Episode Summary: Angela Wang – 30 Years in Hong Kong LawThis episode features Angela Wang, a Singapore-trained lawyer who made the bold decision to establish her own boutique law firm in Hong Kong back in 1995. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, her firm stands as a testament to her vision for independence and her sharp understanding of Hong Kong's dynamic legal landscape.Angela shares how she skillfully navigated through multiple global financial crises while building a thriving cross-border practice, particularly benefiting from China's market opening. She offers unique insights by contrasting Hong Kong's entrepreneurial spirit with Singapore's more structured environment, shedding light on what truly sets Hong Kong's legal market apart.The episode delves into how her firm focused on mid-sized transactions, her strategies for adapting to Hong Kong's challenging business culture, and her resilience in surviving various economic downturns since 1995. She also touches on leveraging opportunities within China's evolving market and her thoughtful approach to balancing AI integration with traditional legal practice. It's an inspiring story of determination, adaptability, and a genuine passion for law, leading to three decades of remarkable success in one of Asia's most vibrant legal hubs.

Our Guest

Angela Wang

Angela is a graduate from the National University of Singapore and has practised with major international law firms in Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong. Angela regularly advises major international clients including Fortune 500 companies on a wide range of corporate matters including the takeover of listed companies, IPOs, substantial asset restructuring, capital fund raising, cross border private equity transactions and structured financing in Hong Kong China and South East Asia. She also acts for China state owned enterprises and Chinese domestic companies and entrepreneurs in their various investments overseas.

Angela is a regular speaker at legal conferences for corporate counsel and business chambers in Hong Kong, Singapore and China.

Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay Shamdasani is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.

More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters’ subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.

Are legal costs a burden or a strategic investment for your venture capital-backed company? In this episode of "Heart of the Matter," we chat with David Cameron of David Cameron Law Office about fundamentally transforming your view of legal representation. David explains why lawyers are now essential for VC-backed firms scaling rapidly and navigating complex capital tables. We discuss why innovative boutique law firms with fixed-fee models are often the perfect fit for their unique needs. You'll also learn how legal compliance can be a powerful strategic advantage that builds trust, especially in fast-moving sectors like fintech and AI. This conversation will challenge you to see legal spending as a genuine strategic investment that boosts growth and relationships. Ultimately, it's about seeing your legal counsel as true strategic partners in your VC-backed business's future.

Our Guest

David Cameron

David is a dual-qualified Hong Kong solicitor and New York attorney who has been advising on corporate matters and financial transactions across Asia, based out of Hong Kong, for over 16 years. David has worked for Linklaters and Allen & Overy in addition to, most recently, being a Partner at Dorsey & Whitney. ​


​​David has a proven track-record of helping clients with enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial approach. This has resulted in multiple first-ever transactions and initiatives that have led to first-ever national rankings and various international awards. David is consistently ranked globally by institutions such as IFLR1000 and also ranked regionally by institutions such as IBLJ's Top 100 International A-List. ​David holds three graduate degrees, a JD, an MBA and an MA, from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Georgetown University.​


Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay Shamdasani is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.

More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters’ subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.

Discover why the U.S. securities laws, despite being considered the global "gold standard," have significant flaws in their insider trading framework. Professor Marc Steinberg reveals how the current system, based on vague fiduciary duty concepts, creates unfair outcomes and legal uncertainties.Drawing from his book "Rethinking Securities Law," Steinberg highlights the stark contrast between U.S. regulations and other developed markets. While other jurisdictions clearly prohibit trading on material non-public information, the U.S. approach leaves concerning loopholes, particularly in M&A situations.Key insights include:

• The need for a comprehensive "access" approach to insider trading rules
• Problems with SEC's extraterritorial enforcement
• Tensions between SEC regulations and Supreme Court decisions
• Comparison with more effective EU and Singapore models

Ready to dive deep into the complexities of securities law and understand why reform is crucial? Listen to this eye-opening episode that challenges everything you thought you knew about U.S. insider trading regulations.

Our Guest

Marc I. Steinberg

Marc I. Steinberg is the Radford Professor of Law at the SMU School of Law. He has served as a Professor, Fellow, or has lectured at several other prominent universities, including the University of Cambridge, Oxford University, King’s College London, University of Hong Kong, and University of Pennsylvania.  Professor Steinberg was an attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He also has been retained as an expert witness in several high profile cases.  Professor Steinberg is the most prolific author of securities law scholarship in the United States, having authored more than 150 law review articles as well as approximately 50 books. He is editor-in-chief of The International Lawyer and The Securities Regulation Law Journal.  

Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay Shamdasani is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.

More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters’ subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.

The episode covers key aspects of competition law in India, focusing on the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) approach to mergers and anti-competitive practices. The CCI scrutinizes deals where combined market shares exceed 30-40%, particularly among competitors, but has never blocked a transaction since the merger control regime began in 2011. Indian law generally treats companies and their subsidiaries as a single economic entity, except in bidding markets where group companies must avoid sharing sensitive information. The conversation highlights India's evolving competition law, drawing from mature jurisdictions while tailoring rules for the local market. Foreign investors are typically well-informed about Indian competition laws, aligning with approval processes and rules. The evolving legal landscape is seen as an exciting time for competition law practitioners in India.

Our Guest

Vaibhav Choukse

Vaibhav is a Partner in the Firm’s Competition Law Practice with over 16 years of experience. He has been practicing competition law since its inception in India, specializing in complex litigation, and merger control, advising clients across diverse industries. His expertise spans complex competition matters before the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and appellate courts.

In litigation, Vaibhav routinely advises multinational corporations and industry associations on cartel investigations and leniency, dawn raids, vertical agreements, abuse of dominance, and competition compliance. He has successfully defended global auto-component manufacturers, a multiplex operator, and a leading paper manufacturer in cartel cases. He currently advises major players in the seed, pharmaceutical, cement, and financial sectors in ongoing cartel and vertical restraint investigations. In abuse of dominance matters, he represents Hyundai and Ford in India’s first auto-parts aftermarket abuse case and FabHotels in India’s first MFN case against MakeMyTrip and OYO. He also represented Nuziveedu Seeds in its abuse of dominance case against Monsanto before the CCI and Delhi High Court. He is also involved in constitutional and procedural challenges to CCI investigations before various High Courts. Recently, he secured a stay on the CCI’s investigation against sellers on a leading e-commerce platform from various High Courts.

In merger control, he has secured approvals for complex transactions, including ONGC/ NTPC/ Ayana Renewable, Del Monte/ Agro Tech Foods, Coforge/Cigniti, BPEA EQT/Indira/ HDFC Credila, Temasek/Manipal Hospitals, KKR/Hero Future Energies, IBM/Kyndryl, TVS Group restructuring, Ford/Mahindra, Goldman Sachs/ReNew Power (SPAC), and Trafigura/Essar Oil.

A prolific author and speaker, Vaibhav contributes to leading competition law journals and newspapers and frequently speaks at industry forums. He is recognized among India’s top competition lawyers by Chambers & Partners, Who’s Who Legal, Legal500, Forbes Powelist, AsiaLaw, and Global Competition Review.  Vaibhav was recently recognized in Asian Legal Business (ALB) Asia 40 Under 40, 2024 as one of Asia’s top 40 legal talents under 40, distinguished as the only competition lawyer on the list.

He holds a master’s degree in Competition Law from King's College London, where he had the privilege of studying under Prof. Richard Whish KC (Hon) in EU Competition Law. 


Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay Shamdasani is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A...

In this episode, we’ll explore the transformation of finance in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. From cutting-edge fintech innovations to the shifting role of traditional banking systems, we’ll uncover how digital finance is reshaping economies across Asia-Pacific. We’ll also spotlight Hong Kong—a global financial hub and a driving force behind this revolution—as it positions itself at the forefront of digital finance. 

Our Guest

Ben Hammond

Ben is the managing partner of Ashurst’s Hong Kong office and a partner in the firm’s financial services regulatory group. He leads its non-contentious regulatory practice in the territory, where he is currently based, and advises clients in a broad range of transactional and non-transactional regulatory areas.

With his extensive expertise in digital economy matters, Ben has advised clients across a broad range of regulatory areas. Most notably, in February 2023, he advised Goldman Sachs on the use of its tokenisation platform, GS DAPTM, for the issuance of an HK$800 million tokenised green bond for the Hong Kong government – it was the first tokenised green bond issued by a government globally.

A year later, this past February, Ben led a team supporting HSBC as the platform provider to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority – the city’s banking regulator and de facto central bank – on the world’s first multi-currency “digitally native” bond offering.

Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay Shamdasani is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.

More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters’ subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.

In this episode, we delve into the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in the legal field. As AI tools become increasingly integrated into legal practices, they bring both groundbreaking efficiencies and unexpected hurdles. Join us as we explore the dual-edged nature of AI: its potential to revolutionize legal tasks and the pitfalls that could lead to costly mistakes. Discover how legal professionals can adeptly navigate this new landscape, leveraging AI's strengths while safeguarding against its shortcomings. Tune in to understand the implications of AI's rise and how to stay ahead in this transformative era.

Our Guests

Dr. Douglas Arner

Dr Arner is Hong Kong’s most influential professor of financial law and regulation – to say nothing of his renown and esteem in this region and globally. He is also one of the most cited people in academia.

Beyond that, he is the Kerry Holdings Professor of Law at the University of Hong Kong, where he also serves as the Faculty of Law’s associate dean for taught postgraduate programs. Additionally, Prof. Arner is the associate director of the HKU-Standard Chartered FinTech Academy, which is based on the University’s main campus in Pokfulam.

Dr. Arner’s latest book, which he co-authored with Prof. Ross P. Buckley of the University of New South Wales and Prof. Dirk Zetzsche of the University of Luxembourg, was officially released in late-November. The title is FinTech: Finance Technology and Regulation. It was published by Cambridge University Press.

Michael Borelli

London-based Michael Borrelli is director at AI & Partners, Europe's leading professional services firm for firms subject to the EU AI Act. Leveraging his 10+ years of experience in financial services, compliance, and technology, he helps clients navigate the complex and evolving regulatory landscape of AI. This includes a strong passion for responsible AI and its potential to create positive social impact, while minimizing its risks and challenges.

In addition to this role at AI & Partners, responsibilities include serving as a FinTech Ambassador and an AI 2030 Chapter Advisor, where he has made contributions to the development and dissemination of knowledge, best practices, and policy recommendations on AI and FinTech.He is also a prolific writer and speaker on topics related to AI, FinTech, and compliance, having published multiple articles and delivered several presentations at various events and platforms.



Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay Shamdasani is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.

More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters’ subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.

Little KEMPies, an initiative by HK-based law firm M.B. KEMP LLP, offers courses for kids interested in law careers. Currently, they run a Mini Law Degree programme for bright minds aged 12-15. Led by experienced M.B. Kemp LLP lead partner Yeelign Wan, the 9-week course covers key subjects like contract law, tort law, and criminal law, along with soft skills like critical thinking and public speaking.
In this episode, we spoke with Yeeling to find out more this course.

Our Guest

Yeeling Wan

A twenty-year veteran commercial litigator, Yeeling is KEMP’s pragmatist-in-chief. She approaches each case with her focus squarely on her clients’ business objectives and the real value her expertise can add. 

Clients value her straight-shooting guidance and trust her to fight determinedly for the right resolution. 

Commercial litigation chose Yeeling, rather than the other way around: it was a fit for her assertive, tenacious style, and propelled her to partnership in a Big Law environment at a young age. That fast-track success gave her a thorough technical grounding – and also a desire to practise in the setting most conducive to doing her best work. 

Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay Shamdasani is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.

More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters’ subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.

In this episode, we shed light on the pivotal Department Order No. 238-23, a comprehensive directive detailing regulations for enforcing labor standards as outlined in Article 128 of the Labour Code of the Philippines and enhanced by the provisions of Republic Act No. 11058. This order represents a significant step forward in fortifying labor rights and ensuring workplace safety and health standards across the nation. Understanding its nuances is crucial for both employers and employees, as it not only underscores the government's commitment to labor rights but also sets a new benchmark for compliance and protection in the workplace. Join us as we explore the importance of this order and what it means for the future of labor standards in the Philippines.

Our Guest

Neptali B. Salvanera
Mr. Salvanera specializes in labor law litigation, illegal dismissal, unfair labor practice, labor audits, strikes, union organization and representation issues, the labor aspect of mergers and acquisitions, and the planning and implementation of manpower reduction programs. He has also handled cases involving data privacy and data protection in the workplace and has rendered opinions on the matter for several clients. He has argued before the labor courts and all appellate courts including the Court of Appeals. He is extensively involved in the conduct of legal audit on the practices and contracting arrangements of companies. He is a part of a team in the firm that institutionalized the conduct of legal audit.Among his significant cases/projects are:

• the merger of two pharmaceutical companies and the consolidation of their operations and employees; and
• the implementation of manpower reduction programs in several multinational and local companies.

Mr. Salvanera has co-authored several articles on labor, including the Philippine chapters of:

• “International Guide on Labor and Employment” (2010), published by Littler Mendelson, LLP;
• “International Law Guide on Restrictive Covenants & Trade Secrets in Employment” (2010), published by the American Bar Association; and,
• “Doing Business” (various years), published by the World Bank.

He is also a contributor to the Asian Mena Magazine, Business World, and Asia Business Law Journal.He speaks on a variety of topics from data privacy, employee discipline, labor relations, and outsourcing. Among her significant speaking engagements are:

• Contractualization: Concept and Updates, National HR Summit, 24 April 2018, SMX Convention Centre Manila;
• Labor-Related Issues When Investing in the Philippines, 2018 In-House Congress, 19 September 2018, Marina Mandarin, Singapore;
• Data Privacy: What Employers Should Know, ALB Summit, April 2017, Marina Mandarin Singapore
• Ending the Endo, 13th Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition (PSECE), 15 June 2016, SMX Convention Centre Manila

In 2010, Mr. Salvanera was recognized by Key Media as one of the experts in the field of labor and employment in the region.Mr. Salvanera was identified in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021 Editorial as a recommended lawyer in the practice area of Labor and Employment.Mr. Salvanera is a professional lecturer at the De La Salle University, where he teaches courses in Labor Standards, Labor Relations, International Labor Law, and Sales, Agency & Bailments.Mr. Salvanera ranked third among the students of his graduating law class and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in May 1999. He is a member of the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society and the Cagayan Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Please visit www.accralaw.com for more information.

In the battle against climate change, litigation has emerged as a potent tool, compelling governments and corporations to confront their environmental responsibilities head-on. "Why Climate Change Litigation Matters?" explores the rising trend of legal actions being taken to address the urgent crisis of our warming planet. 

Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.

More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters’ subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.

Our Guest

John B. Quinn

John B. Quinn has been named by Bloomberg the “most famous practicing lawyer in the world” at large law firms and described by American Lawyer as a “master strategist.” He was identified as a “Legal Legend” in the 10th Anniversary edition of the Lawdragon: The 500 Leading Lawyers in America.  Some of the victories in Mr. Quinn’s storied career include: winning $176 million as lead trial counsel for Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and his companies in an arbitration against Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. and its CEO Dr. Henry Ji; obtaining a $295 million jury verdict for two former Bertelsmann AG executives against Bertelsmann AG; defending Samsung Electronics Company in Apple Inc.’s “holy war” against the Android smartphone operating system where, after a trial held in Apple’s backyard, the jury awarded less than 5.5% of the amount Apple sought and decided that Apple itself infringed one of Samsung’s counterclaim patents; and obtaining a $2.1 billion settlement for two dozen hedge fund plaintiffs—including Elliott, Davidson-Kempner, Appalloosa, and Angelo Gordon—as holders of Yosemite and Enron Credit-Linked (ECLN) Notes in the Yosemite v. Citibank action in the Enron MDL.

Renewable energy is reshaping the global energy landscape, and Vietnam is no exception. With its significant strides in wind and solar power investment, Vietnam is emerging as a compelling case study in the shift towards sustainable energy production.

Stakeholders in international energy markets, project financing, or environmental legislation will find the burgeoning Vietnamese renewable energy sector both intriguing and rich with opportunity. This episode looks at the complexities and legal intricacies as Vietnam embraces the winds of change and the sun's bountiful rays.

Our Guests

Sesto Vecchi

Sesto has over 35 years of experience practicing law in Vietnam. His expertise includes corporate and commercial law with particular emphasis on foreign investment.

He acts for numerous multinational and mid-size investors, both foreign and Vietnamese. He has written and spoken extensively on Vietnamese legal issues.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, was an arbitrator for the Vietnam International Arbitration Center, and a former active duty lieutenant in the US Navy.

Lâm Nguyễn Hoàng Thảo

Prior to pursuing a law degree, and for nearly 12 years, Thao worked in the Energy Sector with SCHLUMBERGER, one of the world’s largest upstream oil and gas service companies.

Thao completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Practical Legal Training in Australia.

Thao has both Vietnamese and Australian citizenship. Thao returned to Vietnam in 2022 and started engaging in the Vietnamese legal market. Thao joined RUSSIN & VECCHI in 2023 and specializes in Energy Matters.

In this episode, we explore how law firms can benefit significantly from integrating fixed-fee arrangements into their practice. Whether you're an independent attorney or part of a larger firm, this model promises transparency, predictability, and a renewed focus on efficiency—not to mention the strategic leverage it provides in a competitive market.

Our Host

Ajay Shamdasani

Ajay is a veteran writer, editor and researcher based in Hong Kong. He holds an AB in history and government from Ripon College, JD and MIPCT degrees from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School, and an LLM in financial regulation from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

His 15-year long career as a financial and legal journalist began as deputy editor of A Plus magazine – the journal of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. From there, he assumed the helm of Macau Business magazine as its editor-in-chief, and later, joined Asialaw magazine as its deputy editor.

More recently, he spent close to seven years as a senior correspondent with Thomson Reuters’ subscription-based trade-wire service Regulatory Intelligence/Compliance Complete (previously called Complinet) in Hong Kong. While there, he covered regulatory developments in that city, as well as Singapore, India and South Korea.

Our Guest

Kevin Bowers

Kevin is a dual-qualified lawyer in England + Wales and Hong Kong and has practiced as a commercial disputes lawyer and partner with three leading independent Hong Kong law firms over the last twenty years.

Kevin specialises in commercial, insurance and employment litigation and dispute resolution both in Hong Kong and internationally. He handles complex multi-jurisdictional commercial cases involving debt recovery, sale of goods, trade finance, media law, fraud, shareholder, joint venture, employment, property (including land rights disputes and building management / tenancy issues) and franchise disputes, contentious family/probate/trusts, asset tracing, injunction proceedings, jurisdictional challenges, public inquiries and judicial reviews.

Kevin is a Solicitor Advocate in Hong Kong, and an Accredited Mediator with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) and The Law Society of Hong Kong. He has appeared as an expert witness (on Hong Kong corporate law) in the BVI High Court.

In this episode, we delve into the crucial information about obtaining the Long-Term Resident Visa in Thailand. From understanding the eligibility criteria to navigating the application process, we aim to equip you with the essential knowledge to turn your plans with Thailand into a reality. Whether you are a retiree seeking tranquility amidst breathtaking landscapes, a digital nomad in pursuit of high-speed internet on stunning shores, or an investor exploring a world of vibrant opportunities, we hope will be able to help you with your research.

Our guest.

Dhinapa Apaivongse - Senior Investment Promotion Officer - Thailand Board of Investment

For more information, please visit

https://www.ilct.co.th/

It is essential to foster positive relationships with your local workforce and stay compliant with state regulations. One way to do both is through employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) – an incentive that can potentially have tremendous benefits for corporations operating within Vietnam. In this episode, we explore ESOPs specifically in the context of Vietnam and explain their advantages in maintaining strong corporate relations while carving out financial gains.

Our Guests

Sesto Vecchi

Sesto has over 35 years of experience practicing law in Vietnam. His expertise includes corporate and commercial law with particular emphasis on foreign investment.
He acts for numerous multinational and mid-size investors, both foreign and Vietnamese. He has written and spoken extensively on Vietnamese legal issues.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, was an arbitrator for the Vietnam International Arbitration Center, and a former active duty lieutenant in the US Navy.

Dao Hong Diu

Diu joined Russin & Vecchi in 2008 upon graduation from law school.
Her core areas of practice are corporate and foreign investment.
She specializes in foreign based, long-term employee incentive plans sometimes called employee stock option plans ("ESOPs"), offered to employees in Vietnam.
She has an interest in the regulation of anti-money laundering as it impacts corporate compliance responsibility in both the financial and non-financial sectors.

For more information about labour laws in Vietnam, please visit

https://www.russinvecchi.com.vn/

Vietnam is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition for doing business. Not only is it a flourishing and vibrant economy, but the labour force also offers some unique advantages for those wishing to invest in Vietnam's future. For businesses interested in keeping abreast of the latest developments in this dynamic labour and employment landscape, it pays to stay informed as laws and guidelines are ever-evolving in this country. In this podcast, we explore how businesses can navigate through Vietnam's legal landscape while staying compliant with current regulations.

Our Guests

Sesto Vecchi

Sesto has over 35 years of experience practicing law in Vietnam. His expertise includes corporate and commercial law with particular emphasis on foreign investment.
He acts for numerous multinational and mid-size investors, both foreign and Vietnamese. He has written and spoken extensively on Vietnamese legal issues.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, was an arbitrator for the Vietnam International Arbitration Center, and a former active duty lieutenant in the US Navy.

Dao Thi Ai

Ai’s practice focuses almost entirely on employment issues. This includes compensation and benefits, transfer of employment, foreign employees, labor discipline, termination, restructuring and more.

The task is always to combine legal knowledge with a commercial awareness to help the client achieve the best outcome.

For more information about labour laws in Vietnam, please visit

https://www.russinvecchi.com.vn/

Data protection is a hot topic in many countries, and it's especially important for businesses to be aware of current laws when it comes to protecting their customers' information. Nowhere is this truer than in Vietnam, where the recent implementation of Decree 13 has spurred an unprecedented level of regulation related to data collection and storage. This new law intends to protect user privacy while providing guidance on how companies should safely manage data. This episode will provide an overview of the requirements outlined in Decree 13 so that organizations can make educated decisions about what measures they need to take in order to comply with all applicable regulations
.
Please visit Russin & Vecchi for more information

Our Guests

Le Ton Viet

Viet is a member of the Asia Data Protection & Security Practice Group of Meritas.
He has a particular focus on data security, marketing and advertising practices, international data transfer and other privacy and cybersecurity matters.

He counsels a broad range of clients on data privacy regulation and breach response.
Additionally, he represents clients in various transactions in the field of hotel management, real estate and insurance.

Philip Ziter

Prior to joining Russin & Vecchi, Philip worked in Vietnam as an attorney at a top tier regional law firm and later with a commercial firm involved in blockchain.

Philip advises on corporate and transactional matters, and on financing arrangements.

Philip has been legal advisor to a handful of startup companies. He is knowledgeable in the fintech, blockchain, and e-commerce industries in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the US.

Philip has also worked with manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and many entities in cross-border transactions.

He advises on inbound investments involving corporate finance, manufacturing, intellectual property, and mergers and acquisitions.

As the legal industry in Asia explodes with commercial growth opportunities, so too does the demand for innovative financing solutions to help lawyers and their clients better manage litigation risk. In particular, one increasingly popular form of alternative finance – litigation funding – has been gaining traction in numerous countries across the continent, as savvy legal professionals are turning to this novel approach to improve their competitive edge. By providing access to capital without adversely affecting a firm’s borrowing capacity or requiring high-interest rates for repayment, this emerging financing trend is allowing lawyers and firms throughout Asia to get involved with more complex cases than ever before. In this blog post we'll explore how litigations funding can be used in Asia and its implications for both law firms and individual practitioners alike.

Our Guest

Emily Tillett - Vice President - Burford

Emily is responsible for leading its investment activity and operations in Hong Kong. A Hong Kong, Australian and New Zealand qualified lawyer, Ms. Tillett has multijurisdictional expertise in complex commercial disputes. Prior to joining Burford, Ms. Tillett was Of Counsel at Allen & Overy in Hong Kong, where she focused on representing clients in litigation, regulatory investigations and arbitration, including contentious insolvency and fraud matters. She began her career with Minter Ellison lawyers and has since advised and acted for corporate and individual clients, including corporations, investment banks, financial services and brokerage firms and professional service providers, on high value, complex disputes in a variety of sectors. Ms. Tillett earned her law degree with first class honours together with her degree in Arts (Psychology) from the University of Otago in New Zealand.

The world of third-party funding is growing in Asia, and it could have a profound effect on the legal marketplace. Historically undervalued and overlooked, this type of funding can be used to provide lawyers with access to resources that might otherwise be out of reach. With the right approach, funding may be available for matters ranging from small individual disputes to large-scale corporate actions. This episode will explore the ins-and-outs and opportunities presented by Third Party Funding in Asia.

Our Guest

Emily Tillett - Vice President - Burford

Emily is responsible for leading its investment activity and operations in Hong Kong. A Hong Kong, Australian and New Zealand qualified lawyer, Ms. Tillett has multijurisdictional expertise in complex commercial disputes. Prior to joining Burford, Ms. Tillett was Of Counsel at Allen & Overy in Hong Kong, where she focused on representing clients in litigation, regulatory investigations and arbitration, including contentious insolvency and fraud matters. She began her career with Minter Ellison lawyers and has since advised and acted for corporate and individual clients, including corporations, investment banks, financial services and brokerage firms and professional service providers, on high value, complex disputes in a variety of sectors. Ms. Tillett earned her law degree with first class honours together with her degree in Arts (Psychology) from the University of Otago in New Zealand.

The renewable energy market in the Philippines is a rapidly growing sector, with tremendous potential for growth and development. As part of this expansion, it is essential to stay informed on the legal and regulatory dynamics that come along with investing in renewables. From new standards coming into effect to policy updates from national authorities, understanding these key aspects of working in the Filipino renewable industry can open up doors for success across sectors. In this episode, we’ll be exploring some recent developments around legal and regulatory changes occurring within the Philippine renewable energy market. We’ll look at incentives and key points of consideration when entering into partnerships or conducting investments related to sustainable sources of electricity generation here in The Philippines.

For more information, please visit www.divinalaw.com


Our Guest

Jose M. Layug, Jr., Senior Partner - DivinaLaw

Investing in sustainable energy sources is becoming increasingly popular all around the world as businesses and individuals alike begin to recognize the importance of reducing their carbon footprints. The renewable energy market has also been booming in some countries, including the Philippines. Foreign investors have recently begun to take advantage of this investment opportunity; however, it pays for potential investors to be well-informed before taking that plunge into a new industry. This episode will provide an overview of what international buyers should know about investing in renewable energy projects located within the Philippine’s borders – from recent developments in sustainability legislation, to key opportunities involving wind, solar and other renewables.

For more information, please visit www.divinalaw.com


Our Guest

Jose M. Layug, Jr., Senior Partner - DivinaLaw

As more countries in the world turn towards renewable energy sources to reduce their dependency on traditional, non-renewable resources, the Philippines' focus on investing in renewables has become increasingly prominent. Despite permitting challenges and an expensive up-front cost for developers, the renewable energy market in the Philippines is diversifying rapidly as more projects come online across different regions of the country. In this episode, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of how the Philippine renewable energy sector is developing and evaluate its long-term potential from both economic and environmental perspectives.

For more information, please visit www.divinalaw.com


Our Guest

Jose M. Layug, Jr., Senior Partner - DivinaLaw