Best Structured Finance Lawyers in China

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Chaoyang, China

Founded in 1992
250 people in their team
English
Lehman, Lee & Xu is widely regarded as one of the largest and most prominent law firms in China, with a nationwide footprint that includes offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, along with presence in Hong Kong, Macau and Mongolia and a liaison office in Chicago. Established in 1992, the firm...
King & Wood PRC Lawyers
Beijing, China

Founded in 1993
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
We are a law firm born in Asia with an Asian perspective and world-class service capabilities.King & Wood Mallesons has more than 3,000 lawyers in 31 offices around the world. Our lawyers are well versed in Eastern and Western cultures, and rely on diversified thinking, profound professional...
Jinhua, China

Founded in 1992
30 people in their team
English
Zhejiang Jin Zheng Da Law Firm was founded on April 28, 1992 as Zhejiang's first partnership formed by a group of former lawyers and it has since evolved into a partnership based practice. It is regarded as one of Zhejiang Province's oldest and most influential large law firms. The firm maintains...

Founded in 2021
17 people in their team
English
Chinese
US Legal Group - Legal Excellence Sponsoring Success - We, United Securities Legal Group (a.k.a. US Legal Group, www.USLegal.Group), is a full-service California law firm headquartered in Los Angeles (Laguna Beach) with our local teams in Hong Kong & China (Beijing, Shanghai &...
Tongqian Law Firm
Shanghai, China

Founded in 2001
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Shanghai Tongqian is a professional law firm which is mainly engaged in corporation law and commercial law with concernings and labor law. The firm is set up and conducted by several outstanding veteran lawyers graduated from Fudan University and East China University of Political Science and...

Founded in 2001
English
Handing United Law Firm, established in 2001 and officially recognized by the Beijing Municipal Justice Bureau, is a comprehensive Beijing based law firm with a broad range of legal services and a large, experienced team. The firm handles a wide array of matters including criminal defense,...

Founded in 1984
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Shanghai United Law Firm (“United”), founded in 1984, is a prestigious leading law firm of rich history providing comprehensive legal services in China. In addition to the head office in Shanghai, United has set up offices throughout China.United has accumulated broad professional experience...
Chaoyang, China

Founded in 1994
1,900 people in their team
English
Beijing Guantao Law Firm is a premier PRC law firm established in 1994 and based in Beijing, with an integrated national and international network. The firm offers a full range of services across corporate and commercial matters, dispute resolution, banking and finance, real estate and other...
Fenwick & West LLP
Shanghai, China

Founded in 1972
1,118 people in their team
English
Chinese
Fenwick & West LLP provides comprehensive legal services to ground-breaking technology and life sciences companies - at every stage of their lifecycle - and the investors that partner with them. We craft innovative, cost-effective and practical solutions on issues ranging from venture capital,...
Boheng Law Firm
Beijing, China

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
About BohengBeijing Boheng Law Firm is a foreign-related partnership law firm jointly established by senior lawyers who studied in the European Union and the United States and approved by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Justice. It is based on the country and faces the world. It develops both...
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About Structured Finance Law in China

Structured finance in China refers to a set of complex financial instruments that are designed to help companies and institutions manage risk, raise capital, and structure transactions in ways that often involve the pooling of financial assets and the issuance of securities backed by those assets. Common tools include asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, securitization, project finance, and other off-balance-sheet financing techniques. In recent years, structured finance has become an integral part of China's financial markets, providing alternative funding channels and supporting economic growth while introducing new regulatory and legal considerations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Structured finance transactions often involve intricate legal, regulatory, and compliance issues. You may need a lawyer in a variety of scenarios, including:

  • Structuring and documenting complex financing deals involving different entities or jurisdictions
  • Drafting or reviewing securitization agreements, trust contracts, and related documentation
  • Navigating the regulatory approval process with Chinese authorities such as the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC)
  • Ensuring compliance with local laws governing asset-backed securities and other forms of structured products
  • Advising on cross-border investments and foreign participation in structured finance transactions
  • Managing disputes related to structured finance products, including court or arbitration proceedings
  • Undertaking due diligence on underlying assets or counterparties
  • Advising on tax, accounting, and bankruptcy implications of structured deals

Local Laws Overview

Structured finance in China is subject to a variety of local laws and regulations. Key legal frameworks and guidelines include:

  • Securitization Laws: The regulatory environment is mainly shaped by the Administrative Measures for the Pilot Projects of Credit Asset Securitization, CSRC regulations, and CBIRC rules governing asset-backed securities and special purpose vehicles.
  • Trust Law: Trust structures are often employed in securitization, governed by the Trust Law of the People’s Republic of China and supporting regulations from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission.
  • Bankruptcy Law: The Enterprise Bankruptcy Law influences how assets are ring-fenced and recoveries are made in distressed scenarios.
  • Foreign Investment Laws: Foreign investor participation in structured finance is subject to the Foreign Investment Law and Negative List restrictions.
  • Tax and Accounting Rules: Relevant rules must be followed, including VAT treatment of structured products and local accounting regulations for asset recognition.

It is crucial to understand that China’s regulatory regime can change rapidly and often involves multiple regulatory authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of structured finance products available in China?

The most common products include asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, supply chain finance instruments, project finance vehicles, and structured notes.

Who regulates structured finance activities in China?

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) are the key regulators.

Can foreign investors participate in structured finance transactions in China?

Yes, but foreign participation can be subject to sector restrictions and must comply with the Foreign Investment Law and any Negative List provisions.

What is securitization and how is it used in China?

Securitization is the process of pooling financial assets and issuing securities backed by those assets. It is used for credit risk transfer, liquidity management, and capital raising in China.

Are there special rules for asset-backed securities issued in China?

Yes, issuers must follow CSRC and CBIRC rules on disclosure, asset isolation, credit enhancement, and investor protection.

How is bankruptcy risk managed in structured finance transactions?

Legal structures such as bankruptcy-remote entities and asset ring-fencing mechanisms are used, and governed by relevant bankruptcy and trust laws.

What documentation is typically required for a structured finance transaction?

Typical documents include offering circulars, trust agreements, servicing contracts, purchase and sale agreements, and regulatory filings.

Must all structured finance deals be approved by regulators in China?

Most deals require regulatory review or registration, especially those involving public offerings or financial institutions as originators.

How are disputes resolved in structured finance?

Disputes may be resolved through litigation in Chinese courts or arbitration, as agreed in the transaction documents.

What legal risks should participants be aware of in structured finance?

Key risks include changes in regulations, counterparty default, enforceability of contracts, asset quality issues, and compliance with foreign participation rules.

Additional Resources

For further help or official guidance on structured finance law in China, consider the following:

  • China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC)
  • China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC)
  • People’s Bank of China (PBOC)
  • China Trustee Association
  • China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC)
  • Major international and domestic law firms with dedicated structured finance teams in China
  • Academic and industry publications about China’s structured finance market

Next Steps

If you believe you need legal advice in structured finance, consider the following steps:

  1. Define your objectives - be clear about your transaction goals, counterparties, and expected outcomes.
  2. Gather all relevant documents and background information about the assets or products involved.
  3. Research and select an experienced law firm or legal practitioner with a proven background in Chinese structured finance.
  4. Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and understand potential legal strategies, risks, and costs involved.
  5. Work with your lawyer to ensure compliance at every stage, from documentation and regulatory approvals to closing and ongoing management.

Seeking legal counsel early can help you identify potential challenges and ensure your structured finance activities in China are legally sound and effective.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in China through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Structured Finance, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.