A partner in the global law
firm, Withers, has relocated from London to Hong
Kong, as the company sees increased demand for international legal services
throughout Asia, including issues such as new US anti-tax evasion laws.

Erik Wallace will focus on
international tax, probate, and trust and estate planning, with a particular focus
on US persons and property, Withers said in a statement.

Marcus
Dearle, Withers’ managing partner Hong Kong
commented on Erik’s relocation, “Erik’s services will be invaluable to our
clients in the region, from American expats and citizens through to green card
holders and Asians owning US stock and real estate.”

Jay
Krause, head of wealth planning Asia at Withers added, “I am delighted
to welcome Erik to the team in Asia as we anticipate a sustained increase in
client demand for guidance and support around the US tax changes and the build-up to
the implementation of FATCA.”

Beating
the deadline

Earlier this month, Wallace urged American expats
in Asia to use their exemptions on estate and
gift taxes before expiry (year-end), in an exclusive
interview with WealthBriefingAsia.
(To view that article, click here.)

Furthermore, the announcement regarding Wallace’s
relocation follows a number of new additions to, and promotions in, the
Withers’ Asia team over
the last six months.

Earlier this year, Withers opened its Singapore office promoting Jay Krause to head
of wealth planning Asia. This was shortly followed by the launch of Withers’ first corporate
practice in the region with the appointment of partner Gez Owen, head of
international regulatory and corporate crime.

In the second half of the year, Rita Ku was
promoted to become Withers’ first Chinese partner and Sharon Ser was promoted to
senior regional partner.

Withers first opened its Hong Kong doors in 2008, as part of the firm’s drive to
place offices in locations which enable it to serve families globally. The
office has continued to expand since it opened, and now has tax, trusts and
family law capabilities.