Clifford Chance shores up Far East

Clifford Chance shores up Far East" />Clifford Chance has moved to strengthen its Far East presence with the relocation of London partner Geraint Hughes to Hong Kong and the hire of a Norton Rose partner in Singapore.

Energy and infrastructure partner Hughes, who has been qualified in Hong Kong since 1993, has spent time in the firm’s Hong Kong and Singapore offices since joining from Slaughter and May in 1996. He will relocate permanently to the region in June.

Norton Rose asset finance partner Simon Briscoe, who has worked in Asia and the Middle East for 16 years, will join Clifford Chance’s Singapore office in the autumn.

Huw Jenkins, head of the firm’s Asian finance and projects practice, said of Hughes: “Geraint's track record of work for the world's leading energy companies, combined with his familiarity with Asia, will allow him to drive the development of our energy and infrastructure practice in the region.

“The energy and infrastructure sectors are growing at an unprecedented rate in Asia, with clients active in all areas and a rapid rate of change - from security of supply through to new sustainable sources of power.”

Hughes counts Royal Dutch/Shell, Globeleq and Salamander Energy among his clients.

Briscoe, whose practice is focused on cross-border aviation and project finance, is to head Clifford Chance’s Asian asset finance practice.

Jenkins said: “Aircraft finance activity in Asia is thriving, and our international and regional clients expect us to have a strong and knowledgeable team on the ground in the region. With expertise in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo and now Singapore, we can be sure of providing the service that they require.”