Kathryn Sanger
Kathryn advises clients on complex international arbitration proceedings in Asia Pacific.
Kathryn is the Co-Head of our private capital practice in Asia. She has over 20 years' experience of advising clients on arbitration and litigation proceedings in Asia Pacific across a wide range of industries and locations, with particular strengths in private capital, financial services, M&A, energy and in China-related matters.
Her arbitration skills and reputation in China matters are enhanced by her ability to speak and read Mandarin Chinese.
Kathryn has an impressive profile in the Asian international arbitration market. She was a Council Member of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) between 2008 and 2019. Between 2013 and 2018, Kathryn chaired the HKIAC appointments committee, and she has also served on its rules and proceedings committee. Until December 2021, Kathryn also served on the HKIAC's finance and administration committee.
Kathryn was appointed to co-chair a new sub-committee of the Hong Kong Law Reform Commission on outcome-related fees for arbitration, and she is also a member of the related Advisory Board, responsible for drafting the relevant legislation which brought the new legal regime into force in Hong Kong. Kathryn is also a member of the Advisory Body of Third Party Funding of Arbitration and Mediation. She sits regularly as an arbitrator, is listed on the HKIAC's Panel of Arbitrators, and is a member of the Users Council of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. She also has higher rights before the Hong Kong courts.
Background
She is admitted to practice in Hong Kong and in England and Wales, and has a diploma in PRC law.
Experience & expertise
Selected matters
- one of Asia's largest private equity firms in HKIAC arbitration proceedings in relation to a closing investment dispute arising out of the Korean film sector
- one of the world's leading private equity firms in relation to claims arising out of an investment in the healthcare sector
- one of Asia's largest private equity firms in relation to potential claims arising out of its acquisition of a healthcare company
- two investment funds in a successful emergency arbitration and subsequent HKIAC arbitration (Hong Kong law) related to calling a founder shareholders' holding for cause, and the scope of an alleged "founder veto right", in relation to a Chinese retail/tech company
- a leading private equity firm on potential claims brought by a consortium of private equity firms for breach of warranties arising out of the sale of a life science business
- a global investment bank in relation to its exit of its investment in a PRC education business, UNCITRAL Rules, Hong Kong seat
- a leading global services company in relation to the sale of its medical business to a world leading private equity firm and claims for fraud and breach of representations and warranties
- a Chinese car sales company in relation to a dispute with a Chinese private equity firm relating to sale of its business, HKIAC Rules, Hong Kong seat
- a Japanese noodle company in its dispute with a Chinese private equity fund relating to put rights, and exit from a Hong Kong JV, HKIAC Rules, New York law
- a Korean bank in relation to disputes out of USD500 million Promissory Notes, and the sale of Cayman commodity funds to a Singapore fintech trade finance company
- a major international bank in its successful claims for fraud and breach of contract arising out of its investment in an Indian media company, involving arbitration proceedings in Singapore (and successful claims for emergency relief), related court and other proceedings in India, as well as in the UK, Dubai and Mauritius (Indian substantive law)
- a leading cryptocurrency institution in an HKIAC arbitration seated in Hong Kong in relation to disputes arising out of trade and loan agreements
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