Simmons & Simmons and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) are the latest UK law firms to have expressed an interest in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ) after recent reports that the scheme would allow tie-ups between international and PRC outfits.

HSF is actively looking at its options for a venture, with the initiative being led by Hong Kong-based litigation partner May Tai, who specialises in cross border China-related disputes. The firm declined to comment further.