Zaid Ibrahim & Co has promoted its deputy managing partner, Jonathan Lim Hon Kiat, as new managing partner, effective April 3, 2026. This marks an exciting new chapter for the firm, as Jonathan represents the next generation homegrown talent taking on the opportunities and challenges brought on by the advent of artificial intelligence and other transformative legal technology in law practice.
Beginning his legal career in the firm in 2007, Jonathan is a corporate partner with extensive experience in fintech, venture capital, blockchain technology, payment systems, digital remittance and initial coin offerings.
His involvement in the fintech sector also extends to advising clients on compliance matters relating to regulatory developments in the industry, as set out by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Securities Commission.
As an active supporter of the financial technology fraternity, Jonathan also currently serves as Secretary of the Fintech Association of Malaysia, where he assists in developing the sector’s growth in Malaysia and the region.
Commenting on his promotion, Jonathan said, “Zaid Ibrahim & Co has been my professional home from the earliest part of my career, and I am proud to be in this premier institution which has nurtured me, as it has many other young lawyers in the past. I am grateful to the partnership for the trust they have placed in me, and my priority is to ensure that we continually adapt to change – whether through technology, new ways of working, or new areas of client demands – while remaining grounded in the values and standards that have defined our firm.”
“Nurturing homegrown talent is always on top of our minds in running a successful and innovative firm. I am happy to see one of our next generation partners taking up the helm and leading our charge into the next future years,” said Tan Sri Dr Nik Norzrul Thani Nhassan Thani, the firm’s Executive Chairman.
Gilbert Gan, the firm’s Senior Partner, adds, “I have known Jonathan since he was a young partner in our firm, when he was developing the fintech aspect of our firm’s corporate practice. As someone who has understood the opportunities and profound change that AI will bring to legal practice from much early on, and who has embraced it and thus helped our firm to be forefront on this, I am confident he will lead our firm with the right skills and vision.”
