Herbert Smith has launched an insolvency and restructuring practice in Hong Kong after hiring Appleby partner Michael Barker.

Michael Barker

Michael Barker

Barker, who joined Appleby in 2007 from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, specialises in insolvency and restructuring and will launch the firm’s non-contentious restructuring and insolvency practice in the China region.

Herbert Smith Asia head Ashley Alder said: “An increasing number of financial institutions and corporates in Asia are now looking for big-ticket restructuring and insolvency advice and the timely hire of Michael will allow us to offer them precisely that.”

Before joining Appleby, Barker was head of Freshfields’ Asia regional insolvency and restructuring group.

Herbert Smith finance head Jason Fox said: “New money finance work has lessened while restructuring and insolvency work is increasing, so it makes sense for us to focus our efforts in this area.”