Legal Updates

04Nov2022

Data Transfers: Protecting personal data by contractual means

The personal data protection regime in Hong Kong does not contain a statutory restriction on the transfer of personal data outside Hong Kong. However, this does not mean that there are no protections in respect of cross-border personal data transfers. In this article, Pádraig Walsh…Read More

27Oct2022

Data Transfers: Frameworks for organising cross-border data transfers

There are serious legal consequences to a mishandled cross-border personal data transfer. In this article, Pádraig Walsh from our Data Privacy practice explores the steps a business should take when conducting an international data transfer process. Policy and process Good practice does not happen by…Read More

25Oct2022

Legal Update: “Consultant” to employer company held criminally liable for non-payment of wages

Introduction Any employer who, “wilfully and without reasonable excuse”, fails to pay wages to an employee within 7 days of the wage period or date of termination of employment may commit an offence under section 63C of the Employment Ordinance (the “EO”). The punishment can…Read More

20Oct2022

Data Transfers: The ground rules in Hong Kong

The starting point for understanding data transfers under Hong Kong law is to understand the interpretation of key data privacy concepts in Hong Kong. This may seem obvious first principles, but as Pádraig Walsh from our Data Privacy practice explains, sometimes those principles are same…Read More

06Oct2022

Legal update: Security assessment measures on PRC cross-border data transfers

In this snapshot legal update, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (“PCPD”) reminded businesses in Hong Kong to take timely follow-up actions and seek professional advice to comply with the relevant requirements of the Security Assessment Measures on Cross-border Transfers of Data…Read More

21Sep2022

Legal update: SFC review of online investment services

In this snapshot legal update, we report that on 31 August 2022, the Securities and Futures Commission issued a circular to licensed corporations in relation to the SFC’s review of online brokerage, distribution and advisory services (the “Circular”). The SFC conducted a review of the…Read More

29Aug2022

Key Terms of Shareholder Agreements for Investment

1.            Overview A shareholder agreement is an agreement between the shareholders of a company. Shareholder agreements establish additional rights and obligations between the shareholders themselves, and supplement the rights under Articles of Association. As Articles of Association are public, often the shareholders wish to set…Read More

25Aug2022

Legal update: Consultation on proposed acceptance of commitments from seven car distributors

In this snapshot legal update, we report that on 1 August 2022, the Competition Commission commenced a consultation on its proposal to accept legally binding commitments (“Proposed Commitments”) from seven car distributors (covering 17 car brands) (“Distributors”) relating to their restrictive warranty terms and conditions…Read More

23Aug2022

When a director’s days are numbered… removal of directors under the Companies Ordinance of Hong Kong

Members of a Hong Kong private company may remove a director without cause subject to the requirements set out in the Companies Ordinance (“CO”). The general requirements are set out in s. 462 and s. 463 of the CO. They are:   A director may…Read More

15Aug2022

Equity Incentive Plans

1. What is an equity incentive plan? An equity incentive plan is a scheme adopted and approved by a company that sets out rules that apply to a contract between a company and an individual to provide the individual an interest in or linked to…Read More

08Aug2022

Subscription Agreements for Investment

Overview A subscription agreement sets out the terms of an equity investment into the company. It will set out the commercial terms of the investment such as the subscription price for shares, and the class and number of shares to be purchased. It will bind…Read More

28Jul2022

Legal update: Law Reform Commission public consultation on new cyber-crimes 

In this snapshot legal update, we report that on 20 July 2022, the cybercrime sub-committee of the Law Reform Commission published a consultation paper with its recommendations to introduce five new cyber crimes into law in Hong Kong. The consultation paper followed a comparative and…Read More