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Matt Bower

Partner

Email

matt.bower@aoshearman.com

Phone

+852 2974 7131

Offices

Hong Kong

V-CARD
Matt is Head of Hong Kong Litigation and Investigations.

Matt advises financial institutions and corporates in litigation before the High Courts of Hong Kong and England & Wales as well as on internal and regulatory investigations.

Matt has particular expertise in disputes arising from derivatives, facility loans and asset management complaints and has substantial experience advising clients on the conduct of regulatory and internal investigations, having advised on high profile benchmark investigations concerning financial services conduct and competition issues and investigations on broader misconduct such as bullying.

Experience

Representative matters

An international investment bank in connection with a sensitive investigation arising out of the listing of a PRC technology company in the U.S.. One of the first investigations in the PRC tech sector undertaken overseas that arose from the application of new policy and data and national security laws in the PRC. 
 
A global bank in financial conduct and anti-trust investigations across APAC arising from its foreign exchange trading operations. The investigations raised numerous jurisdictional issues, extending to conduct offshore to domestic markets. 
 
A global bank in defence of proceedings brought against it for alleged mis-selling of derivatives in Mainland China and its strategic options to seek relief in England. 
 
A financial institution as facility agent in its pursuit of a US$284m debt claim against a high-profile personal guarantor. Our client successfully obtained summary judgment notwithstanding allegations of forgery raised in defence. 
 
Two financial services companies in defence of proceedings for USD280 million before the English High Court for their alleged primary alternatively vicarious liability arising from unlawful means conspiracy undertaken by employees of subsidiary companies within the group among others.

Pro bono

Matt is Allen & Overy Hong Kong’s Social Impact Partner. 
 
Advising the Equal Opportunities Commission on the differential treatment between individuals based on their relationship status including same sex relationships and cohabitation under Hong Kong law (see here for the report) 
 
Advising Justice Without Borders and its clients as victims of labour exploitation and human trafficking. 
 
Advising the Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women on the availability of civil remedies for victims of image-based sexual violence under Hong Kong law and the training of ACSVAW counsellors to support victims in pursuit of such remedies.

Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker, Compliance, HKVCA Private Equity Fundamentals Course, November 2023
  • Speaker, Sensitive Internal Investigations, ALB Hong Kong in-House Legal Summit, September 2023
  • Speaker, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, AIMA APAC Annual Forum, September 2022

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • Member, The Law Society of England & Wales.
  • Member, The Law Society of Hong Kong.
Recognition
“Matt is a good, smooth operator who gives practical advice that is well thought out and strategic. He manages risk well and has a good sense of how to interact with regulators”
Chambers, 2024
“Matt is our number-one go-to lawyer for all things litigation. He is simply unbeatable in his knowledge and the quality of the advice he provides, and he navigates all areas of the business with ease in an approachable and user-friendly manner”
Chambers Greater China Region, 2023

Awards

  • Corporate Citizenship Law Firm of the Year, Asian Legal Business, 2017-2022
  • Pro Bono Team of the Year, IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards, 2020

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2003

Admitted as solicitor, Hong Kong, 2007

Academic

BA, Law, Durham University, 1999

Languages

English
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.