Chambers High-Quality Development Forum 2025 - Hong Kong

Welcome refreshments and Registrations

Welcome and overview of market from Beatrice Chan, Head of Greater China Region Research

Embracing and advancing DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) in the legal sector 

• DEI as a crucial part of legal teams growth strategy – policy examples and best practice to understand the real value of DEI 
• Transforming DEI vision into a concrete action plan with a long-term impact, How to build a more inclusive, equitable and diverse workforce that ensures a sense of belonging 
• The role of DEI in attracting and retaining the top legal talent  

Speakers:

• Jessica Chan, Head of Investor Solutions, Hong Kong Senior Director, JLL  
• Moderator: Kathryn Weaver, Partner International Employment Law, Seyfarth 

“A Share” Companies seeking a listing in Hong Kong – opportunities and challenges (Jingtian & Gongcheng)

Recently, the A-shares market in China has experienced a surge in companies seeking a listing in Hong Kong by issuing H shares. The main trends in the Hong Kong capital market this year are “A H listings” and company listings through Chapters 18A and 18C of the Listing Rules, said by the Head of Global Issuer Services at HKEX in a public forum.  Since the beginning of the year, numerous A-share listed companies have officially announced their plans to list in Hong Kong. Among them, there are many leading enterprises in subdivided industries, including Jiang Bolong, Maiwei Group, Sanhua Intelligent Control, Haitan Flavoring and Food, and Hengrui Pharmaceuticals. In fact, driven by the successful listings of Midea Group and SF Holding in Hong Kong this year, the Hong Kong IPO market has also shown vigorous growth.

In this forum, we will share with you:

• Why are companies already listed in the PRC market opting for a listing in Hong Kong
• What has been done by HKEX to attract more A-share listed companies to be listed on HKEX
• What are the most encountered issues when handling A-share companies’ IPO on HKEX
• After an A-share company got listed on the HKEX, what are the key differences in post IPO continuing obligation

Speakers:

• Charles Yi, CICC IBD Executive Director
• Vela Shen, CIMC Deputy Director of the Board Secretary Office
• Dr. Maurice Ngai, China Resources SWCS Holding Limited, Director and Chief Executive Officer
• Stella Yeung, Partner, Jingtian and Gongcheng 
• Moderator: Nic Chan, Partner, Jingtian and Gongcheng

Break and Refreshments

ESG financing opportunities and challenges when facing Trump administration’s backlash (Jingtian & Gongcheng)

Speaker: James Ma, Partner, Jingtian & Gongcheng

Lunch and Networking

International Trade Regulation, Competition and Enforcement in the Era of Trump 2.0 (Gibson Dunn & Crutcher)

This presentation will cover major geopolitical developments in international trade regulation, including a discussion of the vast number of actions and policy positions coming out of the United States under the second Trump administration - what we have seen so far and where things could go from here. We will also discuss a number of global responses to these U.S. actions, particular from China, and the increasing challenges for companies trying to anticipate and navigate the political and economic realities arising of out Thea geopolitical tensions.  Specific topics will include tariffs, economic and trade sanctions and counter-sanctions, export and technology controls, import controls, and inbound and outbound foreign direct investment controls. 

Speaker: David Wolber, Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Break and Refreshments

Current trends in compliance including anti-bribery and corruption laws, whistle blowing. How to run investigations – best practice (Jingtian & Gongcheng) 

• Enforcement activities in Hong Kong have intensified in recent years, with financial regulators adopting an increasingly proactive and coordinated approach. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has been working closely with the Hong Kong Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in joint enforcement actions and high-profile raids. Notably, the SFC has also initiated criminal prosecutions against several prominent individuals and entities.
• In this breakout session, a panel of seasoned compliance professionals, forensic experts, and regulatory lawyers will discuss:
  • Emerging trends in compliance including ant-bribery and whistleblowing issues 
  • Best practices for conducting effective internal investigations
  •  Practical insights on managing regulatory engagement and minimising reputational and legal risks
• Whether you’re navigating cross-border compliance challenges or seeking to strengthen your internal protocols, this session will provide valuable guidance from experts on the front lines of compliance and enforcement.

Speakers:

• Moderator: Jimmy Chan, Partner, Jingtian & Goncgheng 
• Chris Zhao, Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Legal and Compliance, Guotai Junan International
• Cliff Lam, Director, AlixPartners
• Kenneth Hui, Partner, Head of Hong Kong Regulatory, Simmons & Simmons

Drinks reception and Networking