Our latest thinking
LC Lawyers LLP provides Hong Kong legal services to companies, financial institutions, businesses and individuals in Hong Kong and around the world.
We advise on the following key areas:
- Hong Kong IPO and Corporate Finance
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Commercial Matters, Fund and Private Wealth
- Labour, Employment and Workforce Restructuring
- Dispute Resolution
- Compliance and Investigations
- Restructuring and Insolvency
Working closely with law firms in the global EY network, LC Lawyers LLP can bring together legal professionals from around the world and provide our clients with a wide range of legal services to ensure their domestic and cross-border transactions and matters are handled efficiently.
ESG Series – External reviews on sustainable bonds and loans
Our latest thinking
ESG Series – International Capital Market Association: Principles on Sustainable Finance Instruments - Applications in Hong Kong listed bonds
In our previous article , we introduce the principles on sustainable finance products formulated by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA). We will discuss here how the principles are applied in Hong Kong listed bonds.
12 May 2022
Hong Kong’s new bookbuilding, placing requirements
The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) is introducing new rules on conduct expected of capital market transactions that take effect on 5 August 2022.
6 May 2022
ESG Series – International Capital Market Association: Principles on Sustainable Finance Instruments
This article introduces the core elements in principles formulated by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA)
4 May 2022
Comparing Hong Kong’s Open-ended Fund Companies with Limited Partnership Funds
In this article, we will discuss the main differences between the two investment fund structures in Hong Kong, namely, open-ended fund company and limited partnership fund.
21 Apr 2022
Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 and its impact on the real estate
In this article, the authors briefly discuss the four major decarbonisation strategies in the 2050 plan, and their impact on Hong Kong’s real estate sector.
30 Mar 2022
Fifth wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong: Importance of vigilance and taking proactive mitigating steps against cybercrime
The fifth wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong continues to cause unprecedented challenges to the Hong Kong community; many organizations have reverted to their work-from-home policy, increasing the risk of cybercrime incidents.
23 Mar 2022
COVID-19 vaccination - Hong Kong’s proposed changes to the Employment Law and a snapshot of legal requirements in other countries
As part of Hong Kong’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government proposes to amend the Employment Ordinance to address employment-related issues when implementing the anti-epidemic measures. In this article, we will look at the proposed amendments and what other countries are doing to grapple with the effects of the pandemic.
18 Mar 2022
ESG series – Hong Kong Government Green Bond Programme
The Hong Kong Government announced in February 2022 the launch of the first retail Government green bonds. Such bond issuance is part of the Government Green Bond Programme (“Programme”). This article introduces the framework and bonds under the Programme.
15 Mar 2022
HKEX’s review of issuers’ annual reports for financial year ended in 2020
The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (“HKEX”) published on 28 January 2022 a report on its annual review of listed issuers’ annual reports for the financial year ended between January and December 2020 (the “Report”).
11 Mar 2022
Internal controls in Hong Kong listed companies
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) published an Enforcement Bulletin (the “Bulletin”) in February 2022 with the focus on internal controls and risk management framework in Hong Kong listed companies.
7 Mar 2022
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies – Listing Regime in Hong Kong
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited published in December 2021 the Conclusions to its Consultation of September 2021 on Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, and the SPAC rules took effect on 1 January 2022 as part of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
24 Jan 2022
Synergize GBA series: Cross-border data transfers in mainland China
In response to the significant changes in the data protection regime in mainland China, this article highlights several key issues which organizations doing businesses in and/or with organizations in mainland China should consider.
14 Jan 2022
Stock Exchange Conclusions on Corporate Governance Code
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited published in December 2021 the conclusions to its consultation paper of April 2021 titled “Review of Corporate Governance Code and Related Listing Rules” , with an aim to enhance the corporate governance practices and reporting by listed companies.
6 Jan 2022
Synergize GBA series: Personal data protection in Greater Bay Area - compliance strategies for navigating the new data protection laws in Mainland China and Hong Kong
New data privacy laws were recently launched in Mainland China and Hong Kong.
5 Jan 2022
Integrity is key: Hong Kong’s new Corporate Governance Code mandates that issuers establish anti-corruption and whistleblowing policies
In our earlier publication “COVID-19 heightened corruption risks – A Hong Kong guide” , we forewarned that COVID-19 and the challenges it posed to enforcement authorities, organizations and their workforce would allow corruption to thrive.
4 Jan 2022
ESG series – ESG-related disclosures required from listed companies: a comparison between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom
With the COP26 Climate Change Conference dominating the headlines, there is rising attention to environment, social and governance issues, in particular climate change.
24 Dec 2021
ESG Series - SFC Circular on ESG Funds to become effective on 1 January 2022
On 29 June 2021, the SFC issued a circular to set out its expectations ESG funds with a view to improve their comparability, transparency, and visibility.
20 Dec 2021
ESG Series - COP26 and the emergence of China and US climate cooperation
In this article, we will briefly discuss the key outcomes from COP26 and more importantly, the emergence of China and US cooperation to save our planet.
7 Dec 2021
ESG Series – What is COP26?
As COP26 is making global headlines, what exactly is this gathering and what makes it different from other global summits in the past? In this article, we will briefly discuss COP26 and its significance in tackling climate change and what it means for businesses worldwide.
22 Nov 2021
ESG Series – Carbon credits and carbon trading
In this article, we will discuss the basic framework and development of carbon credits and markets in the world and how it can help slow down climate change. We will also discuss some of the current energy saving and renewable energy measures taken in Hong Kong to reduce carbon emission.
4 Nov 2021
Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect - the official launch
Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect enables residents in the GBA to carry out cross-boundary investments in wealth management products distributed by banks. In this article, we will summarize the key features of WMC.
30 Sep 2021
Hong Kong New Re-domiciliation Mechanism for Foreign Investment Funds
The Limited Partnership Fund Ordinance, which took effect on 31 August 2020, has introduced a new entity type allowing private investment funds to be established in Hong Kong in the form of limited partnership funds.
29 Sep 2021
Discussion on licensing of stored value facility and rewards programs
This article discusses the licensing of stored value facilities and its applicability to rewards programs in Hong Kong.
23 Sep 2021
Where to bring a claim in a dispute between employer and employee in Hong Kong – the Labour Tribunal or the Court?
The Hong Kong Labour Tribunal offers a comparatively quick, informal and inexpensive way of settling monetary disputes between employees and employers as compared to the Courts of Hong Kong.
20 Sep 2021
A salutary lesson for partners: you are liable for your firm’s anti-competitive practices even if you were not involved in them
In this publication, we consider the Tribunal's findings, the CA's reasons for upholding the decision and highlight practical takeaways for partners.
13 Sep 2021
Apply Now: Reimbursement of Maternity Leave Pay Scheme in Hong Kong
Employers may apply for reimbursement of the extended 4-week period of maternity leave, subject to a cap of HK$80,000 per employee.
10 Sep 2021
An employee or an independent contractor?
In this article, we will discuss the common differences in legal responsibilities towards an employee vis-a-vis an independent contractor.
27 Aug 2021
Hong Kong Companies Registry’s new inspection regime and personal data protection
In this article, we will discuss the proposed changes, the proposed implementation timeline as well as the issues which companies should consider when the new regime comes into effect.
20 Aug 2021
Electronic communication service providers to note imminent change in Hong Kong’s data protection regime
On 16 July 2021, the Hong Kong SAR Government introduced the Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2021 (the “Amendment Bill”) to the Legislative Council for the purposes of criminalizing doxxing.
18 Aug 2021
Common omissions in HK-listed companies’ annual reports
In January 2021, the exchange issued a report on the review of annual reports for the 2019 financial year.
30 Jul 2021
Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 – Increasing statutory holidays from 12 to 17 by 2030
On 7 July 2021, more than one million workers will enjoy more days off starting from next year because the Legislative Council of Hong Kong passed the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 which increases the number of statutory holidays from 12 to 17 by 2030 under the Employment Ordinance.
23 Jul 2021
Hong Kong’s pivotal role as the Greater Bay Area’s dispute resolution center
We present an overview of the key features of Hong Kong’s legal system that make it a lynchpin of the Outline Plan and some anticipated future developments.
20 Jul 2021
Hong Kong Stock Exchange enhances the disciplinary regime under the Listing Rules
On 20 May 2021, the Stock Exchange published its conclusions to its consultation paper on proposed changes to disciplinary powers and sanctions under the Listing Rules which was published on 7 August 2020.
8 Jul 2021
Setting up a family trust in Hong Kong
As wealth management and family offices are attracting more attention, Hong Kong has become a popular place to set up trusts for families, especially those from mainland China.
7 Jul 2021
Industry Group Meetings : “Do”s and “Don’t”s
Anti-competitive conduct is proscribed by the Hong Kong’s Competition Ordinance. Extra care should be taken when attending Industry Group Meetings.
23 Jun 2021
A sign of things to come: Hong Kong competition enforcement developments and trends
In this publication, we present an overview of the Commission’s recent enforcement activities, highlight key developments pertaining to the Commission’s enforcement approach and practical tips for businesses in the future.
7 Jun 2021
Hong Kong employment law updates
Employment laws are constantly changing and becoming more complex. This article highlights updates that are relevant to Hong Kong employers.
4 Jun 2021
How can General Counsel turn barriers into building blocks?
In January 2021, EY published a report on a research titled "How do you turn barriers into building blocks?" which was drawn from interviews with more than 2,000 leaders from 17 industries and 22 countries across the globe.
2 Jun 2021
Open-ended Fund Companies Regime in Hong Kong
This article provides an overview on the OFC regime in Hong Kong and outlines recent regulatory enhancement that aims to amplify the regulatory environment for OFC.
26 May 2021
Virtual execution of documents in Hong Kong
Signing on papers becomes harder and parties would have to consider the alternative - virtual execution.
12 May 2021
Terminating an employee and relevant payments in Hong Kong
Employers should comply with their statutory and contractual obligations owed to their employees at all times.
4 May 2021
HKEX's New Amendments to the Listing of Debt Securities
On 21 August 2020, HKEx published a consultation conclusion on "Review of Chapter 37 - Debt Issues to Professional Investors Only".
21 Apr 2021
Hong Kong’s new regulatory regime for insurance-linked securities
Insurance-linked securities are up-and-coming alternative investment products which offer investors the potential for lucrative returns along with the benefit of portfolio diversification.
8 Apr 2021
Work from home arrangements and data security
In this article, we explore practical ways that organizations and employees may manage such risks.
26 Mar 2021
Pioneer users of Legal Managed Services
Recently, more corporations are looking to utilize technologies and novel service delivery models in their law departments.
16 Mar 2021
COVID-19 Vaccines and the Workplace
The Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines has considered that the benefits of authorizing the use of the COVID-19 vaccines for protecting against infection outweigh the risks under the current global epidemic situation.
16 Mar 2021
Employers’ and Employees’ obligations in respect of COVID-19 testing
The Hong Kong Government allowed certain businesses to provide services so long as they comply with additional measures including their staff undergoing regular COVID-19 testing every 14 days.
16 Mar 2021
Common issues in operating a Hong Kong charity
Given the heavy reliance of the public on such list of tax exempted charities, it is time to understand how the Inland Revenue Department identifies charities.
4 Mar 2021
How COVID-19 could be a game changer for entity compliance and governance
The pandemic has had a major impact on global reporting requirements, and businesses may reap the rewards if they chart the right way forward.
1 Mar 2021
Why should companies consider legal managed services?
A corporation may adopt legal managed services to facilitate its compliance functions across different jurisdictions.
19 Feb 2021
Entering the capital market by companies in the Greater Bay Area - Listing in Hong Kong or Mainland China
The Greater Bay Area companies may choose to list in the A-shares market in Mainland China or Hong Kong. Small and medium-sized enterprises may also choose to list on GEM in Hong Kong which has relatively lower requirements for listing.
26 Jan 2021
Privatisation of Companies Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
Out of the 33 privatisation offers, only three were made through voluntary general offers.
25 Nov 2020
Realizing the benefits of legal managed services
EY Law published a new research report titled "Realizing the benefits of legal managed services". The report is based on a survey of 1,058 senior legal practitioners from businesses in 25 countries.
27 Aug 2020
Sino-US Friction – Risks and Precautions of USD Settlement by Chinese Enterprises in International Trade
Since the United States (“the US”) unilaterally initiated the “301” investigation against China in August 2017, the Sino-US bilateral economic and trade relations have undergone a major historical downturn.
3 Aug 2020
A Brief Discussion on the Returning to the Hong Kong Stock Market of the US-listed Chinese Companies
On May 20, the United States Senate unanimously passed the “Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act”, which not only requires issuers of certain securities to prove that they are not owned or controlled by a foreign government, but also grants US regulators the power to inspect listed companies, otherwise the trading of the securities of these companies in US securities markets would be banned.
10 Jul 2020
COVID-19 pandemic: Outsourcing arrangements reinvented
The trading landscape for markets and firms has changed considerably over the last decade. Regulatory reforms, technology developments, increased connectivity between market participants, and increased levels of electronic trading and process automation have heightened the complexity of markets and increased focus on operational efficiency.
26 Jun 2020
Boosting up the construction of natural gas reserves capability in China
The National Development and Reform Commission of the PRC issued the Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of Natural Gas Reserves on 10 April 2020
25 May 2020
COVID-19 and its potential impact on LNG trading: force majeure
In recent years, driven by the impact of macroeconomic environment and environmental protection policies, China has gradually become one of the major natural gas importers.
8 May 2020
COVID-19 heightened corruption risks - A Hong Kong guide
This article summaries Hong Kong’s anti-corruption regime and some of the reported corruption enforcement actions in Q1 2020.
21 Apr 2020
COVID-19: Data protection risks and mitigation strategy
In this article, we set out our recommended approach to managing the additional COVID-19 data security risks.
10 Apr 2020
COVID-19: Five key steps to proactively manage risks and disputes
In this article, we set out our recommended approach to managing the additional COVID-19 data security risks.
9 Apr 2020
Corporate investigations in our interconnected world: The importance of proactive internal investigations and best practices in Greater China
In recent times, an increasing number of governments are enacting new laws and regulations, including whistle-blower laws.
13 Mar 2020
Recommendations to Hong Kong listed companies on disclosure of information and to directors on discharging their duties in light of the epidemic
In February 2020, HKEx issued FAQs in relation to Results Announcements in light of Travel restrictions related to COVID-19.
13 Mar 2020
COVID-19: Cybercriminals capitalize on global fears
As COVID-19 continues to spread, cybercriminals have used various tactics to exploit the widespread fear of infection and hunger for news
4 Mar 2020
COVID-19: Legal implications for Hong Kong listed companies and their officers
Regulators remind of the need to make accurate and timely disclosures of inside information
21 Feb 2020
Novel Coronavirus fallout: Implications for businesses and operations
The World Health Organization has recently declared a global health emergency over a novel coronavirus.
11 Feb 2020
Brexit viewpoint: signals and development
31 January 2020 marks the final step of the Brexit process. The UK will then enter a transition period until the end of 2020.
10 Feb 2020
New licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms introduced on 6 November 2019
On 6 November 2019, SFC introduces the new regulatory framework and licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms.
29 Jan 2020
How LMS may help your clients “do more with less”
In June 2019, EY announced the completion of the acquisition of the Pangea3 Legal Managed Services business from Thomson Reuters.
17 Dec 2019
Brexit viewpoint: signals and developments - The Brexit election is on
The UK’s Article 50 period has been legally extended by the EU until 31 January 2020.
30 Oct 2019
The Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges reached a consensus on the conditions for the inclusion of WVR companies in the southbound trading of stock connect and commenced the revision of the relevant rules
The three stock exchanges announced on 2 August that they reached the consensus in order to further improve the interconnection mechanism.
19 Aug 2019
Consultation conclusions on backdoor listing, continuing listing criteria and other rule amendments
The consultation conclusions were published in July 2019. The relevant amendments to the Listing Rules will take effect on 1 October 2019.
19 Aug 2019
A summary of the law relating to termination of employment contracts in Hong Kong
This article provides a summary of the law relating to termination of employment contracts in Hong Kong.
10 Oct 2018
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