Davis Polk & Wardwell is one of the strongest corporate law firms in the region, so it comes as no surprise that its strength in dispute resolution is in the financial services sector. The firm is active representing global investment banks, accountancy firms, brokers, insurance companies, as well as trading exchanges before regulators including the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Securities and Futures Commission, US Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Justice and Treasury Department. The team also offers renowned and recognised capability for the handling of white-collar crime and international arbitration.
Key names in the firm’s commercial, finance and corporate disputes team include Martin Rogers, Karen Chan, Patrick Sinclair and James Wadham. Rogers, Chan and Sinclair also have particular expertise in white-collar crime and regulatory matters.
In the realm of commercial disputes, the firm is currently representing the Market Surveillance and Monitoring Department of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) in disciplinary proceedings. These proceedings are taking place before the Disciplinary Committee of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) and involve allegations against an exchange participant regarding the claimed stamp duty exemptions for purported hedging activities related to its market making activities. This case is expected to provide significant clarification on the scope of the options market making rules and the hedging exemption. It is noteworthy as it marks the first disciplinary case brought by the SEHK in a long time concerning options market making. The case involves a substantial amount of money, exceeding HK$2 billion ($255 million).
The firm’s recent client roster includes DouYu, Lizhi, Luckin Coffee, Sunlands Technology Group, Tencent Music Entertainment Group and X Financial.
Client feedback
“Timely feedback, professional opinions, and comprehensive documentation.” – Class actions
Jonathan Chang
“Provided professional legal advice in the case, effectively managing risks, and achieving satisfactory results."
Lisa Martin
“Extremely good in drafting and providing immediate workable solutions to our legal questions.”
