Ashurst Expands Asian Footprint with New Partner in Hong Kong!

In a significant move to bolster its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Ashurst has appointed James Ford as a partner in its global investment funds practice based in Hong Kong. This strategic hiring aims to reinforce the firm's growth trajectory in one of the world’s most dynamic legal markets.

According to Nick Goddard, the global head of investment funds at Ashurst, Ford's extensive network with sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors throughout Asia and the Middle East will be instrumental in executing the firm’s ambitious APAC growth strategy, thereby enhancing its client base across this lucrative region.

James Ford comes to Ashurst with an impressive resume, having previously held a partner position at Allen & Overy (A&O) Shearman and as the managing partner of O'Melveny & Myers' Hong Kong office. His expertise lies in private equity and alternative asset classes, focusing on fundraising, secondary transactions, mergers and acquisitions involving asset managers, strategic investments, and capital markets transactions. Notably, Ford has carved out a niche in the burgeoning APAC secondaries market, establishing strong ties with critical sovereign wealth funds in Asia and the Middle East.

With the regulatory, tax, and transactional environment in the APAC region becoming increasingly intricate, Goddard emphasized that Ford's appointment will significantly bolster Ashurst's capability to guide its clients through these complexities. This move comes at a time when the demand for specialized legal services in the region is surging, indicating that Ford's expertise will provide a distinct advantage for Ashurst’s expanding portfolio in APAC.

As firms like Ashurst adapt to the evolving landscape, the strategic integration of seasoned professionals like Ford speaks to a broader trend in the legal industry, where expertise and local insights are crucial for navigating an increasingly competitive market. Expect more exciting developments as Ashurst continues to strengthen its foothold in Asia!