Ashurst is set to formally open for business in Beijing after becoming the latest international law firm to receive a licence from China's Ministry of Justice.

The UK outfit has appointed banking and finance partner Patrick Phua to lead the office, which will include 11 associates and focus on structured finance and derivatives work, in addition to some outbound investment.

The firm already has premises in LG Twin Towers, Janguomenwai Avenue in the Chao Yang district, which were previously occupied by US firm Davis Polk & Wardwell.

Ashurst also has a strategic alliance with Guantao, a PRC firm with offices in 10 major Chinese cities.

Currently working from Shanghai, Phua was formerly a partner at King & Wood Mallesons in Beijing, joining Ashurst as the merger with Blake Dawson went live in March last year.

Ashurst Asia managing partner Geoffrey Green said he expected more partners would be recruited for the Beijing base in time, but it would remain small and focused for the foreseeable future.

"I think that in due course we would plan to expand, but not immediately," he commented.

"We want to be in areas which are complimentary to Phua's practice, and which are also complimentary to our strengths as a firm, such as energy, resources and project finance."

Ashurst's Greater China practice includes offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong, with 13 partners and more than 60 lawyers.

The Shanghai base, which was set up in 1998, is led by corporate partner Michael Sheng, and concentrates on outbound M&A and foreign direct investment into China.

Ashurst Hong Kong, which has been operational for over four years, has a number of core practices including M&A, capital markets and dispute resolution, with lawyers qualified in Hong Kong, English, Australian and New York law.Other firms hoping to receive approval to open in Beijing this year include Kirkland & Ellis, Eversheds, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and Clyde & Co.

Berwin Leighton Paisner, which was granted approval from the Chinese authorities last month, said it expected to launch in the city in May with former BLP chairman Peter Robinson heading the base.