Jonathan Crompton
Partner
Jonathan Crompton helps companies and individuals navigate complex cross-border disputes and investigations involving their Asian business, specialising in particular in financial services and technology related disputes and cyber incidents.
Jonathan advises on all forms of disputes including litigation before national courts and arbitral tribunals operating under various rules (in particular, HKIAC, ICC and UNCITRAL), and on investigations by regulators (notably financial services regulators such as the Securities and Futures Commission). His clients include senior individuals, asset managers, and leading multi-national corporations and brands. As a result of RPC's predominantly 'conflict free' model for financial services disputes, Jonathan represents senior individuals and companies in claims brought by or against leading banks where other firms are unable to act.
As Asia lead for RPC's 'ReSecure' 24/7 cyber incident response service, Jonathan frequently acts as incident response manager / breach coordinator and legal advisor for cyber-attacks and other data breaches across APAC. He helps clients investigate, manage and mitigate the harmful effects to their businesses of cyber incidents, in addition to advising on the legal and regulatory consequences of the incidents. Jonathan also represents clients across the globe in cyber-related litigation, including defending customer claims for losses arising from a breach, and helping to recover sums lost as a result of cyber, crypto and other frauds.
Recognised for his work in both Disputes and Technology, Media and Telecommunications, in 2023 Jonathan was included in the Legal 500's Arbitration Practice Powerlist - Hong Kong, shortlisted for Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year in the ALB Hong Kong Law Awards, and one of two individuals awarded a Distinguished Community Service Individual Award by the Law Society of Hong Kong.
Jonathan has practiced in London, Hong Kong and Thailand and speaks English, French and conversational Swedish.
Relevant work
Advising various clients on bringing and defending claims in respect of software implementation projects, including representing a multinational software company based in defending HKIAC arbitration proceedings brought by a leading Asian bank for alleged breach of a Software Licensing and Services Agreement.
Advising and representing a Hong Kong start-up in an HKIAC arbitration with a New York-listed tech company concerning the latter's failure to complete a share purchase agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Successfully representing (including as advocate) a Hong Kong company in HKIAC Arbitration proceedings against a US individual and his US lawyer and Conservator for failing to pay sums due under a facility agreement.
Advising and representing a leading digital asset custodian licensed in Hong Kong and Singapore on recovering debts due from a UK-listed commodities exchange.
Advising and representing various individuals in SFC investigations, including: a former trader of a US investment bank in an investigation into proprietary trading rule compliance, an IPO team member of another US investment bank in an investigation concerning IPO sponsor duties, an equities research associate at an APAC investment bank in an investigation into alleged disclosure of inside information, and the former financial controller of a Hong Kong-listed company in an investigation concerning alleged failure to disclose inside information.
Advising a partner of a leading Asian buy-out fund in a private wealth management dispute with a European investment bank involving alleged discretionary trading without client instructions.
Advising and representing an Asian asset manager in a high profile multi-jurisdictional dispute in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the BVI related to trade invoice-backed loans.
Acting as Incident Response Manager and legal counsel to various victims of cyber-attacks, including: Asian hedge funds on O365 and LockBit2.0 attacks, an Asian hotel operator on a combine O365 attack and CEO fraud affecting a US property, premium members clubs in Hong Kong on Ryuk and CryLocker ransomware attacks, a Singapore healthcare provider on concurrent O365 breach and website attacks, a Korean manufacturing company on an Business Email Compromise, a Japanese manufacturing company on Cring and Conti ransomware attacks, a multinational retail and logistics company on a Sodinokibi (REvil) ransomware attack, private schools companies on Vice Society and MedusaLocker ransomware attacks, and a travel agency on a LockBit2.0 ransomware attack.
Advising and representing various victims of cyber frauds, mobile app frauds and telephone scams on successfully recovering stolen assets, including: a US genetics company and a leading Asian loyalty rewards programme operator in respect of CEO / CFO frauds, the victim of the (then) largest telephone and mobile app scam in Hong Kong history (including in claims against third party recipients claiming to be innocent cryptocurrency traders and foreign exchange dealers), and a medical products distributor on an online marketplace PPE fraud at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advising and representing victims of cryptocurrency frauds on recovery of their assets, including: a US victim of a USDC and USDT fraud (including a Blockchain investigation, and liaising with US and Hong Kong law enforcement and various cryptocurrency exchanges).
Directory quotes
"Jonathan Crompton can head up a very able team." - The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2022
A client is impressed that he is "incredibly engaging, explains everything and is very with-it." -Chambers: The Greater China Guide 2022
"Jonathan Crompton is a very knowledgeable and instinctive litigator. Being very focused on the endgame allows him to propose sensible alternatives to pursue a solution in a complex case". - Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021
"Exceptional clarity and attention to detail." - Chambers Asia Pacific 2021
"Very hands on and extremely responsive." - Chambers Asia Pacific 2021
"Jonathan Crompton has extensive experience advising clients in the financial services sector." - Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2020
"Crompton has an ‘uncanny ability to grasp the case very early, continually proving himself to be extremely competent, with exemplary attention to detail." - Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2019
Memberships
External publications
Data Protection and Cyber Security Country Comparative Guide: Hong Kong - Legal 500
Overseas intervener in Hong Kong - International Law Office
ADR coming of age for financial disputes in Hong Kong - International Law Office
Top court rejects trustee's "high-level supervisory duty" - International Law Office
The gagging order and Norwich Pharmacal two step - International Law Office