International moves: Kennedys in double office launch as Bird & Bird plans San Francisco base

Top-50 insurance specialist Kennedys has made an ambitious bid to further increase its global footprint, today (2 October) announcing the opening of new offices in Paris and Bangkok.

With the launches in France and Thailand, Kennedys has brought its tally of new international offices opened this year to nine. Continue reading “International moves: Kennedys in double office launch as Bird & Bird plans San Francisco base”

Banking on change

Banking on change

When the global financial crisis struck in 2008, the impact reverberated far beyond the traditional financial centres of the West. Initial speculation was that Asia would be relatively well insulated from the crisis due to the growing financial independence of the region. Instead, the effects hit at a speed and depth that surpassed all expectations. Under fire, financial institutions sought to reduce their exposure to the region, resulting in a steep decline in the value of currency and equity markets, at a time when the price and volume of exports was plummeting.

The immediate impact of the crisis gave way to an equally brisk recovery, bolstered by strong domestic demand in China and Indonesia preventing both economies from falling into recession. But while sophisticated financial centres were swift in their regulatory response to the crisis, particularly where reform to over-the-counter financial products and transparency were concerned, much of Asia has lagged behind. Continue reading “Banking on change”

‘A stellar team’: Pinsents to open in Perth with Norton Rose Fulbright partners

‘A stellar team’: Pinsents to open in Perth with Norton Rose Fulbright partners

Pinsent Masons is continuing its extensive international expansion of late with a new Australian office and the hire of four infrastructure and energy partners from Norton Rose Fulbright.

The firm’s new Perth base, to open in the autumn, will be its third Australian office after Sydney and Melbourne and its fifth international launch in the last 18 months. Continue reading “‘A stellar team’: Pinsents to open in Perth with Norton Rose Fulbright partners”

Revolving doors: Linklaters adds depth to Asian offices as Signature opens in Gibraltar with key hire

Revolving doors: Linklaters adds depth to Asian offices as Signature opens in Gibraltar with key hire

In a busy week for lateral hires, firms have been actively adding to their offices at home and abroad. Linklaters has made a couple of key appointments in Asia while a host of other firms have hired laterals in the UK, the US and Gibraltar. Continue reading “Revolving doors: Linklaters adds depth to Asian offices as Signature opens in Gibraltar with key hire”

KWM’s global chair sets out plans for new European business after SJ Berwin collapse

KWM’s global chair sets out plans for new European business after SJ Berwin collapse

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) announced today (18 January) that it has already established a new business presence with 30 partners in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, effective immediately. The statement comes after legacy practice SJ Berwin went into administration yesterday. Continue reading “KWM’s global chair sets out plans for new European business after SJ Berwin collapse”