King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is understood to be taking steps to bulk up its Hong Kong corporate practice with the addition of JP Morgan Chase & Co’s vice chair for Asia Pacific Zili Shao, and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) partner Gary Lock.

The firm, which was unable to confirm or deny the hires, has previously stated its intention to compete with its rivals on Hong Kong corporate work, and particularly IPO and securities deals.