Ashurst is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Phua as a partner in its China practice. Patrick, an experienced finance lawyer specialising in derivatives and structured products, joins Ashurst from the Beijing office of Mallesons Stephen Jaques, where he was head of the derivatives, structured finance and banking practice in China.
Patrick has extensive experience of advising both corporate and financial institutional clients in relation to derivatives and structured products, including Chinese government-controlled financial agencies, Chinese and international commercial banks, and Chinese state owned enterprises.
Patrick’s appointment is part of Ashurst’s plans to grow its China business and follows the combination of Ashurst and Blake Dawson in Asia, which formally takes effect on 1 March 2012. It is also a further boost for Ashurst’s international finance practice in China and the wider Asia-Pacific region which has seen significant growth, most recently with the arrival of derivatives partner Chris Whiteley and banking disputes partner Gareth Hughes in Hong Kong in 2011.
Ashurst also announces today that it is lodging an application for a licence to operate a fully practising office in Beijing and that, pending the grant of a licence, Ashurst will be opening a representative office in the PRC capital.
Geoffrey Green, Ashurst Head of Asia commented:
“We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for us in China. Through our offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and, very shortly, Beijing, as well as our alliance with Guantao Law Firm, we believe we now have a very strong base on which to build a market-leading practice.
One of the key drivers for Ashurst and Blake Dawson in combining our businesses was the opportunity the joint platform provides us to attract outstanding legal talent at all levels in Asia. Patrick’s appointment is an early and very pleasing indication that we are on the right track in this regard. We are delighted to welcome him to Ashurst.”
Patrick Phua commented:
“For me the opportunity to join a leading global team of structured finance lawyers with strong coverage in key markets including London and New York was highly compelling. It is also very exciting to be joining Ashurst at such a significant time for the firm in Asia and to be part of its ambitious plans in China. I look forward to playing my part in the firm’s continuing success.”
