Harneys announces 2026 firmwide promotions

The four newly appointed partners are Natasha Guthrie and Faisal Saifee, based in the firm’s BVI office, and Vivian Ma and Lily Zhang, based in the firm’s Shanghai office.

Natasha has a wealth of experience in dispute resolution, specialising in complex commercial disputes and insolvency for domestic and international clients. Known for her diligence, tenacity, and commitment to results, she advises corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and insolvency practitioners on issues like insolvent estate claims, fraud, asset tracing, contractual and shareholder disputes, enforcement, trust disputes, insurance conflicts, and alternative dispute resolution.

Faisal is a seasoned litigator with deep knowledge in commercial, insolvency, trusts, and international litigation, as well as arbitration. He has acted for prominent clients across sectors such as finance, cryptocurrency, and real estate, earning recognition for his thorough preparation and skilful advocacy in complex, high-stakes cases.

Vivian is an expert in litigation, arbitration, and mediation with a focus on commercial, shareholder, international trade, fund, and trust disputes, alongside restructuring and insolvency matters. With qualifications in multiple jurisdictions, she has significant experience advising both domestic and international clients and is a certified mediator with a notable track record in international arbitration.

Lily is an accomplished corporate attorney with more than 15 years of experience in cross-border transactions, including high-profile deals such as J&T Global Express Limited’s award-winning Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing. She excels in sophisticated M&A, private equity, and corporate structuring, drawing on her experience with major Chinese regulatory bodies to deliver outstanding outcomes.

The following lawyers are promoted to counsel: Ian Chambers (Financial Services | BVI), Eunice Lau (Dispute Resolution | Singapore), André McKenzie (Dispute Resolution | BVI), Alla Segal (Financial Services | Cayman), Cherrie Wong (Financial Services | Hong Kong), and Joyce Yuen (Dispute Resolution | Hong Kong).

The following lawyers are promoted to senior associate: Charlotte Allery (Private Wealth | BVI), Flavia Au (Banking & Corporate | Hong Kong), Rhonda Brown (Banking & Corporate | BVI), Iphigenia Georgiou (Banking & Corporate | Cyprus), Louise Hayward (Banking & Corporate | Cayman), Jenny Lu (Dispute Resolution | Shanghai), Isobel McNaught (Dispute Resolution | BVI), Lucille Neighbour (Dispute Resolution | Hong Kong), Kiril Pehlivanov (Financial Services | BVI), and Kelsey Sabine (Dispute Resolution | Cayman).

The following lawyer has been promoted to legal manager: Ada Xie (Financial Services | Hong Kong).

Global Managing Partner William Peake commented: “A huge congratulations to all those who have been promoted this year. These well-deserved promotions reflect their hard work, expertise, and the value they bring to our firm. At Harneys, we are passionate about nurturing talent and creating pathways for our people to achieve their full potential. It’s always inspiring to watch our people progress in their careers, and we are excited to see the impact they will continue to make.”

*All promotions are subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.