CMS finance partner relocates to Hong Kong

CMS is pleased to announce that London-based partner Tim Elliott has relocated to co-lead the firm’s Hong Kong office together with German CMS partner Nicolas Wiegand and to build out CMS’ finance capabilities in the region alongside its newly established disputes offering. The firm obtained its Hong Kong license in September 2016, and will initially be focusing on those product areas with one of its key aims in 2017 to strengthen its capabilities in Asset Finance and Energy Finance.

Tim Elliott says: “We have for some time been pressed by our existing clients and contacts in the region to provide more on the ground support in Asia, and my job is to assist to establishing that support. We see substantial growth potential here in transportation, renewable and oil and gas financing in particular and we want to invest in that growth and partner more closely with clients in the region.”

Duncan Weston, CMS Executive Partner for Global Development adds: “The finance market in Hong Kong and the wider region is growing rapidly. Having Tim on the ground will enhance our ability to support clients and help drive forward the firm’s growth plans in the region. We are excited by the prospects that the Asia-Pacific market offers, and with presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore and now Hong Kong, we will continue to build on our position and seek out opportunities that best serve our clients.”

CMS has a growing asset and energy finance practice with recognised specialisms in aviation, shipping and offshore marine, renewables, power and oil and gas financing. Tim joined CMS in 2013 to lead this group, and works with export credit agencies, owners, banks, lessors and portfolio managers on a wide range of debt and leasing transactions across the asset and commodity classes. Recent mandate highlights include acting for Bumi Armada Berhad in respect of its USD 1.2 billion syndicated facility for the financing of FPSO Armada Cabaca in Angola, and lead the team acting for OSX Group in connection with its financial restructuring following its entry into processo de recuperação judicial in Brazil.