Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has strengthened its global insurance and reinsurance practice and further expanded its China-facing capabilities with the hire of Partner Nelson Wang in London.
Nelson advises Chinese and international insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and corporates on complex insurance and commercial disputes. His expertise spans insurance and reinsurance coverage, liability defence, and subrogated recoveries, with particular emphasis on product liability and safety, supply chain disruption, property damage, and construction. He also supports clients on related regulatory, commercial, and corporate issues, and will work alongside HFW’s teams in London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore on cross-border matters involving China.
He joins HFW from DAC Beachcroft, where he was Head of the firm’s China Desk.
Chris Foster, Global Head of Insurance and Reinsurance, HFW:
“Nelson brings a valuable combination of insurance disputes expertise and a strong understanding of the legal and commercial needs of Chinese insurers and corporates. His arrival further strengthens our China-facing offering across London, Greater China, and Singapore, as we continue to help Chinese insurers and corporates pursue opportunities and manage risks internationally.”
Originally from Shenzhen, Nelson is qualified in England and Wales and New York. He speaks Mandarin and Cantonese fluently and has longstanding relationships across the Chinese insurance market.
Nelson is Secretary and a committee member of the Association of Chinese Insurance Professionals in the UK, and the founding President of the UK alumni association of East China University of Political Science and Law. He has advised clients across Asia Pacific on contentious and non-contentious matters in the UK and internationally, as well as international clients on matters involving the region, assisted by his nuanced understanding of the commercial and cultural context in which his clients operate.
Nelson Wang, Partner, HFW:
“HFW offers the combination of insurance sector expertise and international reach that I was looking for. Its established presence in Greater China, including Shenzhen, and the strength of its teams in London and Asia provide an excellent platform for supporting clients on complex international matters. I look forward to working with colleagues across HFW to support Chinese insurers and corporates on their international activities, help international clients navigate matters involving China, and build stronger connections between the firm’s European and Asia Pacific teams.”
HFW’s global insurance and reinsurance team advises insurers, reinsurers, brokers, insureds, and other market participants on complex disputes, transactions, regulatory matters, and major losses. The team combines specialist insurance expertise with deep knowledge of the industries in which its clients operate, including shipping, energy, construction, aerospace, and commodities.
HFW has been active in Greater China for almost 50 years and has more than 80 lawyers across its offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The firm advises Chinese and international clients on a wide range of contentious, transactional, and regulatory matters, working closely with HFW’s wider network across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
