Reflections on leaving private practice, building new skills, and navigating career change as a senior lawyer.
Hong Kong’s proposed ‘big bang’ tax cuts are a massive win for investment managers, but they don't replace the offshore model. Discover the integrated, dual-hub architecture sophisticated GPs will use to structure Asian capital over the next decade....
Independent directors are essential for fund governance. But not all are equal. Discover what separates genuine board-level judgment from checkbox compliance....
In the eyes of the law, "The Boss" doesn't exist. There are only Shareholders, Directors, and Employees. While a founder often wears all three hats, mixing them up can lead to frozen bank facilities and "sweat equity" disputes. Here is why you need to separate your equity from your management....
Signing a term sheet is just the starting gun. From certified true copies to strict statutory perfection windows, discover the five internal bank guardrails that can freeze your facility—and how to navigate them smoothly....
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....
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....
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."...
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....
Most board minutes fail to show independent judgment. Learn the 5 essential elements directors need: rationale, alternatives, risks, conflicts, and dissent. Includes a checklist....
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 helped a scrappy start-up with their contracts and learnt a valuable lesson about risk, fees and boundaries. Here’s what I found — and the three things every small business owner should fix today....
Banks have been internalising their documents for years to cut costs and speed up deals. Here is why SMEs should do the same—and how independent consultants make it affordable...
Fintechs and startups face a classic dilemma: regulators expect banking arrangements before approving MSO licences, but banks won’t open accounts without licences. Here’s how to navigate it....