Linklaters recognised for innovation in law at the FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia Pacific 2024

Linklaters has been named “Innovative Lawyers in Unlocking Capital” at the prestigious FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia Pacific 2024, highlighting the firm’s reputation in legal innovation and dedication to using innovative approach to deliver exceptional service to clients.

The firm has been recognised for its innovative work on the establishment of The Swap Connect Scheme, which opened a new chapter in China’s financial market for the trading of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. Swap Connect allows international investors to tap into China’s onshore interest rate swap market via links with Hong Kong SAR. The Linklaters team, led by Asia Head of Structured Finance and Derivatives Chin-Chong Liew, advised Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing on the design of the Swap Connect clearing link agreement, which allows foreign investors to remotely trade and clear renminbi interest rate swaps to hedge their debt exposure.

In addition to winning the “Innovative Lawyers in Unlocking Capital” award, the firm has also been recognised in the “Fintech and Digital Assets” category, advising on the standout HKSAR government’s first multi-currency digital green bond offering. The Linklaters team on this path-breaking transaction was led by capital markets partner Gloria Cheung. The firm was also shortlisted in the “Most Innovative Law Firm in Asia-Pacific (headquartered outside Asia-Pacific)” category.

The FT Innovative Lawyers Awards are one of the most significant legal awards in the region, recognising lawyers, law firms and in-house legal teams that are at the forefront of innovation. Entries are scored by independent experts who review the submission for originality, leadership and impact.

Full report available on Ft.com.