Herbert Smith Freehills adds Asia private funds partner in Hong Kong

Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has hired Benjamin Lohr as a funds and asset management partner in Hong Kong, further expanding its Asia private capital capability.

A firm alumnus, Benjamin specialises in funds and asset management, with broad experience of LP and GP representation, secondary transactions, and general asset management matters.

He advises international and regional sponsors on fund structuring and fundraising, as well as secondary transactions. Benjamin also has significant experience advising sovereign wealth funds and other institutional investors across the region on their investments in private funds.

“A true funds expert, Benjamin is a great addition to our team, extending the range of skills to help our clients raise and deploy capital in Asia,” said Asia Head of Corporate Andrew Blacoe. "From fund formation and fund investment, to bespoke M&A deals with fund elements, Benjamin's hire complements the skills of our leading team in private capital transactions and disputes."

“He is also sought out by asset managers on regulatory planning and issues, given his deep working knowledge of the Hong Kong and Asia regulatory landscape.”

Benjamin will work with the firm’s global funds and asset management practice, as well as the corporate and financial services regulatory teams to assist with fund-structured deals and regulatory advisory in Asia.

“Benjamin’s profile and skills are highly prized in the Asia market,” said Asia managing partner Graeme Preston. “His experience and skills are precisely what we need to further extend our offering to the private capital industry in Asia.”

Benjamin’s hire is just the latest investment in talent by the firm in private capital, one of its global strategic priorities. Recent investments includes in Singapore the hire of Peiwen Chen and the relocation of Malika Chandrasegaran from the firm’s Sydney office in September 2023, as well as the promotions to partner of Victor Chiew and Salonika Kataria in May 2023.

About Benjamin Lohr

Benjamin holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from BPP Law School in London.

He was most recently a counsel in the private funds group of Clifford Chance in Hong Kong. Prior to that, he worked for Herbert Smith Freehills’ funds and asset management practice in London.

Benjamin is qualified to practise as a solicitor in England & Wales and Hong Kong. He speaks English and German, and has some Mandarin and Cantonese language skills.