Our latest thinking
An independent law firm based in Hong Kong, LC Lawyers LLP provides legal services to companies, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals in Hong Kong and around the world. Read our articles and stay informed with our expert insights on the latest news in the legal practice areas and sectors.
We provide comprehensive legal advice on the following key practice areas:
- Hong Kong IPO and Corporate Finance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Asset Management
- Labour, Employment and Workforce Restructuring
- Compliance
- 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.
Our latest thinking
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Hong Kong’s new regulatory regime of virtual asset trading platform operators
From 1 June 2023, SFC adopts a regulatory regime that applies to all centralized trading platforms for virtual assets -
Employee Share Option Plans in Hong Kong
ESOP is an incentive plan whereby executives and employees are granted with certain derivatives or shares of the employer company. -
Delivery Platform Workers win Employee Status
The Labour Tribunal recently ruled in favor of 6 workers who worked for a food and parcel delivery platform company. -
Hong Kong government decided not to launch severance fund savings account
Hong Kong government decided not to launch severance fund savings account due to high costs. -
HKD-RMB Dual Counter Model in HK stock market
The HKD-RMB Dual Counter Model was launched on 19 June 2023 to provide liquidity and minimize price discrepancies between the two counters. -
2023 White Paper on ESG Practices in China
China's white paper summarizes national policies and promotes ESG development. -
Competitiveness of the HKSE as IPO market
Recent market performance are not up to expectation, there are many ways Hong Kong can do better to enhance its IPO market. -
New delisting framework under HKEX rules
Hong Kong's new delisting framework aims to provide greater certainty on the delisting process. -
Tips to hold virtual or hybrid general meetings
Hong Kong companies may now hold a general meeting at a physical venue or by using virtual meeting technology or a hybrid of both. -
Occupational safety & anti-discrimination law in HK
Anti-discrimination and workplace safety are equally important in providing a efficient and law abiding environment for both employers and its employees. -
HKEX's review of issuers’ annual reports for FY21
Directors are responsible for preparing financial statements and should critically assess management’s accounting estimates. -
New levels of compensation under Hong Kong ECO
New levels of compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (ECO) were introduced and shall take effect from 13 April 2023. -
Connected transactions' exemptions and waivers
The rules is to ensure that ListCo considers the interests of shareholders as a whole when enters into connected transactions. -
World Bank catastrophe bond was listed in HK
On 28 March 2023, a US$350M World Bank catastrophe bond was listed on the HKSE, being the first catastrophe bond listed in Hong Kong. -
New listing regime for HK specialist technology cos
Specialist technology companies can apply for HK main board listing even if they do not satisfy the usual profits, revenue and cash flow listing criteria. -
Employment issues and HK’s new talent initiatives
Hiring employees outside of HK, employers should ensure its diversity and anti-discrimination policies are understood and implemented rigorously. -
Proposed listing regime for HK specialist tech cos
IT industry represents 30% of the total market cap in the HKSE yet the city should attract company listings in different technology sectors. -
What is a springboard injunction and its effect on Hong Kong employers?
A springboard injunction removes any advantage a former employee by misusing his former employer's confidential information.
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COVID-19 vaccination: proposed changes to HK Employment Law
Hong Kong proposed amendments and what other countries are doing to grapple with the effects of the pandemic and implementation of vaccines. -
HK businesses should reset their integrity agenda
COVID-19-related disruptions have created an environment conducive for misconduct. -
SPAC – Listing Regime in Hong Kong
Relevant rules and analysis on certain significant aspects and features in relation to Hong Kong's SPAC listing rules. -
Amended HK listing rules on share schemes
Any share scheme to be adopted from 1 January 2023 onward must comply with the new listing rules. -
FINI for Hong Kong IPO settlement
The Exchange is shortening the settlement process to “T+2” by adopting the platform of FINI for future Hong Kong IPOs. -
COP27: Achievements and Deficiencies
COP27 was considered a success for responding to the devastating impact that global warming is already having on vulnerable countries. -
HK proposes regulations on crowdfunding activities
Crowdfunding regulations enhances compliance by fundraisers, platforms, media and financial institutions as well as protection to fund contributors. -
HK open-ended fund companies, limited partnership funds
Main differences between the two investment fund structures in Hong Kong, namely, open-ended fund company and limited partnership fund. -
HK Climate Action Plan 2050 and its impact on the real estate
Briefly discuss the four major decarbonisation strategies in the 2050 plan, and their impact on Hong Kong’s real estate sector. -
Expansion of mainland-Hong Kong financial markets connectivity
China to expand connectivity between mainland and Hong Kong capital markets. -
Fifth wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong: Steps against cybercrime
The fifth wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong continues to cause unprecedented challenges and increase the risk of cybercrime incidents. -
Comparing e-commerce platform terms in mainland China and Hong Kong
Legal requirements of standard terms adopted by e-commerce platforms and recommendations for cross-border e-commerce platform operators. -
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
Recommended practices to businesses on the new data protection regimes launched in Hong Kong and Mainland China. -
Corporate Governance Code
COVID-19 and the challenges it posed to enforcement authorities, organizations and their workforce would allow corruption to thrive. -
Stock Exchange Conclusions on Corporate Governance Code
The Stock Exchange to enhance corporate governance practices and reporting by listed companies; board independence, refreshment and gender diversity. -
Synergize GBA series: Cross-border data transfers in mainland China
Cross-border operations should comply with the relevant regulatory requirements and implement a comprehensive data governance framework. -
Establishing a charity in Hong Kong (Part III)
Tax exemptions, obligations, risks and practical considerations and governing issues when running a charity in Hong Kong. -
SFC new investor identification regime for the securities market
SFC to introduce a new investor identification regime for the securities market. -
Establishing a charity in Hong Kong (Part II)
Requirements on corporate governance as well as continuing obligations for compliance after establishing a charity. -
Hong Kong Companies Registry new inspection regime-Phase 2
Enhancing protection, transparency and usefulness of sensitive personal information. -
Establishing a Hong Kong Charity (Part I)
Practical information for setting up a charity in Hong Kong. -
LSP and SP in HK: Abolishment of Offsetting Arrangement
Employment and Retirement Schemes Legislation (Offsetting Arrangement) (Amendment) Bill 2022 passed on 9 June 2022 re abolishment of MPF Offset. -
Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme of HK
The Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme introduced by Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2021 covers eligible bonds and loans. -
External reviews on sustainable bonds and loans
Summary of external reviews for green, social and sustainability-lined bonds/loans. -
ICMA: Principles on SFI applied in HK listed bonds
How International Capital Market Association principles on sustainable finance products are applied in Hong Kong listed bonds. -
Hong Kong’s new bookbuilding, placing requirements
Hong Kong SFC introduced new requirements on bookbuilding and placing activities in equity and debt capital market transactions in August 2022. -
ICMA: Principles on Sustainable Finance Instruments
Green, social and sustainability-linked bonds listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and principle of International Capital Market Association. -
Revised Hong Kong listing regime for overseas issuers
Revised listing regime for overseas issuers on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange taking effect from 2022. -
Internal controls in Hong Kong listed companies
Hong Kong Stock Exchange sets out Directors’ common misconceptions, typical enforcement cases and expectations on internal control regimes. -
Hong Kong Government Green Bond Programme
The Hong Kong Government intends to issue green bonds to improve the environment, combat climate change and transition to a low carbon economy. -
HKEX’s review of issuers’ annual reports for FY ended in 2020
The report covers selected areas and related disclosures, selected types of listed issuers, issuers’ financial statement disclosures.
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HK'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. -
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. -
Carbon credits and carbon trading
Framework and development of carbon credits and markets in the world and how it can help slow down climate change. -
What is COP26?
UN's COP26 with the goal of bringing all the countries together to tackle climate change and what it means for businesses worldwide. -
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. -
A salutary lesson for partners
Partners in firms are jointly liable for anti-competitive conduct of their firms even if they were not involved or aware of such conducts. -
Hong Kong competition enforcement developments and trends
Commission’s recent enforcement activities highlighted key developments of its enforcement approach and practical tips for businesses in the future. -
Terminating and relevant payments
Employers should comply with their statutory and contractual obligations owed to their employees at all times. -
Turning barriers into building blocks
In January 2021, EY published a report on a research titled "How do you turn barriers into building blocks?" -
Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect
Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect enables GBA residents to carry out cross-boundary investments in wealth management products by banks. -
Listing of debt securities
This consultation conclusion after the publication of “Consultation Paper on Review of Chapter 37–Debt Issues to Professional Investors Only” in Dec-2019. -
WFH arrangements and data security
In this article, we explore practical ways that organizations and employees may manage such risks. -
Re-domiciliation of foreign investment funds
The Limited Partnership Fund Ordinance allows private investment funds to be established in HK in the form of limited partnership funds. -
New inspection regime, personal data protection
To protect personal data of directors/relevant individuals on the CR, the Government publicized its proposal to implement a new inspection regime. -
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. -
China and US boost climate cooperation at COP26
COP26 ended with mixed reviews as world leaders signed off on a new climate change agreement after two weeks of intense negotiations. -
Virtual execution of documents
Signing on papers becomes harder and parties would have to consider the alternative - virtual execution. -
SFC Circular on ESG Funds
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. -
HK’s role as the GBA dispute resolution center
An overview of the key features of HK’s legal system that make it a lynchpin of the Outline Plan and some anticipated future developments. -
Open-ended fund companies regime
This article provides an overview on the OFC regime in Hong Kong and outlines recent regulatory enhancement. -
Setting up a family trust in Hong Kong
Wealth management and family offices are attracting more attention, HK has become a popular place to set up trusts, especially those from PRC. -
Change in Hong Kong’s data protection regime
The Government introduced the Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Bill 2021 to the Legislative Council for the purposes of criminalizing doxxing. -
Companies should consider LMS
A corporation may adopt legal managed services to facilitate its compliance functions across different jurisdictions. -
Licensing of stored value facility
Issuers of spending coupons for use in their malls are complying with licensing requirements or may face criminal liability under the SVF Ordinance. -
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. -
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. -
Common omissions in HK-listcos’ annual reports
In January 2021, the exchange issued a report on the review of annual reports for the 2019 financial year. -
COVID-19 Vaccines and the workplace
In the absence of local regulations around workforce vaccinations, employers should consider to implement a vaccination policy in the workplace. -
ESG-related disclosures required from listcos
There is rising attention to environment, social and governance issues, in particular climate change. -
Pioneer users of LMS
Recently, more corporations are looking to utilize technologies and novel service delivery models in their law departments. -
Obligations regarding COVID-19 testing
The Government allowed some businesses to provide services so long as they comply with its measures including staff undergoing COVID-19 testing. -
Dispute between employer and employee
It is important to assess the substance of a dispute between an employee and an employer before determining where to commence proceedings. -
Stock Exchange enhances the disciplinary regime
Hong Kong Stock Exchange enhances the existing Disciplinary Sanctions and Adoption of a New Sanction. -
Entering the capital market by companies in GBA
The Greater Bay Area companies may choose to list in the A-shares market in Mainland China or Hong Kong. -
Employment (Amendment) Ord. 2021 gazetted
More than one million workers will enjoy more days off starting from next year as a result of the passing of Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021. -
Common issues in operating a charity
Given the heavy reliance of the public on such list of tax exempted charities, it is time to understand how the IRD identifies charities.
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COVID-19 cybercriminals capitalize on global fears
As COVID-19 continues to spread, cybercriminals have used a variety of tactics to exploit the widespread fear of infection and hunger for news -
Discussion on returning to HK Stock Market
On May 20, the United States Senate unanimously passed the “Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act” -
COVID-19 implications for businesses, operations
Key steps for management to consider if business and operations have been or could be adversely impacted by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus -
COVID-19 legal implications for listcos and officers
As governments and organizations continue to attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19, the containment measures such as border closures, travel bans, -
COVID-19: Outsourcing arrangements reinvented
The trading landscape for markets and firms has changed considerably over the last decade. -
COVID-19 five key steps to manage risks, disputes
COVID-19 has struck communities across the globe, catching governments and businesses off-guard. We set out five key steps for managing. -
SFC new regime for virtual asset trading platform
Securities and Futures Commission published a position paper to introduce a new licensing regime for virtual assets trading platform in Nov-2019 -
Corporate investigation in our interconnected world
We live in an interconnected world where more and more businesses are conducted in different jurisdictions, each with their own laws and regulations. -
COVID-19: Disclosure/directors' duties
On 28 February 2020, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited issued the Frequently asked questions on the Joint statement (the “Joint Statement”) -
COVID-19 heightened corruption risks-A HK guide
HK has consistently been among the T20 economies with very low levels of corruption in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index. -
Privatisation of listed companies
Out of the 33 privatisation offers, only three were made through voluntary general offers. -
Realizing the benefits of legal managed services
EY Law published a new research report titled “Realizing the benefits of legal managed services”. -
Brexit viewpoint: signals and development
31 January 2020 marks the final step of this stage in the Brexit process, with the UK leaving the EU at 11pm. -
COVID-19 data protection risks, mitigation strategy
Many companies have been monitoring employees’ personal and health data because of the COVID-19 outbreak. -
Sino-US Friction: Risks & Precautions
The Sino-US bilateral economic and trade relations have undergone a major historical downturn. -
Construction of PRC natural gas reserves capability
The PRC issued the Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of Natural Gas Reserves. -
COVID-19 and its potential impact on LNG trading
The impact of macroeconomic environment and environmental protection policies, China has gradually become one of the major natural gas importers.
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EY Law - Legal Managed Services (LMS)
In June 2019, EY announced the completion of the acquisition of the Pangea3 Legal Managed Services business from Thomson Reuters. -
Brexit viewpoint: signals and developments
As manifestos are released, businesses should consider not just Brexit but how wider policy measures (e.g., taxation) could impact their operations. -
Backdoor listing, continuing listing and more
The consultation conclusions were published on 26 July 2019. The relevant amendments to the Listing Rules will take effect on 1 October 2019. -
Conditions for the Inclusion of WVR Companies
Three stock exchanges reached a consensus for HK listed companies with WVR structures to be included in the Southbound Trading of Stock Connect.
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Termination of employment contracts
A summary of the law relating to termination of employment contracts in Hong Kong
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