Capital Markets: Derivatives & Structured Products (International Firms)
Global Guide 2024 : China
Band 1
Contact number
+852 2842 4888Chambers Review
Linklaters' deeply resourced structured finance and derivatives team boasts a strong bench advising on margin loans and QFII structures and is hugely influential in the OTC derivatives market. A prominent practice advising on regulatory developments pertaining to OTC clearing and exchange trading, it is also highly commended for its standout securitisation practice, which is most notably active in China and is a first port of call for advice on regulatory development. The team is active on cross-border loan repackaging and the issuance of repackaged notes, as well as advising on covered bonds. It commonly acts for relevant regulators, financial institutions and SOEs. Clients benefit from the firm's joint operation with Zhao Sheng Law Firm. Key clients include CK Hutchison, Citibank and Bond Connect Company.
Work Highlights
- Linklaters advised Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing on the structuring, drafting of documentation and the regulatory and legal issues pertaining to the establishment of Swap Connect.
- Linklaters advised Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation as collateral manager, sponsor and retention holder on the inaugural issuance of infrastructure loan-backed securities in Hong Kong.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have been responsive and thoughtful in their advice and able to meet tight deadlines when required. They are quick to understand the issues and offer constructive solutions."
"Linklaters is our go-to firm for more complex and sophisticated matters. I have not yet encountered a derivatives matter that the team is not able to help with."
"They have been responsive and thoughtful in their advice and able to meet tight deadlines when required. They are quick to understand the issues and offer constructive solutions."
"Linklaters is our go-to firm for more complex and sophisticated matters. I have not yet encountered a derivatives matter that the team is not able to help with."
Notable Practitioners
Liew Chin-Chong is a key driver in Linklaters' derivatives and structured products team in Hong Kong, offering market-leading expertise on all manner of derivatives and structured products-related work.
"Chong is the most respected China OTC derivatives expert and one of the earliest practitioners in the space."
"Chong is familiar with the market and always shares his ideas to solve our issues and lead his team."
Victor Wan has a distinguished reputation in the derivatives and securitisation space. He advises on a range of matters from his base in Linklaters' Hong Kong office, including cross-border margin loans and structuring securities packages.
Soong I-Ping offers expert advice on regulatory aspects of derivatives and margin deals. Her expertise is highly sought after by a number of banks.
"I-Ping is an amazing public speaker with communication skills and the ability to explain complex legal matters."
Stephen Song is an experienced adviser on margin loans and total return swaps. He often acts for syndicated and individual banking clients.
"Stephen is the derivatives expert I would reach out to with the most complex and urgent of matters. He is responsive, has superb technical skills and, most importantly, delivers actionable advice."
"He's knowledgeable, responsive, and able to articulate the issues well and offer constructive solutions."
Karen Lam plays an increasingly important role in Linklaters' derivatives and structured products team, frequently acting for major banks and financial institutions. Her practice spans the issuance of secured notes and covered bonds, as well as note repackagings.
"Karen has all the qualities one would look for in a top-notch counsel: solid legal knowledge, diligence and pragmatism. She's a reliable pair of hands."
"I always feel comfortable working with Karen and she always delivers great service."