Eugénie Levy

Eugénie advises on the full range of regulatory issues including licensing, ongoing conduct of business issues, regulatory change implementation, product categorisation, governance within financial institutions, market misconduct and AML. Eugénie also provides support on the regulatory aspects of M&A and banking transactions.

 

Eugénie is heavily engaged in the FinTech area, having advised a number of clients on innovative financial service offerings including robo-advice, crypto-related structures and initial coin offerings. Eugénie also acted as the General Counsel of a crypto hedge fund.

 

• Licensing: Advised financial institutions and corporates on licensing requirements as well as the setting-up, ongoing conduct of business obligations and winding-down of regulated businesses in Hong Kong and assisted firms with their licensing process. Acted on behalf of a crypto hedge fund and fund manager to obtain the requisite licences from regulators in the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
   

• Terms of Business and Policies and Procedures: Drafted and updated client-facing documentation (including terms of business and disclosures) and internal policies and procedures of international banks relating to the provision of financial services. Acted for private banks in connection with the amendments to their client agreements further to the implementation of suitability reforms in Hong Kong and drafted client agreements catering for cross-border servicing structures.
   

• AML: Acted as Money Laundering Reporting Officer for a fund manager. Advised banks on Hong Kong AML requirements and how they compare to other jurisdictions (e.g. Singapore). Drafted and regularly reviewed AML policies and procedures of regulated firms.
   

• Payment Services: Acted for a leading Chinese mobile platform on the regulatory aspects of its payment and virtual banking businesses and advised them on strategic expansion plans in the Asia-Pacific region.
   

• Merger and Acquisitions and Internal Restructuring: Advised financial institutions on change in control requirements triggered by intra-group reorganisations and M&A transactions and liaised with regulators and local counsel in connection with related filings.
   

• Margin Lending: Advised lenders on the regulatory aspects of engaging in margin lending, including licensing, market misconduct and disclosure of interest requirements.
   

• Fintech and Blockchain: Acted for FinTech, blockchain firms and virtual banks on the regulatory implications of innovative financial services including initial coin offerings, digital bond issuance platforms and tokenisation of securities. Reviewed SAFEs and SAFTs as part of the implementation of a crypto hedge fund venture capital strategy.
   

• Inspections and Investigations: Advised investment banks and crypto firms in connection with investigations and enquiries from regulators, including through the drafting of responses and the amendment of their policies and processes to address issues identified by regulatory authorities.