Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed Matthew O’Callaghan as its new Asia managing partner effective from 1 May 2025.
In his new role, O’Callaghan remains committed to the firm’s strong presence in Greater China, while setting his sights on targeted growth in Japan, Southeast Asia and India. “These regions are experiencing transformative shifts due to diverse factors such as geopolitics, significant market reform and favourable economics (and economies),” O’Callaghan told Asia Business Law Journal.
Based in Hong Kong, he succeeds Thomas Ng, who is retiring from the firm. O’Callaghan initially joined the firm in 2004 and later moved to global investment firm Goldman Sachs. He rejoined Freshfields in 2019 and later served as head of the financial services practice in Asia and as managing partner of the Hong Kong office.
His practice spans regulatory advice to banks, non-bank lenders, insurers, fund managers, fintech companies and other financial institutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
O’Callaghan will oversee operations across Freshfields’ seven offices in the region and lead strategic growth initiatives, with a focus on high-potential sectors such as data and technology, healthcare, infrastructure (including data centres) and within the financial institutions group (FIG) across M&A, capital markets and private capital.
The new managing partner said the firm’s long-term goal would be to invest further in Southeast and North Asia, supporting MENA clients and making Asia a cornerstone of its global elite footprint.
As part of this broader vision, O’Callaghan said the firm was closely monitoring shifting US Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and tariff-related risks to advise clients on compliance issues. “We have a working group across Asia along with US lawyers collaborating on deals and engaging with clients on key trends and issues such as Trump 2.0, geopolitics and more,” O’Callaghan told Asia Business Law Journal.
While the firm has no plans to open new offices in Asia, O’Callaghan said it would focus on strengthening existing locations and leveraging its network in key markets.
