| In response to increasing client demand for Jersey and Guernsey legal and fiduciary services in the Asian time zone, offshore firm Ogier has announced plans to relocate Guernsey and Jersey lawyers to the firm’s Hong Kong office this coming May, the first time that such lawyers will operate in this region. The announcement comes after the recent listing of the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, United Company RUSAL Limited (UC RUSAL), on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The firm acted as Jersey legal advisor to UC RUSAL on the transaction, which marked the first time a Jersey-incorporated company has listed on the HKSE.
The firm has pointed to the growing strength and importance of emerging economies, notably in Asia and in particular China, as one of the key drivers behind its decision to offer the Channel Island advisory services from Hong Kong. Following the listing of UC RUSAL, it expects that more businesses around the world will use Jersey companies to take advantage of the opportunity to access capital in Asia by listing on the HKSE. Partner Marcus Leese from the firm’s Guernsey office will head up the new offering in Hong Kong, where Ogier already has an established BVI and Cayman legal practice. Having practised Guernsey law for the past 11 years, Leese’s expertise covers private client and trusts matters, investment funds, banking and corporate and commercial work. He is also admitted as a solicitor in New Zealand and in England and Wales. |
