Clifford Chance has announced the appointment of Liyong Xing as partner within its Global Funds and Investment Management team, effective June 13.
In her new role, Xing will be responsible for growing Clifford Chance’s client offering throughout the Asia Pacific region, whilst focussing on advising primary fundraises and secondary transactions in the technology and healthcare sectors.
Speaking to FinanceAsia, Andrew Crook, head of Corporate Practice in APAC, commented on the increase in demand for exposure to private equity from institutional investors, driven by the current geopolitical and economic environment.
He added that the fundraising space remains robust despite public market volatility.
“We see these opportunities aligned to our strengths,” Crook told FA, citing the firm’s ability to help clients navigate a complex regulatory and cultural environment. He also detailed the team's ability to improve corporate governance within funds and investment portfolios, aid ESG integration, and source investment opportunities, as examples of its expertise.
Prior to joining Clifford Chance, Xing’s partner role at Kirkland & Ellis saw her represent numerous private equity firms throughout Greater China. Of note, Xing advised research-based firm Loyal Valley Capital on its formation of three flagship private equity funds, which raised a combined total of over $1.7 billion between 2018 and 2020.
Xing’s recruitment follows the recent announcement of several new joiners to Clifford Chance’s Global Funds and Investment Management team, including the appointments of Ildefonso Alier in Madrid, as well as Kelly Labritz, William Sturman, and Vadim Avdeychik in New York.
FA understands that Xing’s appointment in Hong Kong is newly created and reflects an expansion of the firm’s Funds and Investment Management practice.
“The firm is always on the lookout for top talent in the market, aligned with client needs,” Crook added.
