Offshore law firm Appleby is to open an office in mainland China in six weeks’ time.The offshore giant is launching its Shanghai office with fiduciary and administration services, opening on April 2.Appleby said the Shanghai office will work closely with Appleby’s existing Hong Kong office, which opened in 1990 and includes both legal and fiduciary services.Asia is a key region for the entire offshore market with Hong Kong, Singapore and China all increasing sources of work.“As a business we feel that mainland China presents significant opportunities for us and for our clients,” said Appleby’s Global Group managing partner, Michael O’Connell. “We already have a solid base in Hong Kong and we are keen to build on this.“We have over two decades of experience operating in Asia. It is a well trodden path for us. This tells us that the key to being successful in China lies in winning confidence and building solid relationships with our clients there. Having a physical presence near these clients is key to the next stage of our development. We have chosen Shanghai because it is the commercial and financial centre of mainland China.”Farah Ballands, global head of fiduciary and administration services at Appleby said: “This is a really exciting move for us. By 2025 Shanghai is predicted to be one of the largest world financial centres. Having a presence here will not only allow us to expand our business but it means we will be able to continue to offer a first class service to our existing clients, many of whom are interested in China as a fast growth, dynamic centre.”Appleby’s Hong Kong office managing partner Frances Woo said: “Having a base in Shanghai will add significantly to our existing services offered out of Hong Kong. The Appleby team in Hong Kong already plays a vital role in developing existing relationships in China as well as forging new local and international relationships.”