HSBC news

On April 2 2002, Norton Rose will reopen for business in Hong Kong almost three years to the day after it was forced out following the breakdown of its joint venture with local firm Johnson Stokes & Master.

Stephen Mulrenan talks to Kenneth Ng, head of legal at HSBC, and Andrew Carmichael, capital markets partner with Linklaters, about changes affecting the selection process for external legal advisers in Hong Kong.

Described as an English badge, the select few UK firms considered part of the so-called ‘magic circle’, have the found that the term isn’t quite the stamp of approval in Hong Kong as it is in London. Stephen Mulrenan finds out why.

Given the unfortunate tag of ‘sunset industry’, the shipping and maritime area is undergoing change. But as ALB discovers, there are many who remain optimistic over its future.

Slaughter and May and DLA have landed roles on HSBC Insurance’s high profile purchase of a 10% stake in China-based Ping An Insurance for US$600m (HK$4,680m).

By defying the worldwide destruction of private wealth, Asia's super-rich are flying in the face of a global trend. Jeremy Torr reports.

On November 7 at the Ritz Carlton hotel, Asian Legal Business hosted itsinaugural awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of law firms in theregion in 2002. We present this year's winners as well as some of theincriminating evidence from the evening.

* M&As, IPOs, securitizations and other financing firsts * Worth over US$50bn in value * Involving more than 10 different jurisdictions * And more than 30 of Asia’s most reputable law firms

Norton Rose has advised DVB Group Merchant Bank (Asia) Ltd, the Singapore based subsidiary of DVB Bank AG, in a commercial debt financing for North American Aircraft Leasing Company Limited (NAAL).

With each merger and lateral hire announced, the global law firms are looking a lot like the massive corporations they serve. But, asks David Major, is this a good thing?

The Australian Government's US$3.2bn (A$5.58bn) divestment of the Kingsford Smith Airport (Sydney Airport) to the Southern Cross Airports consortium was the largest announced transaction in 2002

Though it operates on a longer timeline than a Tolstoy novel, tax and trust work isn't immune to market forces. How has the practice fared in these lean economic times for Hong Kong and Singapore lawyers? Dave Major reports

Why go in-house?
In-house roles are attracting senior private practitioners with increasing frequency. But the job description is often a lot broader from that found in a law firm. We discover what lured our Top 25

Japans largest non-life insurance group, the Millea Group, through Millea Holdings subsidiaries, is venturing into the life insurance market in China.

Firms often downplay the importance of fees in the buying decision, and are correspondingly tight-lipped about their hourly rates. But are in-house lawyers of the same opinion? ALB examines the clients' real criteria

After tough times, more optimism is pervading the capital markets scene. While firms focus more on debt than equity, more complex structures are expected

In the June issue of ALB, we reviewed the legal spending habits of Asia's largest 25 companies. Here we examine where that spend is going and what measures firms are taking to lure more of it

This year has not lived up to expectations. As part of its ongoing series of Roundtables, ALB has brought together leaders of Asia's securitisation industry to discuss the stalled development and 'cautious optimism' for the future

Although tough market conditions have created a competitive environment, the major UK-based firms continue to dominate banking work in Asia. This year's nominated firms are Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Linklaters and Lovells.

Now in its second year, the Asian Legal Business Awards is due to take place on 25 September in Hong Kong. Here we reveal the official list of finalists