LAWYER PROFILE

James Yao

Greater China Region 2026

A&O Shearman

Ranked in 1 practice area

Capital Markets: Derivatives & Structured Products (International Firms)

China

5 years ranked

About

Provided by A&O Shearman

Practice Areas

James specialises in a wide range of structured products including repackagings, structured notes, equity margin financing (both loan and derivative structures) and asset-backed securities. James also advises on OTC derivatives across all asset classes including interest, FX, equity, credit and commodity as well as OTC derivative regulatory matters across a number of jurisdictions including Hong Kong.

James’s clients include international, regional and PRC banks, securities firms and other financial institutions. He has particular experience in managing complex structured product transactions for such clients in the APAC market. James also regularly presents at industry conference and events, including ISDA.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Greater China Region

Capital Markets: Derivatives & Structured Products (International Firms) - China

Band 3

Individual Editorial

James Yao is based in A&O Shearman's Hong Kong office and advises on derivatives and structured product transactions across a spectrum of asset classes. He is also noted for his Chinese language proficiency and ability to connect with PRC clients.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

He's very sensible and will call a spade a spade and won't hesitate to tell you when there's an issue. He's very frank and forthright; that transparency is very helpful.
Capital Markets: Derivatives & Structured Products (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
James is really good technically and has a lot of experience.
Capital Markets: Derivatives & Structured Products (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
He's very approachable and knows his stuff.
Capital Markets: Derivatives & Structured Products (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region

Ranked Individuals at A&O Shearman (27)

China

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Yvonne Ho
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Roger Lui
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Vicki Liu
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Cindy Lo
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Patrick Wong
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Daniel Tan
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Yvonne Ho
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Matthew Bisley
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Agnes Tsang
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James Yao
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Jonathan Hsui
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Lina Lee
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Kyungwon Lee
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Li Chen
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Ling Li
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Lorna Xin Chen
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