Biography
Alicia Thea Ho is an Associate in the Firm's Dispute Resolution practice based in Singapore.
She is a dual-qualified attorney (New York and Hong Kong) specializing in dispute resolution, international arbitration, white collar criminal defence, and government and internal investigations. With extensive experience advising multinational clients across Asia, the US, and Europe, Alicia has represented leading financial institutions, private equity firms, and Fortune 500 life sciences and technology companies in high-stakes litigation, arbitration, and regulatory and compliance matters. She has particular experience advising clients regarding potential violations of global anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, transaction due diligence for complex investments in China, India, and throughout Southeast Asia, and portfolio company risk management.
Alicia received the Hong Kong Law Society's Gold Award, Individual Award, and Bronze Award in recognition of maintaining an active pro bono practice that includes advocating for refugees and advising NGOs on forced labour and human trafficking issues.
Prior to joining White & Case, Alicia worked for top US law firms in New York and Hong Kong.
Experience
International Arbitration and Litigation
- Defended a global investment bank in an LCIA arbitration arising from allegations of financial mis-selling.
- Represented a group of participating lenders in the New York Supreme Court (Commercial Division) in connection with a dispute arising from amendments to original credit agreements.
- Advised a Chinese entrepreneur on shareholder disputes exceeding US$180 million across four common law jurisdictions.
Investigations & Compliance
- Conducted multiple investigations in China and Vietnam relating to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") on behalf of Fortune 500 medical device and pharmaceutical companies and portfolio companies of US private equity firms.
- Assisted Independent FCPA Monitor appointed by the US Department of Justice in a three-year monitorship of a multinational commodity trading and mining company, as part of the company's plea agreement, to assess the sufficiency of anti-bribery and corruption compliance controls.
- Advised US private equity firms on portfolio company reviews and devised training and compliance uplifts for their Asia investments across various industries.
- Reviewed, developed and implemented anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and economic and trade sanctions compliance policies for private equity portfolio companies.
- Regularly advises top private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds on anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and economic and trade sanctions risk relating to portfolio companies and proposed investments globally.
- Advised a global investment bank in a US SEC investigation on certain broker-dealer practices and off-systems communications.
- Represented a global investment bank in relation to SFC regulatory enquiries arising from certain off-market block trades.
Regulatory & Advisory
- Advised fintech firms on the UK's Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
- Advised a Nasdaq-listed US biotech company on life sciences regulatory compliance matters across Asia.
- Advised an international gaming company on compliance and regulatory issues.
*Experience prior to joining White & Case