Loyens & Loeff, the Luxembourg-based law firm that specialises in international tax and wealth management planning, has become the first Benelux law firm to open in Hong Kong.

Two partners are relocating from Luxembourg to Hong Kong for the new venture: Carola van den Bruinhorst, who will lead the office, and tax specialist Thierry Lohest. A team of senior associates will also be moving with them, but the firm said it will be hiring more junior associates and trainees toward the end of the year. 

"Asian investors can benefit from the attractive Benelux tax climate, while being protected by a good network of bilateral investment," said van den Bruinhorst in a statement. 

Loyens & Loeff already has an Asian presence through its offices in Singapore and Tokyo. Through the new Hong Kong branch, the firm will advise of Dutch, Luxembourg and Belgian civil and tax law, with a focus on international tax planning, merger and acquisitions, investment management, asset protection and wealth management planning and banking and finance. It will not practice local law.