The latest moves, appointments and personnel changes in Asia-Pacific wealth management.

Goodwin
Goodwin, a global law firm originating in the US, has appointed Youjung Byon as partner in the private investment funds practice in Hong Kong.

Byon, who has more than 15 years’ experience, predominantly advises Asia-based private fund sponsors on the formation of private investment funds, including buyout, growth capital, debt, venture capital, and real estate funds. She provides legal advice to founders on governance and economics matters as well as co-investment transactions, regulatory and operational considerations.

Byon holds a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and engineering degrees from Yale University. Admitted to practice in both New York and Hong Kong, her expertise spans China, Japan and Southeast Asia; she is also fluent in Korean.

“Youjung is a highly respected practitioner with proven ability to lead complex fund formations, fundraisings and mandates,” Michael Halford, a partner in Goodwin’s private equity group and co-chair of the firm’s global private investment funds practice, said. 

Gregory Barclay, chair of Goodwin’s Singapore office, who also helps lead its private investment funds practice in Asia, added: “Youjung’s arrival marks a significant milestone in the continued expansion of our Asia Private Investment Funds platform. We are seeing an increase in spinoff and fundraising opportunities and Youjung’s regional expertise combined with her strong client relationships will enhance our ability to serve fund sponsors and investors across Asia.”

Goodwin’s Asia funds team is part of an integrated cross-border practice with more than 200 dedicated lawyers. The firm advises clients with funds ranging from less than $10 million to over $25 billion, particularly in the private equity, real estate, technology, and life sciences sectors.

DoubleLine Capital
US-headquartered DoubleLine Capital, an independent, employee-owned money management firm, has appointed Ali Zaidi (pictured) as head of international client business. Based in the Dubai office, he reports to DoubleLine president, Ron Redell.

Ali Zaidi
Zaidi is responsible for leading the firm’s international client team in developing business and serving clients outside the US. He and his team help clients match their return and risk-management goals to active investment strategies adapted to a world undergoing secular and cyclical change, the firm said in a statement.

“His broad experience will elevate our firm in bringing to global clients our asset-management expertise,” Redell said.

Previously, Zaidi was head of client business for the Middle East and North Africa at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, based in Dubai, where he managed a team of client-coverage professionals based in London, Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Zaidi has also worked in structuring and sales of credit and structured products (including Sharia-compliant products); financial control of equities and equity derivatives; and auditing in financial services. During his career he has been based in London, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. Zaidi is a fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW).