International law firm Simmons & Simmons has announced the appointment of Karen Lam as Partner and Head of Hong Kong Securitisation and Derivatives, Greater China, effective 6 January.
Karen will help to lead the firm's Asia asset backed, structured products and derivatives practice, alongside the existing partner team of Jason Valoti, Jonathan Hammond and Sonia Lim, bringing a wealth of experience advising banks, originators, issuers, and investors on securitisations, repackaging, structured notes, certificates of deposit, and Euro commercial paper programs. She also specialises in financial market infrastructure advice, OTC derivatives, securities lending and repurchase agreements, and exchange-traded futures documentation, serving both international and Chinese clients.
Commenting on Karen's appointment, Jason Valoti, partner at Simmons' Financial Markets group in Singapore, said, The addition of Karen's expertise is a significant step forward for our securitisation, structured products and derivatives practice in Asia. Her exceptional knowledge and strong connections with market participants will greatly enhance our ability to provide unparalleled service to clients across Asia Pacific and Greater China. We are delighted to welcome her on board as we continue to expand our capabilities in this growing area.
Having previously practised at Linklaters, where she was a key member of a highly regarded securitisation and derivatives practice, Karen has advised key market players such as the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation on its inaugural and subsequent infrastructure loan backed securities issuances, and the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Bond Connect Company Limited on landmark initiatives like Stock Connect, Bond Connect, Swap Connect, and HKEX's Core Climate carbon trading platform. Her experience also spans ESG, energy transition, and digital assets.
Karen Lam, said, Joining Simmons & Simmons is an incredible opportunity to lead a practice at the forefront of innovation in structured finance and derivatives. I look forward to working with such a talented team to help clients navigate challenges and capture opportunities in structured products, securitisation and derivatives. Simmons' reputation for excellence and forward-thinking makes it the perfect platform to build on the momentum in these dynamic areas.
Karen's hire follows other strategic appointments, including Richard Li, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences (HLS), Greater China, and Kenneth Hui, Head of Hong Kong Regulatory, underscoring the firm's ongoing commitment to strengthening its Financial Markets practice in Asia and delivering best-in-class service and solutions to clients across the region.
This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.