International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has elected a new partner in its Asia dispute resolution practice, based in Hong Kong.

Tim Mak has practised in Hong Kong for 15 years, two of which he spent at financial services regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission, according to a statement released by Freshfields. He was previously partner at Herbert Smith Freehills legal firm.

Mak specialises in both contentious and non-contentious regulatory matters, with a particular focus on regulatory investigations and related proceedings.  

“The regulatory environment in which global financial institutions operate has become more and more challenging over recent years and our clients require access to outstanding advice and support on both contentious and non-contentious regulatory matters in all the key global financial centres. Tim is a fantastic addition to our international team,” said Freshfields Asia managing partner, Robert Ashworth.

“With 15 years on the ground experience in Hong Kong, including acting for PRC clients listed in Hong Kong on SFC matters, Tim knows the market and knows the regulators. His experience and language skills will ensure the best possible advice to our clients as they navigate the changing Hong Kong regulatory waters,” he continued.

According to the statement, Mak will work closely with Freshfields’ Asia head of financial services, Royce Miller, and with contentious regulatory partner Georgia Dawson, to further boost the firm’s offering to financial services clients in the region.

Mak’s appointment is the latest in a number of steps taken by Freshfields in the last 12 months to strengthen its dispute resolution capability in Asia. These have included moving two of its global practice heads to Asia in 2012, Lucy Reed, head of international arbitration, and Geoff Nicholas, co-head of global investigations. In addition, Georgia Dawson was made a partner in May 2012 and John Choong will become a partner on 1 May 2013.

Chris Pugh, the firm’s global head of dispute resolution, said: “Asia is strategically important to our clients and to us. The globalisation of business is increasingly being matched by the globalisation of regulation and enforcement.  We provide top quality support in this crucial area across all the markets that are important to our clients.  Tim further strengthens our capability in Asia and I am delighted that he has joined us.”