The office will provide support for global financial services organisations which already operate in - or are looking to access - the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. Kinetic Partners will also cater for local firms, exercising a particular focus on regulatory compliance services and tax structures, the firm said in a statement.

Moreover, the Hong Kong branch will further develop Kinetic’s forensic offering to accompany teams based in its other jurisdictions, working on SPV and LLP structures in the Caribbean in particular - with additional commercial interests in Asia.

Julian Korek, one of the firm’s founding members, and directors AnnMarie Croswell and Winnie Tsui, will head the office alongside new member Gary James, as well as a team of local regulatory experts.

Croswell transfers from the US office, where she advised asset managers and broker dealers on US regulation, including SEC registration and ongoing compliance requirements.

Meanwhile, James and Tsui specialise in international tax planning for financial institutions, multinational clients and expatriates working in Asia-Pacific. James and Tsui both have a background in advising clients on Asian and international tax issues, such as the Hong Kong offshore fund regime, corporate reorganisations, IPOs, joint ventures and asset manager business start-ups. 

The firm noted that “changing dynamics” within the global financial services industry has fuelled its expansion to Asia - these shifts have also pushed Hong Kong’s focus for capital flows and financial services expertise, it said. 

“There is a real buzz about the place and we have seen a keen interest from financial firms based here to better understand the global regulatory landscape and how it is influencing their regulatory requirements,” said Korek.

Korek added that the firm will also consider expanding the team into other jurisdictions, including Singapore and mainland China.

Kinetic anticipates that its Hong Kong team will “grow rapidly in response to demand,” in light of firms increasingly seeking “tailored solutions” both internationally and within the local market place. 

“As financial markets become more complicated, business in Asia and elsewhere has become more sophisticated and more exposed to market and regulatory risks,” the firm said.

Kinetic, which was established in 2005, serves over 1,200 clients and has offices in London, Dublin, Grand Cayman, New York, Geneva and Luxembourg.