I’m at Consensus HK today—not as a crypto native, but as an ex-bank lawyer on a mission. The "New World" of DeFi needs "Old World" plumbing to scale. I’m here to listen to founders about their governance, structuring, and banking pain points. Let's bridge the gap between code and compliance.
After a year away, I’m returning to the arena. This post explores the learning again, the shift to individual accountability, and field notes on the tech stack driving "Rupen 2.0."
Is your offshore structure costing you a "Legacy Tax"? I explain why the default corporate setting in Asia has changed and why it is now often cheaper and easier to re-domicile to Hong Kong.
January 2026 marks the official start of "Rupen 2.0." It feels like a mess, but the evidence says otherwise: two new clients, a 15-year loop closed in HK, and a total digital revamp. Here are my raw reflections on the anxiety, the freedom, and the discipline of starting over.
14 companies, including AXA, have now moved to Hong Kong. As an ex-offshore lawyer, I break down why the "Offshore Advantage" is dead, the cost of the "Legacy Tax," and how to avoid the "35-Day Trap."
Week two of my new career and the doubts are creeping in. I’m learning that resilience is about recognising the wobble and doing the work anyway.
reviewed a contract drafted by ChatGPT last week. It looked polished. Then I found internal inconsistencies, missing risk allocation, and no IP protection. The rework cost more than hiring a professional from the start. Here’s why AI-drafted contracts are a false economy.
After 20 years in offshore firms, I’ve moved to a boutique Hong Kong practice. Here’s why I traded safety for autonomy and what it means for clients.
After a year away from law, I’ve joined GPS Legal LLP. But this isn’t a return to offshore practice. I’m shifting to Hong Kong law, working with SMEs and funds, and building something new.
This Christmas, I switched off completely. But Christmas 2024 was different—multiple deals closing, constant emails, mentally still in the office. Here’s what I learned: rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a performance multiplier. Vacations increase performance by 80%.
The Hong Kong credit cards I intend to use in 2026, focusing on simplicity and ease of redemption.
Most board minutes fail to show independent judgment. Learn the 5 essential elements directors need: rationale, alternatives, risks, conflicts, and dissent. Includes a checklist.
Made redundant in February 2025, I spent nine months rebuilding my identity and finding relevance again. Here’s what that journey taught me about freedom, vulnerability, and direction.
Directors face personal liability for decisions they don’t understand. Learn the three traps that catch even experienced leaders—and how to avoid them.
I missed a critical risk in my first consulting gig: my own lack of boundaries. How free work taught me why scope matters more than contracts.