Sidley Austin has hired JP Morgan executive Alan Linning as a partner in its Hong Kong-based commercial litigation and regulatory practice.

Linning arrives at the firm as the former managing director and head of Asia regional compliance at JPMorgan Chase, and previously as a director within the SFC, Hong Kong's securities regulator. Linning's appointment is a significant coup for Sidley Austin, which hopes to utilise his commercial and governmental background to assist clients on regulatory inquiries and investigations, and insolvency and litigation issues. 

The appointment is also significant in a period of rising litigation work and intense focus on the regulation of financial markets in Hong Kong. The SFC is looking to implement regulatory reforms and to "minimise market misconduct" following the recent minibond affairs.

"Throughout Asia, our clients are coping with a more complex regulatory environment and the current economic conditions have also triggered an increased amount of litigation and other enforcement actions," said Tom Albrecht, a member of the firm's management committee. "Alan will be an important resource for our corporate finance, investment funds and restructuring practices."

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