Deacons acted for the first A-share fund to be authorised in Hong Kong 21 June 2006 Having established a reputation for obtaining authorisation for new and innovative investment products in the market, Deacons' Financial Services Practice Group recently adds yet another "First" to its list of innovative matters. The Group acted for JF Asset Management/JP Morgan Asset Management on the first registered fund in Hong Kong that provides the retail market with direct access to A shares, JF China Pioneer A-Share Fund, which will be launched next week. This fund is expected to raise more than $150 million from Hong Kong clients. The fund can also invest in other securities, such as H shares, B shares, China-oriented listed companies or cash. It is the first product that gives Hong Kong retail investors direct exposure to the China A-share market.