Norton Rose has bumped up the total number of partners it has operating in Asia to 46, with the relocation of London-based partner Davide Barzilai to its Hong Kong office.
                             
Barzilai, whose practice spans the entire spectrum of Islamic banking work, is part of the firm’s strategy to extend its Islamic finance and asset capabilities beyond London and the Middle East into Asia, according to Peter Haslam, head of the firm’s Asian Banking practice. 

Barzilai previously worked at Norton Rose (Asia) in its Singapore office from 2005-2007 and is looking forward to continuing his relationship with his Malaysian and Singaporean clients in the Islamic sector.

Barzilai’s role involves managing the firm’s Islamic finance business in the region from the Hong Kong office.

Despite Singapore being the most natural relocation option for Barzilai, he was posted to Hong Kong to expand Norton Rose’s banking capabilities to reach the Northern Asia region.

“We have a very strong Singapore banking team that covers all our relevant business law sectors. They link into South East Asia as well as Australian sectors. We have a smaller banking team within our Hong Kong office and are looking to grow within Northern Asia side of our banking practice that includes China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea,” Barzilai told ALB this afternoon.

According to Barzilai, the large number of partner relocations into Asia as well as the Middle East is a response to client demand.

“What we’re hearing from clients is that they want full service in these areas. There is a lot of work out here and we are just meeting demand,” Barzilai said.

“In response to client feedback and client demand, we’re adding quite significant resources to strengthen and build on existing local capabilities across our network with particular focus on the asia pacific.

“There are good opportunities and strong growth potential in Asia Pacific. I’ve just hired two lawyers and there is always shortage of suitable lawyers in the Islamic finance sector who have strong banking legal skills as well as an understanding of Islamic drivers,” he said.

Barzilai’s transfer follows the lateral hire of Bahrain-based partner Mohammed Paracha from Al Salam Bank Bahrain BSC.

Barzilai’s appointment means the firm now boasts over 700 lawyers across its 13 Asian offices. Its Hong Kong’s banking and finance team now comprises three partners and 13 fee earners.ALB

Other related stories: 

• Norton Rose merges with Deacons Australia (24 June 2010)
• Norton Rose strengthens Islamic Financing presence in Middle-East (12 Jul 2010)
• Denton Wilde Sapte taps into Islamic finance market with Bahrain ... (9 Feb 2010)