With the COVID-19 pandemic rendering offices empty (for the large part), and triggering new remote working policies and protocols, the future of the traditional office remains uncertain. And this has come at a time when virtual law firms – such as Rimon Law, which recently opened an office in Shenzhen – grow in prominence. However, some in the industry feel that working virtually may not be for everyone just yet.

With populations largely grounded and demand for flights disappearing almost overnight, the aviation industry has taken a battering. However, new areas of opportunity are emerging, partly as a result of regulatory flexibility, but also due to advancements in technology. 

With traditional ways of working turned upside down by the global coronavirus pandemic, and meetings largely being moved online, Thailand’s government has issued an emergency decree outlining electronic meeting regulations. While the response so far has been positive, there are a few areas where businesses are awaiting further clarity. 

When the pandemic hit, law firms went into a state of emergency as they looked to mitigate the worst of the impacts. Now, as the conditions begin to evolve and economies look to re-open, firms are carefully weighing up what the picture may look like in the longer term. Assisting them are legal networks, which are working hard to ensure their members can operate at their best.

The past few months have been busy for Tan Boon Gin, CEO of Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo). Not only has he announced a flurry of regulatory guidelines and proposals, but he also has further areas of reform in mind. He recently spoke to ALB about what’s on the horizon for SGX, investors and business in Singapore.

As trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue to flare up, Chinese technology companies operating on American soil have become the latest targets of the Trump administration. And Trump’s recent targeting of Chinese-owned social media app TikTok is being seen as something of a harbinger for future sanctions.

Designing a compliance programme that is robust and yet flexible enough to span multiple jurisdictions and industries is an increasingly common challenge for businesses as they expand their presence across Asia’s varied countries. And regardless of where businesses may be located, there are a few essential elements to include, experts say, warning there can be significant costs for overlooking these. 

When the U.S.-China trade war began, it triggered a sudden rush to rethink and diversify supply chains. Some in Hong Kong sought to deploy the first sale rule, while others looked to strengthen their footprint in other markets in a bid to round out their Asia presence.

On Aug. 11, the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) passed a decision to implement pilot measures that will allow Hong Kong lawyers to practice in nine cities in the Greater Bay Area. Lawyers in Hong Kong and on the mainland say the measures provide more room for the professional development of Hong Kong lawyers, and facilitate the growth of legal services on the mainland.

Legal insights firm Acritas has unveiled its Asia-Pacific Law Firm Brand Index 2020, revealing the top 10 law firms in the region by brand value.