JERSEY-based international law firm, Mourant Ozannes, has opened an office in Hong Kong.

The idea behind the move is to provide clients and intermediaries with access to the firm’s offshore legal services in an Asian timezone.

The opening was timed to coincide with celebrations for Chinese New Year of 2012 – the Year of the Dragon.

The office has opened with three partners and will focus initially on investment funds, corporate and finance, and trusts and private client services.

Paul Christopher from Guernsey has relocated to Hong Kong to oversee the set-up as managing partner, supported by two partners and two other senior lawyers, none of whom are from Jersey.