CMS bolsters its asset finance offering in Hong Kong with appointment of Conor Warde as partner and Head of Asset Finance - Asia

International law firm CMS has bolstered its asset finance offering in Hong Kong with the recruitment of partner Conor Warde, and his shipping transactional and finance practice.

Conor, who has been based in Asia since 2011, advises clients on transactional, corporate, regulatory and policy matters with particular experience in ship finance and maritime transactional matters. He has been actively involved as a lawyer in the maritime industry since 2004. 

Caryn Miller, Joint Managing Director for Asia and the Middle East, commented: “We are delighted that Conor and his practice are joining our existing Asset Finance team in Hong Kong to develop the practice with Tim Elliott. Conor has built a market leading shipping practice and is widely recognised for his expertise. As Head of Asset Finance in Asia he will be a great addition to our team and will enhance our existing strength and capability in Asia. We look forward to welcoming him to the office and to our global Finance practice.”

CMS has been active in Hong Kong and the wider Asia Pacific region for many years supporting clients across the full spectrum of dispute resolution, asset finance and general financial transactions, corporate/M&A and commercial.

Tim Elliott, Global Head of Asset Finance, commented: “Hong Kong continues to be an important financial centre, and the appointment of Conor and his practice will enhance our regional asset finance practice in Asia, now benefiting from a two-partner team. Conor has been based in Asia for over 12 years and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Asian and international maritime sector. I look forward to working with him and his team.”

Conor added: “I am delighted to join CMS. The firm’s existing ship finance and maritime insurance capability is well recognised in Hong Kong and being able to call on a wider asset finance expertise across the CMS international network offers me a great platform to provide better legal advice to my existing and future clients. The strengths and expertise of my practice will complement the existing team, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues.”

Conor joins CMS from US law firm Mayer Brown, where he was the Head of Shipping Finance and Maritime Transactions.