Wilson Zhao

Associate

Hong Kong

+852 2241 2574

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Areas of Work

Export Controls, Economic Sanctions, Customs, National Security & Cross-Border Transactions

Languages

Mandarin

Overview

Wilson (Di) Zhao focuses his practice on sanctions, import/export controls, and anti-bribery compliance and investigations . He has experience assisting clients in a variety of sectors, ranging from e-commerce, manufacturing, banking, and insurance. Utilizing his in-house and PRC governmental experience, he is able to help clients design and implement practical compliance programs, particularly when facing conflicting obligations. Wilson also advises clients on various national security related investment controls including Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and information and communications technology services (ICTS) rules.

Prior to joining Steptoe, Wilson served as trade compliance counsel and legal advisor for Alibaba, the leading Chinese e-commerce company. He began his practice at a leading Chinese law firm as an associate. He also worked as a senior customs officer in Zhoushan, China for more than four years.

New York
Chinese National Bar (non-practicing)
Registered Foreign Lawyer, Hong Kong

LL.M., New York University School of Law, 2020
B.L., China University of Political Science and Law, 2011

Areas of Work

Representative Matters

Provide ongoing legal and compliance advice concerning the application of US sanctions and export controls to the global operations of a Chinese state-owned telecommunications company.
Representation of a major international social media company on all matters related to international sanctions, including sanctions against Russia.
Advise one of the largest SOEs on matters related to international sanctions, including US sanctions against Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.
Representation of Chinese companies in the biotechnology, information technology, radio technology, and digital solutions industries before BIS, OFAC, DOJ, and other government agencies in their effort to be removed from the BIS Entity List and to prevent additional listings by other agencies.
Representation of an Asia-based global oil and gas trading company in relation to a multi-agency sanctions-related investigation by DOJ, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.
Advise the investment teams of Mainland and Hong Kong subsidiaries of major investment banks on IPO transactions where the issuer was either subject to US sanctions or export controls or had business dealings with such entities.