Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Data protection and cyber security

Eversheds Sutherland‘s practice lies within its technology group, led by Rhys McWhirter. The group is often engaged in data transfer assistance in addition to a range of cybersecurity work.

Data protection and cyber security in Hong Kong

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is widely recognised as a market leader in data protection, particularly in the hospitality sector, where it advises leading international hotel brands on APAC-wide compliance programmes. Practice head Carolyn Bigg is a leading authority on data protection, with standout expertise in bespoke compliance programmes and cyber incident management across Greater China. Venus Cheung is noted for her expertise in cloud, apps, IT infrastructure, and MLPs, while Qiuyang Zhao bolsters the team’s transactional capability with due diligence support on IP, data, and IT issues.

Praxisleiter:

Carolyn Bigg


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Qiuyang Zhao; Venus Cheung


Referenzen

‘DLA is very knowledgeable in the challenging and ever-changing data protection area. They know how to advise in-house lawyers in a timely manner with respect to the complexities in this space in a user-friendly, practical way.‘ 

‘Carolyn Biggs and Amanda Ge are both outstanding, hardworking and practical lawyers. They are able to give us clear and to-the-point valuable legal advice and are able to also provide us with a clear game plan regarding how to handle the various data protection issues that arise.‘ 

‘Working with DLA has been an invaluable asset in navigating the complex legal landscape of the Greater China Region. Their guidance is marked by a practical approach, ensuring that our strategies are not only academically sound but also realistically applicable.‘ 

Kernmandanten

GE Vernova


BASF


FTI Consulting


IHG


Hilton


Four Seasons


BorgWarner


Standard Chartered


Levi Strauss & Co


KLK


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting BASF in handling the cross-border transfer of China personal data.
  • Advise IHG and Hilton, on their APAC data protection compliance programmes.
  • Support BorgWarner, a leading supplier to the automobile industry, on building its global privacy compliance project, with a special focus on China and other APAC jurisdictions.

Hogan Lovells

Hogan Lovells’ specialist IT practice is widely regarded as a go-to adviser for incident response, compliance counselling, programme development, and cross-border risk management in Hong Kong and across the wider region. The team is particularly recognised for its expertise in cross-border data transfers, ensuring regulatory compliance in cloud, outsourcing, and shared services arrangements. Practice head Tommy Liu is highly experienced in data privacy and cybersecurity regulatory matters, with a strong TMT focus. The group has seen recent changes, with Mark Parsons departing and Charmian Aw joining from Squire Patton Boggs in February 2025, bringing additional expertise in data protection, cybersecurity, and technology transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Tommy Liu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Katherine Tsang; Kenneth Cheung; Nicola Choi; Charmian Aw


Referenzen

‘Extremely responsive. They provide commercial and helpful advice that I can take and run with. They have the ability to provide consolidated advice for whole of APAC, one-stop shop service. ’

‘Tommy Liu is outstanding, extremely helpful, responsive and commercial-minded.’

Kernmandanten

Beijing Kuaishou Technology Co Ltd


China International Capital Corporation


China Telecom


FTI Consulting


The Hong Kong Association of Banks


Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited


Hong Kong Jockey Club


HSBC


Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority


USANA Health Science Inc


ZEEKR


Highlight-Mandate


  • Provided MPF/eMPF PC with commercial and regulatory advice in the set-up of the eMPF Platform.
  • Advising ZEEKR on its regulatory and compliance issues and have assisted them in the drafting and reviewing agreements in the EU, U.S. and globally.
  • Advising HKEX on an ongoing basis in relation to data protection and electronic execution aspects of Project FINI.

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman’s data and cyber practice is a key player in the region, with a strong track record handling some of Asia’s most high-profile cyber incidents. Practice head Anna Gamvros, who joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in 2024 and splits her time between Sydney and Hong Kong, is widely recognised for her market-leading breach response expertise. Edward Yau brings further strength in outsourcing and regulatory mandates, while Ruby Kwok adds distinctive capability in the media and TMT sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Anna Gamvros


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ruby Kwok; Edward Yau


Referenzen

‚My go-to star team for cybersecurity matters in Asia, particularly cyber readiness and incident response.‘

‚Anna and Ruby are very attentive to clients’ preferences and tailor their advice and support to what each client truly requires.‘

‚AOS has built a strong, end-to-end practice in this area, with the ability to handle matters around the clock and across jurisdictions.‘

Kernmandanten

Mastercard


HSBC


Morgan Stanley


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Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird’s leading TMT practice is jointly led by Wilfred Ng and James Gong, who splits his time between Beijing and Hong Kong. The team is highly active on data compliance, localisation, and security assessments, and is particularly well-placed to advise on complex cross-border issues spanning the PRC, EU, UK, and Hong Kong. Ng advises across the full spectrum of commercial, transactional, and regulatory TMT and data protection matters, while Gong continues to lead major compliance projects across the Asia-Pacific region.

Praxisleiter:

Wilfred Ng; James Gong


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Hwee Yong Neo


Referenzen

‘They are able to provide cross-border advice.‘

‘Wilfred Ng is commercial. I like his former in-house background, which makes his advice pragmatic.‘ 

‘Wilfred Ng is a partner of this team. He has a background in data privacy and has worked as an in-house counsel before, hence he has a very good understanding of the advice and type of legal support that in house counsel or corporate clients need.‘ 

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Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP is frequently instructed on cyber resilience, privacy, data protection, compliance, data management, and digital risk strategies, including uplift programmes. The team is recognised for its expertise across the full incident lifecycle, from pre-incident planning and response through to recovery, regulatory investigations, and litigation. Simon McConnell and Joyce Chan co-lead the practice; McConnell is a trusted adviser to corporates impacted by cyberattacks, guiding on loss mitigation and regulatory notifications, while Chan brings particular strength in the insurance and financial services sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Simon McConnell; Joyce Chan


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Michelle Ho; Ruby Cheuk; Joyce Ma; Cherie Yu


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CMS Hong Kong LLP

CMS Hong Kong LLP has a leading data protection and cybersecurity practice in Hong Kong and across Asia-Pacific, regularly advising clients on complex regulatory and commercial challenges. Practice head Jonathan Chu brings over 20 years of experience in data policy, protection, cross-border transfers, and breach management. Mengyi Chen and Candy Tong strengthen the team with their notable expertise in intellectual property matters.

Praxisleiter:

Jonathan Chu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mengyi Chen; Candy Tong


Kernmandanten

Disney


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a ride-hailing service provider from Singapore on all legal issues arising from its launch of services in Hong Kong.
  • Advised a Hong Kong-based conglomerate with various data privacy and cross border compliance matters.
  • Advised a global company offering media monitoring and analysis services on a transfer impact assessment.

Kennedys

Kennedys offers deep expertise in global data breach notification regimes, including the GDPR, UK rules, and requirements across Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. The team frequently handles regulatory investigations and defends clients in cyber-related claims, including large-scale class actions following breaches. Practice head Joanie Ko is highly regarded for her cyber incident response expertise, advising on notifications and the recovery of funds lost through fraud.

Praxisleiter:

Joanie Ko


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Nicholas Blackmore


Referenzen

‘Their professionalism and engagement stand out.’

‘They are confident in providing pragmatic guidance in jurisdictions where data privacy regulations are either lax or underdeveloped. Deep bench.‘ 

‘Joanie Ko manages a team that is deployed across multiple countries and cities in APAC with aplomb and little equivocation. She offers pragmatic and commercial advice.‘

Kernmandanten

AIG


Allianz Global & Corporate Specialty


Beazley


Bolttech


Canopius Global Specialty Insurance


Chubb Insurance Hong Kong


Cipriani & Werner PC


Lewis Brisbois


Mullen Coughlin LLC


QBE


Swire Pacific


Pax Holdings


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King & Wood Mallesons

King & Wood Mallesons’ Hong Kong TMT data team is a standout in the market, advising on high-profile and strategically significant projects shaping the region’s digital economy. Practice head Peter Bullock is recognised for his expertise in contentious and non-contentious matters involving digital systems and IT. Urszula McCormack adds further strength with her deep knowledge of blockchain and wider digital economy issues.

Praxisleiter:

Peter Bullock


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Urszula McCormack


Referenzen

‘The team is highly personable and tailors advice for client’s specific needs. The team were also able to leverage expertise from colleagues in different departments to ensure rounded and comprehensive advice.’

‘I valued their collaborative and hands-on approach to advising to ensure that advice received was actionable and helpful in support of our organisational aims.’

Kernmandanten

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation


The World Bank


FWD Life Insurance Company Limited


English Schools Foundation


Seek Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising eMPF Platform Company Limited on a continued basis in relation to the procurement and development of Hong Kong’s eMPF Platform.
  • Advising The Hong Kong Government’s Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks on data privacy policies.
  • Act for The World Bank as lead counsel to support the Ministry of Home Affairs of Indonesia to introduce e-KYC and an official digital ID system

Linklaters

Linklaters advises on the full spectrum of privacy and cybersecurity matters, from the implementation of the GDPR, China’s PIPL and Data Security Law through to crisis management, breach notifications, and post-incident remediation. The team is also highly active in AI governance, big data, and data strategies linked to fintech, regtech, and adtech. The practice is led by Shanghai-based Alex Roberts, while in Hong Kong Jasmine Yung draws on her prior experience with the Privacy Commissioner’s Office to support clients on complex regulatory matters.

Praxisleiter:

Alex Roberts


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jasmine Yung


Referenzen

‘Excellent managing associates and eminent partners at the helm. Experienced team with good insights and depth in knowledge of trends and industry. A formidable team in the region.‘

Kernmandanten

Harvest Global Investments Ltd


Equal Justice Limited


FWD


Migrasia


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Harvest on the data protection aspects of its issuance of the first tokenised fund in Hong Kong.
  • Advised Equal Justice on Hong Kong data governance and privacy matters arising from establishment of its CLIX portal.
  • Provided tailored interactive training to FWD to celebrate the Data Privacy Day.

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown is recognised for its strength in privacy and cybersecurity across Asia, with a standout reputation for handling large-scale, multi-jurisdictional cyber incidents. Acting primarily for policyholders, the team is a key player in coordinating crisis management, deploying forensic experts, and ensuring response activity remains protected by legal privilege. Practice head Gabriela Kennedy is highly experienced in IT outsourcing and disputes, as well as telecoms regulatory matters.

Praxisleiter:

Gabriela Kennedy


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Amita Haylock


Referenzen

‘Subject-matter experts, responsive in crisis, strategic and practical.‘ 

Kernmandanten

Airport Authority, Hong Kong


Air8


Mirae Asset Global Investment


Zoom Video Communication


Highlight-Mandate


RPC

RPC is a key adviser to leading tech companies, including major data controllers and social media platforms, and is particularly noted for its ReSecure service, which delivers 24/7 cyber and data breach crisis response across Asia. Practice head Jonathan Crompton is a leading figure in governance and crisis management, frequently acting as breach coach on high-profile cyberattacks. Ivan Chang advises banks, digital asset exchanges, Big Four firms, and data-driven corporates on compliance, cross-border transfers, breach response, and regulatory investigations.

Praxisleiter:

Jonathan Crompton


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ivan Chang


Referenzen

‘A strong team led by Jonathan Crompton that has a wide range of skills and is able to guide clients through very high-pressure situations.‘ 

‘Jonathan Crompton – pragmatic, calm and measured.‘ 

‘Jonathan Crompton is a fantastic partner, on top of being a very capable lawyer. His advice comes with empathy, which is important when it comes to data protection and cybersecurity crises.‘ 

Kernmandanten

Chubb Insurance


ACE Insurance


Huatai Insurance


Markel


Munich Re


Highlight-Mandate


Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie fields a versatile practice covering the full spectrum of privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity matters, ranging from compliance and governance to high-stakes disputes and fraud recovery. Co-heads Isabella Liu and Lex Kuo bring significant expertise in IP and TMT, respectively, while Gary Seib enhances the team’s contentious offering with a focus on cyber fraud recovery.

Praxisleiter:

Isabella Liu; Lex Kuo; Gary Seib


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Isabella Liu; Grace Gao; Dominic Edmondson; Marcia Lee; Victor Yip


Highlight-Mandate


Deacons

Deacons advises on a broad range of issues including cross-border data flows, cybersecurity agreements, digital marketing, consumer protection, and M&A due diligence. The team has particular strength in navigating the evolving PRC data privacy framework. Practice head Machiuanna Chu is a trusted adviser to technology, cryptocurrency, and fintech clients.

Praxisleiter:

Machiuanna Chu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mark Stevens; So Yin Hui; Dora Si; Ian Liu; Theresa Luk


Referenzen

‘The team always provides us with practical and feasible advice, not only explaining the content of the legal regulations but also taking into account how local authorities enforce them in practice, so both we and our clients are satisfied and feel reassured.’

‘Theresa Luk possesses extensive knowledge and practical experience in this industry, and I believe she is a professional with whom we can work together with confidence.’

Highlight-Mandate


Johnson Stokes & Master

With in-depth expertise in cybersecurity incidents, cross-border transfer regulations, and personal information protection law, Johnson Stokes & Master is a key port of call for cyber insurers. TL Lim is well-versed in pre-incident preparation including governance, risk, and liability matters, while Sara Or is knowledgeable of e-payment initiatives. Michelle Yee, Ken TL Lam, and Grace Wong are other key team members.

Praxisleiter:

TL Lim; Sara Or


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Michelle Yee; Ken TL Lam; Grace Wong


Highlight-Mandate