International Private Client

• Chinese ultra-high-net-worth individuals are increasingly relying on offshore trusts, but recent cross-border cases show courts and creditors are increasingly scrutinizing these structures, especially when settlors appear to retain control.
• With rising regulatory scrutiny and evolving laws in China, maintaining strong independent governance and carefully structured protections is essential to keep these trusts effective and shield family wealth.

Read More

• As Sukuk Islamic bonds gain global prominence, investors face distinct enforcement and recovery challenges arising from their Sharia-compliant, asset-linked structures.
• Effective protection of investor value depends on understanding who holds enforcement rights, assessing the true reach of underlying assets, coordinating action across jurisdictions, and ensuring strong engagement among Trustees and Sukuk holders.

Read More

• As AI-generated content becomes more deeply embedded in online news and search ecosystems, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) face growing reputational and legal vulnerabilities.
• Combined with risks such as data scraping, deepfakes, and SEO manipulation, potential distortions can rapidly shape public perception and influence decision makers.
• Effective mitigation requires proactive monitoring, swift correction of false narratives, direct engagement with content platforms, and strategic management of one's digital footprint to preserve credibility.

Read More

• The U.S. is ramping up cross-border enforcement with two new fraud task forces targeting non-U.S. entities, particularly those linked to China.
• These companies should proactively manage disinformation, coordinate legal and communications strategies, and review asset structures with experienced counsel to mitigate escalating risks.

Read More

• Cyprus is emerging as a hub for wealth structuring and investment, offering legal flexibility, EU market access, and favorable tax treatment.
• Success, however, requires proactive structuring, coordination across legal regimes, and integrated tax advisory to ensure defensible and resilient asset protection.

Read More

• In light of the sanctions imposed on Minister Alexandre de Moraes, the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) recently issued a decision reaffirming that foreign laws and acts do not have automatic effect in Brazil—essentially establishing what is known in international law as a “blocking statute.”
• For companies with operations in both Brazil and the U.S., this creates a clear dilemma: complying with U.S. sanctions may violate Brazilian rules; ignoring them may result in penalties in the U.S.
• To mitigate these risks, it is essential to assess potential exposures, coordinate international strategies, and proactively manage reputational and legal risks.

Read More

• The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)’s new Data Security Program imposes strict limits on U.S.-based companies transferring sensitive personal or government-related data to entities linked to “countries of concern”.
• With steep penalties and reputational fallout at stake, China-linked businesses should proactively map data flows, prepare for enforcement risks, and manage public perception early.

Read More

• Family offices are increasingly turning to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for sophisticated wealth structuring, taking advantage of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
• Central to this shift is the attractiveness of UAE foundations, standalone legal entities, similar in function to common law trusts.
• When properly structured, they support cross-border resilience and align with broader wealth planning strategies.

Read More

• The U.S. Government’s latest guidance marks a renewed focus on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement following a temporary pause.
• Companies operating across borders should proactively assess their exposure; strengthening compliance, identifying vulnerabilities, and managing reputational risks are key to navigating this evolving landscape.

Read More

• As Western sanctions limit access to traditional dispute resolution forums for parties from Russia and other sanctioned jurisdictions, entities are increasingly turning to Hong Kong for cross-border arbitration.
• With its neutral legal environment, absence of local sanctions, and global enforceability of awards under the New York Convention, Hong Kong offers a strategic and practical alternative—particularly for sensitive, high-stakes disputes and those involving offshore asset structures.

Read More