Best Funds & Asset Management Lawyers in Central

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Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 2018
13 people in their team
English
Christy Leung is a partner of Eric Chow & Co in Association with Commerce and Finance Law Offices in Hong Kong. She has over 13 years of experience advising on contentious regulatory matters and commercial disputes, representing investment banks, financial institutions, listed companies, licensed...
Weir & Associates
Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 1985
English
Weir & Associates is a Hong Kong law firm established in 1985 that specialises in business-oriented, transaction-focused legal services for corporate clients and financial institutions across Asia. The firm is known for representing over 50 financial institutions in Asia and for delivering...
Poon Lawyers
Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 2014
10 people in their team
Chinese
English
POON LAWYERSPractices AreaCivil and Criminal ProceedingsChinese NotarySale and Purchase of PropertyDivorceMarriage RegistrationContract DraftingBankruptcy ApplicationCompany liquidationPOON LAWYERSPractices AreaCivil and Criminal ProceedingsChinese NotarySale and Purchase of PropertyDivorceMarriage...

Founded in 1969
English
Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong, stands at the forefront of legal education and research in Asia. Renowned for its distinguished academic staff and diverse student body, the faculty offers an extensive array of programs that span undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional levels....
Wellington Legal
Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 1999
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Our FirmWe are a vibrant, energetic and forward-thinking Hong Kong law firm with a clear vision to provide high quality professional legal services.Responding to the rapid economic growth of the PRC and matters with increasing complexity and international aspects, we have developed an extensive...
Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 1990
English
Vincent T.K. Cheung, Yap & Co. is a Hong Kong based law firm with a long-standing history dating back to 1990 when it was founded by a group of experienced solicitors. The head office in Wan Chai and a branch in Shanghai reflect the firm’s cross-border capabilities across the Greater China...
LT Lawyers
Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 2015
10 people in their team
Chinese
English
Founded in 2015, LT Lawyers is an independent firm of solicitors who are committed to Hong Kong, seasoned with international experience, effective in English as well as Mandarin and Cantonese, and dedicated to providing specialised legal services across the contentious, non-contentious and...
Tonys Lawyers
Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 2002
10 people in their team
Chinese
English
Who We AreTonys Lawyers was founded by a number of experienced lawyers who had been working and practicing for around or more than 20 years in Hong Kong’s top tier local and international law firms. Each of them has been well recognized in their respective practice areas, i.e. corporate and...
Fongs
Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 2006
10 people in their team
Chinese
English
The FirmFONGS is a Hong Kong-based law firm which, since the day of its opening, has been providing professional and high quality legal services to local, PRC and international clients.Our interdisciplinary team offers a full array of legal services to all types of individuals and corporations and...
LCP

LCP

Central, Hong Kong

Founded in 1991
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Our FirmLCP is a professional and dynamic full-service legal practice based in Hong Kong. Located in Central, the heart of Hong Kong’s commercial district, we have been established for almost 30 years. The firm was founded in 1991 and named after the founding partners Leung, Chan and Pang. Whilst...
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About Funds & Asset Management Law in Central, Hong Kong

Funds and asset management play a crucial role in Central, Hong Kong, a major financial center in Asia. This field involves the professional management of different securities and assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and other investment vehicles. The area is highly regulated to ensure investor protection, market integrity, and compliance with international standards. Asset managers, hedge funds, private equity funds, and other investment professionals all operate under a robust legal framework that enables efficient fund raising and asset management while mitigating risks such as fraud, financial crime, and market abuse.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal advice is often necessary in the funds and asset management sector for both individuals and institutions. Situations where a lawyer may be needed include:

  • Establishing or structuring a new investment fund or asset management company
  • Ensuring regulatory compliance with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) rules and requirements
  • Drafting and reviewing fund offering documents, agreements, and disclosures
  • Assisting in licensing and registration applications for fund managers or distributors
  • Conducting due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships involving funds
  • Addressing disputes between investors and managers, or among partners
  • Managing ongoing reporting, anti-money laundering (AML), and know-your-client (KYC) obligations
  • Navigating cross-border investment and taxation considerations
  • Handling winding up or restructuring of funds
  • Managing investigations or enforcement actions by financial regulators

Local Laws Overview

Funds and asset management in Central, Hong Kong are principally governed by the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) and are regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Key aspects include:

  • Licensing Requirements - Any individual or company carrying out regulated activities such as asset management must be licensed by the SFC.
  • Types of Funds - Hong Kong supports a variety of fund structures including unit trusts, mutual funds, open-ended fund companies (OFCs), private funds, hedge funds, and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
  • Offering Documentation - Detailed offering documents must be prepared and, in many cases, approved by the SFC, particularly for retail funds.
  • Ongoing Obligations - Managers and funds must comply with ongoing reporting, compliance, and disclosure obligations to protect investors and maintain market integrity.
  • AML and KYC - Strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations apply.
  • Cross-Border Issues - There are specific rules for funds marketed to Mainland China investors or distributed across Asia, including under the Mutual Recognition of Funds (MRF) program.
  • Investor Protection - The legal framework includes various safeguards to protect both retail and professional investors.
  • Taxation - Hong Kong offers an attractive tax environment for funds, but stamp duty and profits tax requirements may still apply in certain cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to set up an investment fund in Central, Hong Kong?

To set up an investment fund, you need to decide on the fund structure, prepare offering documents, and, depending on the type of fund, obtain SFC authorization or registration. An asset manager must usually be licensed. Legal advice is recommended to ensure compliance.

Who regulates funds and asset managers in Hong Kong?

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is the primary regulator overseeing funds, asset managers, and related activities under the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

Can foreign investors or managers participate in Hong Kong funds?

Yes, both foreign investors and foreign fund managers frequently participate. However, all entities must adhere to local licensing and regulatory requirements.

What are the main legal risks for fund managers?

Major risks include non-compliance with licensing conditions, failure to meet ongoing compliance requirements, breach of fiduciary duties, and violations relating to AML or investor protection.

Do all investment funds need SFC approval?

Retail funds offered to the public require SFC authorization. Many private funds intended for professional investors can be established without prior SFC approval but must still comply with relevant laws.

What legal documents are needed to set up a fund?

Common required documents include the fund’s constitutive documents, offering memorandum or prospectus, management agreement, subscription documents, and compliance manuals.

What is the difference between a retail fund and a private fund?

A retail fund is offered to the general public and faces stricter regulatory oversight. A private fund is only offered to professional or institutional investors and is subject to lighter regulation.

Are there restrictions on how funds are marketed in Hong Kong?

Yes. Fund marketing is strictly regulated, particularly for retail investors. Only authorized or registered professionals may promote funds, and offering materials must meet legal standards.

What should investors look for when investing in a Hong Kong fund?

Investors should review licensing status, offering documents, risk disclosures, historical performance, governance structure, and fee arrangements. Independent legal or financial advice is recommended.

How can I resolve a dispute with a fund manager in Central, Hong Kong?

Disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or legal proceedings. Regulatory complaints can also be lodged with the SFC, but legal counsel should be sought to determine the best course of action.

Additional Resources

Several organizations and resources can provide helpful information and support for those seeking legal advice in funds and asset management:

  • Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) - The primary financial regulator in Hong Kong responsible for licensing, regulation, and investor protection
  • Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) - Supervises the banking sector and monitors systemic risks in the financial market
  • Hong Kong Investment Funds Association (HKIFA) - Industry body for fund managers and service providers
  • The Law Society of Hong Kong - Referral service for finding qualified lawyers in funds and asset management law
  • InvestHK - Government department providing support and information for investors and fund management companies
  • Companies Registry - Handles incorporation and regulatory filings for fund structures and asset managers

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in funds and asset management in Central, Hong Kong, consider the following steps:

  • Clearly define your objectives and gather essential information and documents related to your case or query
  • Contact a qualified lawyer or law firm specializing in funds and asset management in Hong Kong
  • Arrange an initial consultation to discuss your situation and obtain preliminary legal advice
  • Prepare questions for your lawyer regarding compliance, strategy, timelines, and costs
  • Follow your lawyer’s recommendations regarding further action, documentation, and dealings with regulators
  • Stay updated on changes in relevant laws and regulations to maintain compliance and protect your interests

Seeking experienced legal professionals can help ensure your funds and asset management activities in Central, Hong Kong are set up for success and fully compliant with the law.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Central 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 Funds & Asset Management, 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.