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Vasu B. Muthyala photo
Vasu B. Muthyala
Lawyer
Hong Kong
ICBC Tower, 6th Floor
3 Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2127 3214
vasu.muthyala@kobrekim.com
vCard Download 
Hong Kong
ICBC Tower, 6th Floor
3 Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2127 3214
vasu.muthyala@kobrekim.com
vCard Download 

Vasu Muthyala represents Asia-based individuals and multinational corporations in a broad range of cross-border government investigations and regulatory enforcement matters. Mr. Muthyala focuses his practice on U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, anti-money laundering, sanctions and securities fraud.

As one of the only former U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement lawyers in Asia, Mr. Muthyala regularly advises on, and is invited by in-house counsel and industry groups to speak about, the U.S. government’s enforcement efforts. He has also been quoted on these topics by publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Economist. His work and international experience have garnered awards from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the Global Investigations Review.

Before working with clients in Asia, Mr. Muthyala spent more than a decade with the DOJ (as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia) and at the SEC. As a senior prosecutor in the Fraud and Public Corruption section of the U.S. Attorney's Office, Mr. Muthyala focused on corporate and securities fraud and worked on matters with the SEC, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and United States Agency for International Development. Mr. Muthyala was also a member of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Working Group of U.S. President Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, focusing on financial crimes relating to the financial crisis and economic recovery efforts. As an enforcement lawyer at the SEC, Mr. Muthyala investigated and litigated cases arising under U.S. securities laws, including accounting fraud, insider trading and market manipulation.

This unique background allows Mr. Muthyala to help Asia-based clients navigate U.S. regulatory and enforcement matters.

Before joining Kobre & Kim in Hong Kong, Mr. Muthyala practiced at O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Washington DC.

SERVICES

Admissions

  • Registered Foreign Lawyer, Hong Kong
  • California
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Education

  • Pepperdine University, JD
  • University of California, Irvine, BA

Accolades

  • Chambers Global, Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (International Firms) – China, Band 2 (2021)
  • The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, Regulatory: Anti-Corruption and Compliance (Hong Kong)
  • Chambers Asia Pacific, Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (International Firms) – China
SERVICES

Select Engagements

Government Enforcement Defense

  • Representation of a Hong Kong based senior-level executive of a Mauritius entity in a cross-border investigation by the Indian Directorate of Enforcement for violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
  • Representation of high-ranking executives in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations relating to conduct in India, China, Australia, Mexico and Germany.
  • Representation of compliance executives with regional and global responsibilities for a major international financial institution in connection with a New York Department of Financial Services investigation into the institution's Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance program.
  • Representation of several individuals pursuant to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of the Treasury (DOT) investigation into violations of the Iranian sanctions regime.
  • Representation of a director in a conflict-of-interest investigation.
  • Representation of senior government officials in U.S. congressional investigations.

Investigations & Monitorships

  • Representation of a multinational U.S.-based Fortune 100 company in an internal investigation of possible fraud and corruption stemming from its operations in Asia.
  • Representation of an industry-leading global entity in a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation focused in Asia.
  • Representation of multiple Asia based international manufacturers in investigations by the U.S. Department of Energy regarding energy consumption standards.
  • Representation of a major financial institution in an U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation regarding Municipal Securities Rule Making Board (MSRB).
  • Representation of a multilateral financial institution in an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding whistleblower allegations of corruption.
  • Representation of a national mortgage-servicing company in connection with an SEC investigation regarding the adequacy of disclosures in offering memoranda for residential mortgage-backed securities.
  • Representation of a leading global financial services institution in an SEC investigation relating to an alternative trading system.
  • Representation of a national entity in an SEC investigation regarding insider trading and the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act).
  • Representation of a global entity in connection with the implementation of an FCPA compliance program.
  • Representation of a global medical device firm in an internal investigation in India concerning whistleblower allegations of self-dealing and a kickback scheme.
  • Representation of a global medical device firm in an Foreign Corrupt Practice Act (FCPA) investigation in India.
  • Representation of a global medical device firm in an investigation in India concerning whistleblower allegations of gifts to health care providers.
  • Representation of a U.S. equities and trading company in an internal investigation into a theft of confidential information and trade secrets dispute.

Claim Monetization & Dilution

  • Representation of a Fortune 500 company defrauded of US $17 million in an asset recovery action in respect of Hong Kong and Chinese defendants.
 
SERVICES

Professional & Community Involvement

  • American Bar Association Securities Enforcement Subcommittee of the Criminal Litigation Committee, Co-Chair
  • American Bar Association Securities Enforcement Subcommittee of the Criminal Litigation Committee, Co-Chair
  • Assistant United States Attorneys Association for the District of Columbia, Board Member
  • Pepperdine University School of Law Externship Program Advisory Committee, Board Member
  • United States Chamber of Commerce’s US India Business Council, Member
  • Edward Bennett Williams Inn of Court, Barrister
  • Association of Securities and Exchange Commission Alumni, Member
  • Asian Pacific American Bar Association — DC, Nominations Committee
  • U.S. Attorney’s Office, DC Diversity Committee, Member (2010-2011)
SERVICES

Publications & Presentations

  • Panelist, “Best practice to address third party risks in a COVID world and beyond” (AMCHAM India, August 2020)
  • Author, “US-China Relationship Holds Lessons For US-India Trade” (Law360, July 2020)
  • Moderator, “Handling Crisis Management and Safeguarding Corporate Reputation during Regulatory Investigations” (Asian Legal Business In-House Legal Summit, Mumbai, February 2020)
  • Speaker, “Forum on Investigations and Enforcement in Asia-Pacific” (Cambridge Forum Inc., Singapore, December 2019)
  • Panelist, “Double Jeopardy: The Relationship between Administrative Process and Criminal Proceedings” (International Bar Association Annual Conference, Seoul, September 2019)
  • Speaker, “Anti-Corruption and FCPA Compliance Master Class” (American Chamber of Commerce, New Delhi, August 2019)
  • Speaker, “Global Compliance & Risk Management in the Big Picture: A Complete Guide to Evolving Your Program and Managing the Convergence of Anti-Corruption, Fraud, AML and Economic Sanctions Risks” (American Conference Institute, Washington D.C., July 2019)
  • Moderator, “What Went Wrong – The Volkswagen Story” (TRACE International Bribery and Economic Crime Summit, Vancouver, June 2019)
  • Panelist, “Are You Affected By Risk?” (Legal Plus Asia, Hong Kong, May 2019)
  • Moderator, “Corporate Ethics and Compliance in India – How can In-House Lawyers Work Better,” (India In-House Legal Summit, Mumbai, February 2019)
  • Speaker, “Anti-Corruption Enforcement Environment and Investigative Trends in the Asia Pacific Region,” (7th Anti-Corruption Compliance Asia Pacific Summit, Hong Kong, December 2018)
  • Co-author, “ From ‘Fragile Five’ to Global Powerhouse – Regulators Will Respond to the New Indian Economy” (Bloomberg Law, October 2018)
  • Panelist, "AMCHAM India Anti-Corruption & FCPA Compliance Masterclass 2018" (American Chamber of Commerce in India, New Delhi, August 2018)
  • Speaker, "White Collar Crimes" (The 7th Edition of Legal Era Conclave, New York, May 2018)
  • Speaker, "Handling Crisis Management and Safeguarding Corporate Reputation during Regulatory Investigations" (ALB Hong Kong Anti-Corruption Forum, March 2018)
  • Guest Contributor, "Bribe, Swindle or Steal - Spotlight on India" (TRACE International Podcast, February 2018)
  • Speaker, "Anti-Corruption Enforcement Trends & Impacts on India" (Indian School of Business Compliance Management Programme, Hyderabad, December 2017)
  • Speaker, "Anti-Corruption Compliance and Risk Management Master Class 2017" (American Chamber of Commerce in India, Delhi, August 2017)
  • Speaker, “FCPA and Chinese Anti-Corruption Legislation & Enforcement Trends" (TRACE Anti-Bribery Workshop, Beijing, May 2017)
  • Speaker, "Economic Crimes in India and the Associated Investor Challenges — Corruption to Fraud" (United States-India Business Council, Webinar, March 2017)
  • Speaker, "Focus: India" (IFLR Asia M&A Forum, Hong Kong, March 2017)
  • Co-author, "Of Carrots and Sticks" (India Business Law Journal, January 2017)
  • Speaker, "Comparison of Practical Policies for Gifts and Hospitality in Different Asia Pacific Countries" (Duxes Anti-Corruption Compliance Asia Pacific Summit, December 2016)
  • Co-author, "Cash Buyer, Beware of New Reporting Requirements" (GlobeSt.com, September 2016)
  • Speaker, “India’s X Factor: Corruption” (United States-India Business Counsel, Webinar, August 2016)
  • Co-author, "A Prayer for Prevention" (Asia Business Law Journal, July 2016)
  • Speaker, "Privacy, Privilege, and Procedure: Perspectives from Foreign Lawyers" (New York City Bar Association Annual White Collar Crime Institute Conference, New York, May 2016)
  • Speaker, "The FCPA, UKBA and India’s Prevention of Corruption Act: Requirements and Enforcement Trends" (TRACE Anti-Bribery Workshop, Bangalore, April 2016)
  • Speaker, "Top Trends in Governmental FCPA and Anti-Corruption Enforcement and In-House Corporate Trends to Address Them" (American Chamber of Commerce — India and BDO FCPA Master Class, New Delhi, April 2016)
  • Speaker, "Enforcement of the FCPA and Chinese Anti-Bribery Legislation: Impact of High Profile Investigations on Business Dealings in China" (TRACE Anti-Bribery Workshop, Shanghai, April 2016)
  • Co-author, "India Rising - Tread Cautiously" (Regulation Asia, March 2016)
  • Speaker, "Anti-Money Laundering Regulation and FCPA Issues in a Cross-Border Acquisition" (India-United States Cross Border Investment 2.0: Counseling in Reform Environments, American Bar Association Section of International Law, New Delhi, February 2016)
  • Speaker, "Third Party Management with High Corruption Risks in Developing APAC Countries" (The 3rd Anti-Corruption Compliance Asia Pacific Summit, Hong Kong, December 2015)
  • Speaker, "White Collar Issues in Indo-US Context: A Commercial Approach toward Risk Management" (United States-India Business Council’s 7th Annual Legal Services Conference, New Delhi, November 2015)
  • Speaker, "Managing FCPA Investigations in China" (United States-China Legal Summit, San Francisco, October 2014)
  • Speaker, "Compliance and Investigations in India’s Evolving Anti-Corruption Landscape" (United States-India Business Council, Webinar, February 2014)
  • Speaker, "SEC Enforcement: Recap and the Path Ahead" (NAPABA Convention, Kansas City, November 2013)
  • Author, "The CFTC's New Era of Aggressive Enforcement, Criminal Litigation" (American Bar Association Section of Litigation, 2013)
  • Speaker, "Trends Impacting Business In India & The Correct Compliance Response" (United States-India Business Council, Washington DC, March 2013)
  • Speaker, "Managing Cross-Border Investigations in Today’s Enforcement Environment" (Catalyst Powering Complex Legal Matters, New York City, January 2013)
  • Speaker, "Best Practices in Fraud Investigations and Emerging Trends in SEC Enforcement" (37th Annual HNBA Conference, Seattle, August 2012)
  • Contributing author, "FCPA Compliance in India: Making Headlines for the Right Reasons" (Chamber of Commerce’s India Business Council, 2012)
  • Contributing author, "What’s In Your Private Equity Portfolio? Not Knowing Could Result In Increased Risk Of Violating The UK Bribery Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act" (Practising Law Institute, 2012)
  • Speaker, "Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act: Understanding When and How the Act Will Impact You" (NAPABA Convention, Atlanta, November 2011)
  • Speaker, "Capital Markets Training Program" (Securities and Exchange Board of India and Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai, November 2002)
SERVICES

Credentials

Admissions

  • Registered Foreign Lawyer, Hong Kong
  • California
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Education

  • Pepperdine University, JD
  • University of California, Irvine, BA

Accolades

  • Chambers Global, Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (International Firms) – China, Band 2 (2021)
  • The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, Regulatory: Anti-Corruption and Compliance (Hong Kong)
  • Chambers Asia Pacific, Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (International Firms) – China

Engagements

Government Enforcement Defense

  • Representation of a Hong Kong based senior-level executive of a Mauritius entity in a cross-border investigation by the Indian Directorate of Enforcement for violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
  • Representation of high-ranking executives in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations relating to conduct in India, China, Australia, Mexico and Germany.
  • Representation of compliance executives with regional and global responsibilities for a major international financial institution in connection with a New York Department of Financial Services investigation into the institution's Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) compliance program.
  • Representation of several individuals pursuant to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of the Treasury (DOT) investigation into violations of the Iranian sanctions regime.
  • Representation of a director in a conflict-of-interest investigation.
  • Representation of senior government officials in U.S. congressional investigations.

Investigations & Monitorships

  • Representation of a multinational U.S.-based Fortune 100 company in an internal investigation of possible fraud and corruption stemming from its operations in Asia.
  • Representation of an industry-leading global entity in a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation focused in Asia.
  • Representation of multiple Asia based international manufacturers in investigations by the U.S. Department of Energy regarding energy consumption standards.
  • Representation of a major financial institution in an U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation regarding Municipal Securities Rule Making Board (MSRB).
  • Representation of a multilateral financial institution in an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding whistleblower allegations of corruption.
  • Representation of a national mortgage-servicing company in connection with an SEC investigation regarding the adequacy of disclosures in offering memoranda for residential mortgage-backed securities.
  • Representation of a leading global financial services institution in an SEC investigation relating to an alternative trading system.
  • Representation of a national entity in an SEC investigation regarding insider trading and the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act).
  • Representation of a global entity in connection with the implementation of an FCPA compliance program.
  • Representation of a global medical device firm in an internal investigation in India concerning whistleblower allegations of self-dealing and a kickback scheme.
  • Representation of a global medical device firm in an Foreign Corrupt Practice Act (FCPA) investigation in India.
  • Representation of a global medical device firm in an investigation in India concerning whistleblower allegations of gifts to health care providers.
  • Representation of a U.S. equities and trading company in an internal investigation into a theft of confidential information and trade secrets dispute.

Claim Monetization & Dilution

  • Representation of a Fortune 500 company defrauded of US $17 million in an asset recovery action in respect of Hong Kong and Chinese defendants.

News

Professional & Community Involvement

  • American Bar Association Securities Enforcement Subcommittee of the Criminal Litigation Committee, Co-Chair
  • American Bar Association Securities Enforcement Subcommittee of the Criminal Litigation Committee, Co-Chair
  • Assistant United States Attorneys Association for the District of Columbia, Board Member
  • Pepperdine University School of Law Externship Program Advisory Committee, Board Member
  • United States Chamber of Commerce’s US India Business Council, Member
  • Edward Bennett Williams Inn of Court, Barrister
  • Association of Securities and Exchange Commission Alumni, Member
  • Asian Pacific American Bar Association — DC, Nominations Committee
  • U.S. Attorney’s Office, DC Diversity Committee, Member (2010-2011)

Publications & Presentations

  • Panelist, “Best practice to address third party risks in a COVID world and beyond” (AMCHAM India, August 2020)
  • Author, “US-China Relationship Holds Lessons For US-India Trade” (Law360, July 2020)
  • Moderator, “Handling Crisis Management and Safeguarding Corporate Reputation during Regulatory Investigations” (Asian Legal Business In-House Legal Summit, Mumbai, February 2020)
  • Speaker, “Forum on Investigations and Enforcement in Asia-Pacific” (Cambridge Forum Inc., Singapore, December 2019)
  • Panelist, “Double Jeopardy: The Relationship between Administrative Process and Criminal Proceedings” (International Bar Association Annual Conference, Seoul, September 2019)
  • Speaker, “Anti-Corruption and FCPA Compliance Master Class” (American Chamber of Commerce, New Delhi, August 2019)
  • Speaker, “Global Compliance & Risk Management in the Big Picture: A Complete Guide to Evolving Your Program and Managing the Convergence of Anti-Corruption, Fraud, AML and Economic Sanctions Risks” (American Conference Institute, Washington D.C., July 2019)
  • Moderator, “What Went Wrong – The Volkswagen Story” (TRACE International Bribery and Economic Crime Summit, Vancouver, June 2019)
  • Panelist, “Are You Affected By Risk?” (Legal Plus Asia, Hong Kong, May 2019)
  • Moderator, “Corporate Ethics and Compliance in India – How can In-House Lawyers Work Better,” (India In-House Legal Summit, Mumbai, February 2019)
  • Speaker, “Anti-Corruption Enforcement Environment and Investigative Trends in the Asia Pacific Region,” (7th Anti-Corruption Compliance Asia Pacific Summit, Hong Kong, December 2018)
  • Co-author, “ From ‘Fragile Five’ to Global Powerhouse – Regulators Will Respond to the New Indian Economy” (Bloomberg Law, October 2018)
  • Panelist, "AMCHAM India Anti-Corruption & FCPA Compliance Masterclass 2018" (American Chamber of Commerce in India, New Delhi, August 2018)
  • Speaker, "White Collar Crimes" (The 7th Edition of Legal Era Conclave, New York, May 2018)
  • Speaker, "Handling Crisis Management and Safeguarding Corporate Reputation during Regulatory Investigations" (ALB Hong Kong Anti-Corruption Forum, March 2018)
  • Guest Contributor, "Bribe, Swindle or Steal - Spotlight on India" (TRACE International Podcast, February 2018)
  • Speaker, "Anti-Corruption Enforcement Trends & Impacts on India" (Indian School of Business Compliance Management Programme, Hyderabad, December 2017)
  • Speaker, "Anti-Corruption Compliance and Risk Management Master Class 2017" (American Chamber of Commerce in India, Delhi, August 2017)
  • Speaker, “FCPA and Chinese Anti-Corruption Legislation & Enforcement Trends" (TRACE Anti-Bribery Workshop, Beijing, May 2017)
  • Speaker, "Economic Crimes in India and the Associated Investor Challenges — Corruption to Fraud" (United States-India Business Council, Webinar, March 2017)
  • Speaker, "Focus: India" (IFLR Asia M&A Forum, Hong Kong, March 2017)
  • Co-author, "Of Carrots and Sticks" (India Business Law Journal, January 2017)
  • Speaker, "Comparison of Practical Policies for Gifts and Hospitality in Different Asia Pacific Countries" (Duxes Anti-Corruption Compliance Asia Pacific Summit, December 2016)
  • Co-author, "Cash Buyer, Beware of New Reporting Requirements" (GlobeSt.com, September 2016)
  • Speaker, “India’s X Factor: Corruption” (United States-India Business Counsel, Webinar, August 2016)
  • Co-author, "A Prayer for Prevention" (Asia Business Law Journal, July 2016)
  • Speaker, "Privacy, Privilege, and Procedure: Perspectives from Foreign Lawyers" (New York City Bar Association Annual White Collar Crime Institute Conference, New York, May 2016)
  • Speaker, "The FCPA, UKBA and India’s Prevention of Corruption Act: Requirements and Enforcement Trends" (TRACE Anti-Bribery Workshop, Bangalore, April 2016)
  • Speaker, "Top Trends in Governmental FCPA and Anti-Corruption Enforcement and In-House Corporate Trends to Address Them" (American Chamber of Commerce — India and BDO FCPA Master Class, New Delhi, April 2016)
  • Speaker, "Enforcement of the FCPA and Chinese Anti-Bribery Legislation: Impact of High Profile Investigations on Business Dealings in China" (TRACE Anti-Bribery Workshop, Shanghai, April 2016)
  • Co-author, "India Rising - Tread Cautiously" (Regulation Asia, March 2016)
  • Speaker, "Anti-Money Laundering Regulation and FCPA Issues in a Cross-Border Acquisition" (India-United States Cross Border Investment 2.0: Counseling in Reform Environments, American Bar Association Section of International Law, New Delhi, February 2016)
  • Speaker, "Third Party Management with High Corruption Risks in Developing APAC Countries" (The 3rd Anti-Corruption Compliance Asia Pacific Summit, Hong Kong, December 2015)
  • Speaker, "White Collar Issues in Indo-US Context: A Commercial Approach toward Risk Management" (United States-India Business Council’s 7th Annual Legal Services Conference, New Delhi, November 2015)
  • Speaker, "Managing FCPA Investigations in China" (United States-China Legal Summit, San Francisco, October 2014)
  • Speaker, "Compliance and Investigations in India’s Evolving Anti-Corruption Landscape" (United States-India Business Council, Webinar, February 2014)
  • Speaker, "SEC Enforcement: Recap and the Path Ahead" (NAPABA Convention, Kansas City, November 2013)
  • Author, "The CFTC's New Era of Aggressive Enforcement, Criminal Litigation" (American Bar Association Section of Litigation, 2013)
  • Speaker, "Trends Impacting Business In India & The Correct Compliance Response" (United States-India Business Council, Washington DC, March 2013)
  • Speaker, "Managing Cross-Border Investigations in Today’s Enforcement Environment" (Catalyst Powering Complex Legal Matters, New York City, January 2013)
  • Speaker, "Best Practices in Fraud Investigations and Emerging Trends in SEC Enforcement" (37th Annual HNBA Conference, Seattle, August 2012)
  • Contributing author, "FCPA Compliance in India: Making Headlines for the Right Reasons" (Chamber of Commerce’s India Business Council, 2012)
  • Contributing author, "What’s In Your Private Equity Portfolio? Not Knowing Could Result In Increased Risk Of Violating The UK Bribery Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act" (Practising Law Institute, 2012)
  • Speaker, "Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act: Understanding When and How the Act Will Impact You" (NAPABA Convention, Atlanta, November 2011)
  • Speaker, "Capital Markets Training Program" (Securities and Exchange Board of India and Bombay Stock Exchange, Mumbai, November 2002)

“Vasu Muthyala has ‘a unique insight into regulator expectations.’” - The Legal 500 Asia Pacific