warrants and represent almost the whole industry. They have a sizeable team and are prompt in their responses."
Work highlights
King & Wood Mallesons advised HSBC as the equity amount payer on a series of total return swaps linked to fund units in a PRC open-ended fund held by HSBC through the GFII regime.
Notable practitioners
Minny Siu is co-head of King & Wood Mallesons' derivatives and structured products team and is widely recognised for her adept handling of complex derivative and structured product mandates and for her noted warrants expertise. "Minny is always able to patiently understand the needs of customers and provide professional advice to customers efficiently." "Minny's experience with and understanding of the Hong Kong regulatory landscape for structured products is second to none."
Richard Mazzochi is co-leader of King & Wood Mallesons' Hong Kong derivatives team and advises on a range of derivatives and structured products issuances and transactions. He is also well regarded for handling regulatory issues and advising on changing regulatory regimes. "Richard is a great lawyer both intellectually and commercially, but also has an affable personality, making working with him very smooth. He is very dependable and reasonable."
Andrew Fei is a rising star with a solid structured finance and derivatives practice. He is noted for advising the ISDA on China netting and collateral opinions. "He is a seasoned lawyer and is very practical. His advice is able to strike a balance between facilitating business collaboration between us and the counterparty and safeguarding our interests." "Andrew always responds to our daily enquiries very seriously, answering all kinds of questions very carefully and professionally, without being perfunctory."
Angus Sip is adept at advising on the issuance of various structured products and derivatives, whether for issuers, buyers and sellers, or arrangers. He is also noted for experience in securitisation-related matters, including those with innovative structures. "Angus's technical knowledge and experience on structured finance and derivatives matters are superb. He is very attentive and extremely responsive. He is always willing to take extra steps to guide us through difficult issues." "Angus Sip is technically strong and always there when you need him. He is willing to understand concerns from the client's perspective and able to impress you with practical solutions."