By Christopher Hooley, Partner

Introduction

Hong Kong is often regarded by many as an affluent city with its countless luxury motorcars and designer boutiques. There are, however, many who live in another world.

Hong Kong has a workforce of some 3,500,000, of whom some 410,000 (more than 10% of the workforce) are paid less than HK$4,000 a month. Hong Kong has a long hours and hard work culture and such low wages are often perceived as being exploitative. In an attempt to defuse any claims of exploitation, the Hong Kong Government has, after vigorous debate, passed the Minimum Wage Ordinance, which comes into force on 1st May 2011.

By Christopher Hooley, Partner

Introduction

Hong Kong is often regarded by many as an affluent city with its countless luxury motorcars and designer boutiques. There are, however, many who live in another world.

Hong Kong has a workforce of some 3,500,000, of whom some 410,000 (more than 10% of the workforce) are paid less than HK$4,000 a month. Hong Kong has a long hours and hard work culture and such low wages are often perceived as being exploitative. In an attempt to defuse any claims of exploitation, the Hong Kong Government has, after vigorous debate, passed the Minimum Wage Ordinance, which comes into force on 1st May 2011.

By Richard Healy, Partner

As one of the world's fastest growing economies, China rapidly become a "hot spot" for foreign investment. However, U.S. companies doing business in China must understand the risk and challenge in terms of US Foreign Corruption Practices Act ("FCPA") compliance.

By Kenneth Yung, Associate

An update to our previous article - Prenuptial Agreements cannot be disregarded by Paul Firmin, Partner

After months of speculation and anticipation, nine highly respected judges from the English Supreme Court gave their judgment in Radmacher v Granatino on 20^th October 2010. By a majority of eight to one, they upheld the Court of Appeal's decision, holding the husband Nicholas Granatino to the pre-nuptial agreement he signed before he married Katrin Radmacher, a German heiress who worth approximately £100 million.