Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (International Firms) - China
What the team is known for
Steptoe LLP has a renowned practice with a prominent Hong Kong presence established in late 2019 to complement its Beijing offering. It offers clients seasoned advice on handling investigations, as well as the implementation of compliance programmes, risk assessment and sanctions advice for clients across Greater China and the APAC region. The team is also well equipped to assist clients in dealing with US, UK and EU enforcement and regulatory agencies. Clientele spans banks and financial institutions, logistics companies and clients in the extractive industry.
Strengths
"Steptoe has a wealth of experience dealing with complex matters in APAC, and is particularly in tune with cultural nuances and practices, which is especially helpful for APAC regional headquarters of MNCs."
"The team provides practical step-by-step guidance on how to address complex new requirements on sanctions and export controls."
Work highlights
Steptoe LLP assisted a global logistics company with conducting a global investigation concerning its operations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The investigation involved multi-jurisdictional issues such as trade controls, data privacy and state secrets laws.
Notable practitioners
Wendy Wysong manages Steptoe & Johnson's Hong Kong office and draws on her former experience in the US Department of Commerce to offer clients deep expertise on a broad range of multi-jurisdictional investigations and compliance mandates. "Wendy is a great resource for in-house legal departments at large multinational corporations who regularly face conflicting legal requirements. She is able to provide practical, real-world advice that is easy to understand." "Wendy is a well-respected expert on sanction matters."
Ali Burney brings clients invaluable experience from his time with the US Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, regularly advising Asian clients on US investigations and risk assessment matters. "Ali takes the time to learn about each of his clients' businesses, their business and cultural landscape, and understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. As such, he is in tune with business practices in APAC and is able to deliver practical, workable solutions for clients." "Ali is very easy to work with. He has helped us with a lot of last-minute urgent issues and he's been very helpful."
