William Tong

/My focus

Acquisitions and Joint Ventures

I advise my clients in cross-border acquisitions, direct investments, capital raisings and joint ventures. My practice often centers on multinational business operations, particularly in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the United States. I have extensive experience drafting and negotiating sales and purchase agreements and shareholders’ agreements to protect the interests of my clients throughout various transactions.

Succession and Estate Planning, Trust Establishment and Administration

I provide comprehensive advice to affluent families, family offices and professional trustees in Mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong on succession and estate planning. My services extend to guiding clients in the establishment and administration of trusts. With expertise in drafting trust deeds, letters of wishes and wills, I aim to tailor solutions to meet my clients' needs. Additionally, I assist my clients in changing trustee, governing law and the administration forum of existing trusts.

Banking and Commercial Transactions

I advise both lenders and borrowers on a variety of loan transactions. During the period of 2023 to 2024, I successfully managed multiple loan transactions totaling over USD 3 billion for a state-owned enterprise.

Corporate and Commercial Transactions

I have been involved in various IPO projects, serving as either a company lawyer or a sponsor lawyer, facilitating companies primarily operating in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China in their listings on the Main Board or GEM of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. I also advise my clients on compliance and employment issues.

Pro Bono Legal Services

I am deeply committed to providing pro bono legal services, serving as a member of various committees, sub-committees and working groups within the Law Society of Hong Kong. I am actively involved in organizing initiatives that aim to share legal knowledge with the public and youth. In recognition of my commitment, I have been honored with the Pro Bono and Community Service Gold Award from the Law Society of Hong Kong for 9 consecutive years.

/Representative experience

• Delegation of the Law Society of Hong Kong to UIA 62nd Congress (2018) in Porto, Portugal
• Delegation of the Law Society of Hong Kong to UIA 60th Congress (2016) in Budapest, Hungary
• Delegation of the Law Society of Hong Kong to a seminar jointly organized by the Law Society with the National Council of Legal Advisers and Polish Chamber of Commerce (2016) in Warsaw, Poland

/Looking ahead

Estate planning has become increasingly complex, particularly for individuals with worldwide assets. The situation grows even more complicated when family members hold different nationalities and tax residencies. Additionally, staying informed about legal developments across jurisdictions is paramount. For instance, significant amendments to the UK’s tax rules for non-domiciled individuals took effect on 6 April 2025. To safeguard their interests and those of their beneficiaries, individuals are strongly encouraged to seek professional legal advice early.

/Insights

• “Board Composition and Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence on Listed Companies in Hong Kong – Part Two” published in International Corporate Rescue Journal (Vol. 13 – Issue 6) in the United Kingdom (December 2016)
• “Board Composition and Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence on Listed Companies in Hong Kong – Part One” published in International Corporate Rescue Journal (Vol. 13 – Issue 5) in the United Kingdom (October 2016)