Withers builds out APAC Funds practice with new Hong Kong partner

International law firm Withers has strengthened its cross-border funds team in Asia by adding partner Simon Wong in Hong Kong. Simon joins Withers from Dentons, where he headed the private funds practice in Hong Kong.

Acting for investment managers, investors and family offices, Simon’s practice focuses on investment funds, covering private equity, credit, real estate, infrastructure, venture capital, hedge, crypto and RMB-USD funds. In addition to his investment funds practice, Simon advises on financial regulations and other legal issues applicable to investment managers. He is qualified in Hong Kong, New York and New South Wales.

Jeremy Wakeham, head of Withers’ Business division, comments: “We are pleased to welcome Simon to our Asia team. Our funds team has been building in strength and reach for the past few years, and Simon now forms part of an international network of advisors in Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong – Asia’s key financial hubs. The team will provide comprehensive coverage to clients representing institutional investment funds or private capital.“

Simon adds: “Withers has built a compelling funds team in Asia, and I am excited to work alongside Daniel Yong in Singapore and Koji Yamamoto and Yoshiyuki Omori in Tokyo, as well as colleagues in Europe and the United States. Together we can provide fund managers, investors and family offices with a joined-up international service.“

The investment funds team at Withers has advised some of the most successful fund managers and investors, helping them to navigate complex cross-border legal, regulatory and tax issues successfully. One of our key differentiators is our market-leading international tax advisory team which is highly proficient in structuring Asia-focused funds, using global tax treaties and regimes to achieve optimal tax efficiency for our clients. The integrated legal and tax teams provide a unique ‘one-stop’ shop for our client’s legal and tax needs in establishing, managing and investing their funds.