Data Protection | Asia-Pacific

Baker McKenzie has impressive regional coverage across Asia, including Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan and Mainland China. The firm boasts a prominent regulatory practice, advising multinational companies on compliance with various governments' data protection and cybersecurity legislation. The team is also adept at risk management, internal privacy policies, including managing employee personal data, and cybersecurity. It has an impressive clientele, advising companies in the technology, life sciences, hotels and financial services spaces.

DLA Piper provides a noteworthy pan-Asia offering, which is well integrated into its global practice. It demonstrates particularly strong capability in Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. The firm regularly advises clients on their data compliance and audit programmes, and data breach responses, including notifications and investigations, as well as data transfer.

Hogan Lovells fields an outstanding global data protection practice, which includes a highly respected Asia-wide outfit and is especially well regarded in China. The firm has expertise across data sharing and transfers, commercialisation and the data protection aspects of technology projects, including digitisation and the introduction of AI. In addition, its extensive international team is able to handle multi-jurisdictional compliance audits and is also active in thought leadership.

Clyde & Co has significant experience handling data and cybersecurity breaches, including assisting clients with breach response plans, crisis management, data breach notifications and investigations. The firm has notable APAC-wide coverage, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong, and is skilled at coordinating responses across multiple jurisdictions. Its teams also advise clients on compliance strategy and internal policy reviews. In addition, the firm can draw on its highly regarded insurance practice to handle cyber and financial insurance matters.

Latham & Watkins has offices in China, Singapore, South Korea and Japan and can draw on its extensive experience in the life sciences, financial services, litigation and corporate arenas to provide a comprehensive and integrated service. In addition to advising on the data protection aspects of investments and market entry, the firm regularly assists clients with their multi-jurisdictional compliance programmes, including the distribution of technology-based products in the health, fintech and media industries. The teams also have expertise in compliance with data use and breach regulations, updating companies' privacy policies and responding to investigatory proceedings.

Morrison Foerster is well regarded for handling clients' privacy obligations in highly regulated sectors such as telecommunications, technology and financial services. It regularly advises on compliance with China's cybersecurity law, including data export security assessment issues and data localisation, as well as notable coverage of Japan and Singapore. Additionally, the firm is recognised for its track record of advising on data breaches and subsequent investigations by the regulator.

Norton Rose Fulbright advises on compliance with data protection laws concerning data transfer, data storage, and new technology and data-intensive products such as AI. The team handles APAC-wide audits and reviews of clients' data policies, as well as their liaisons with regulators and responses to data access requests. The firm also assists clients with responding to cybersecurity and data breaches, including reporting obligations and investigations.

Bird & Bird has a well-rounded data protection practice, with a particularly strong presence in Singapore, China and Australia. The firm advises on comprehensive data compliance strategies and cyber disputes that often span multiple jurisdictions. Its clientele includes prominent international companies in financial services, technology and AI.

Linklaters boasts a prominent regional presence with offices and close alliances with local firms throughout Asia. The firm's reach, as well as its breadth of practice, which spans data compliance audits, breach responses and investigations, makes the firm a popular choice for businesses operating in the region. Its clientele includes global banks, technology firms and consumer companies.

The Mayer Brown team is well versed in data protection matters, with a strong track record of advising clients on compliance with existing and new legislation across the region. The firm advises on personal data requirements, data management systems and cross-border transfers. Furthermore, the firm also assists in responding to cybersecurity breaches, including litigation. It advises clients from a broad range of sectors, including media, technology, manufacturing and insurance.

Nishimura & Asahi is a leading Japanese firm with notable practices in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. The firm has a growing data protection practice, which already fields a number of specialists in the area who have experience with regulatory investigations and disputes, compliance across multiple jurisdictions and data localisation. Its teams also handle privacy impact assessment, data processing and internal policy reviews.

Reed Smith has a strong regional and cross-disciplinary offering, operating primarily out of its China and Singapore offices. Its team consults on compliance with data and privacy regulations across Asia. The firm handles cross-border data transfers, processing and disclosures, as well as advice on third-party data. Its clientele includes fintech, media, technology and retail companies.

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu is recognised for its market-leading full-service practice in Japan, in addition to its notable coverage of the region through its offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China. The team consults on internal policy reviews and updates, data governance and cross-border transfers, as well as data-related litigation. The firm also offers counsel on the data aspects of M&A transactions and the launching of data-intensive products in the life sciences, technology and automotive industries.

Rajah & Tann Asia is a renowned Singapore firm with coverage of China and South-East Asia. The teams assists with a broad range of regulatory issues including multinational compliance programmes, data governance and data transfer. It is also adept at handling data breaches and investigations. The firm regularly advises clients from the financial services, insurance, manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, retail and real estate sectors.