David Olsson AM is an International Director of King & Wood Mallesons currently based in Hong Kong / Shenzhen. He has over 30 years' experience in the areas of cross-border investments, corporate finance and financial markets, working with clients, industry bodies and governments in the Asian region.
He has had numerous practice and leadership roles with the firm, including as a senior partner in Beijing (2008-13) and as an Australian Managing Partner (2004-07), and has worked in multiple offices of the firm throughout Asia for over 20 years.
He has a particular interest in the development of China's financial markets and cross-border capital flows and has provided many years of service advising on, and leading, a range of initiatives that build deeper understandings of these developments by clients and within the international business community.
In his current role, David works with KWM partners in the Greater Bay Area to assist clients future proof their China market strategies and business operations, including legal and regulatory risk management.
Apart from his role with the firm, David has worked closely with the public and private sector in guiding, initiating and leading initiatives that foster collaboration between business, governments and industry.
He is the current National President and Chairman of the Australia China Business Council, having previously served as chair of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Beijing (2010-13) and as a member of the Australian Government's Australia China Council. He has established and chaired a private sector initiative to work with the Australian and State governments on a project that promoted the development of the financial infrastructure, and regulatory regime, to support the use of renminbi in trade and investment flows between Australia and China.
He is a passionate supporter of the New Colombo Plan (an Australian government initiative to encourage young Australians to study, live and gain work experience in the Indo-Pacific region) and is a member of the Council of the Australian National University Foundation.
Areas of expertise
- Asia Capital Markets
- International Trade & Investment
- Public Policy
- Financial Market Regulation
- Cross Cultural Business
- China Market Entry Strategies
- Legal Services
- International Education