PRC law firm Jingtian & Gongcheng has bolstered its banking and finance practice in Hong Kong after hiring seasoned practitioner James Ma as a partner from Paul Hastings.

With over 20 years of experience, Ma specialises in banking and finance, restructuring and M&A, with a focus on cross-border transactions in greater China and Asian markets. His expertise includes leveraged financings, bond offerings, IPOs, privatisation, real estate financings, trade financings, project financings, and various banking facilities.

Ma’s clientele consists of state-owned enterprises, commercial companies, investment banks, and private equity funds. His project experience spans multiple sectors, including real estate, hospitality, energy, mining, manufacturing, retail, transportation, communications, high technology, clean energy, biotechnology, medicine, textiles, food and beverage, education, advertising, and information technology.

"The addition of Ma fully demonstrates Jingtian & Gongcheng's strategic plan to continuously attract top talents in key markets. His profound experience and business acumen will further enhance our ability to provide outstanding legal services to clients in the dynamic Asian market environment," said Zhao Yang, chairman of the management committee of Jingtian, in a statement.

Elaine Lo, managing partner of Jingtian's Hong Kong office, added, “James joining our Hong Kong team brings significant strength. His outstanding achievements in cross-border banking and finance, along with his ability to offer innovative solutions to complex challenges, will enhance our capability to serve clients in the Greater China region and beyond.”

Chinese law firms in Hong Kong have been steadily bulking up in recent years, and Jingtian is no different. In 2024, the firm hired IP partner Benjamin Choi from local outfit Oldham Li & Nie, and capital markets partners Vivian Yiu and Huang Ke from Morrison & Foerster. 

With the addition of Ma, the firm now has 17 partners in its Hong Kong office.