Hong Kong Stock Exchange hires co-head of IPO vetting

Hong Kong Stock Exchange hires co-head of IPO vetting

Former Kirkland employee Stephanie Lau will be reunited with veteran partner Li-Chien Wong

The managing director and co-head of IPO vetting of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is a member of Kirkland & Ellis.

Having obtained legal qualifications in Hong Kong, England, Singapore, and Malaysia, Li-Chien Wong will bring in 25 years of experience to her new position as capital markets and corporate lawyer.

Being based in Hong Kong since 2001, she has spent the past decade as a partner in Kirkland's Hong Kong office, advising major private equity firms, investment banks and corporations on transactions like Hong Kong IPOs, spin-offs, additional listings and M&A and privatizations.

Previously, she was associated with Sidley Austin and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom. She has almost six years of experience as a partner at Kirkland.

She will be working with Stephanie Lau, who joined HKEX back in 2016 after previously working for Kirkland & Ellis in Hong Kong. Lau also operates as managing director and co-head of IPO vetting at HKEX. Hong Kong will be a global listing venue of choice if the duo is successful in leading the team, the company said.

By utilizing its subsidiaries, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Futures Exchange, and the London Metal Exchange, HKEX offers equity, commodity, fixed income, and currency markets. The company reported a total market capitalization of HK$42.13trn at the end of last month.

The new role will be effect from 15th March and Wong will report to Bonnie Chan, the head of listing. Her successor will be Janice Wu, who will depart HKEX by the end of March to pursue interests outside the company.

Having advised leading investment banks and corporates on capital market matters for over two decades, Chan said Wong possesses a wealth of leadership and legal experience. "I am certain that her skills and experience will be of great use to our company as we build and enhance our listing franchise," added she.