Arlo Kipfer

Arlo is based in Bogotá, where he advises clients on Latin America and China business issues. In addition, Arlo has advised clients on the establishment of several independent and joint venture international schools and he is a frequent speaker at international school conferences.

Illustration of a man in a suit holding a large pencil, standing next to a clipboard with a checklist showing all items checked off. This is a checklist for companies leaving China

How to Shut Down or Downsize Your China WFOE: The Legal and Strategic Checklist

A Comprehensive China WFOE Shutdown Checklist Part 4 of 4: Shutting Down or Downsizing a China WFOE In Part 1, we explored the strategic decision-making behind exiting China, including how to recognize the red flags that may signal it’s time to leave. Part 2 examined the mechanics of the legal and bureaucratic shutdown process, with

Chinese flag with a fiery edge above flags of the European Union, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Mexico, and the United States.

How to Shut Down or Downsize Your China WFOE: A 2025 Four-Part Survival Guide

How to Shut Down or Downsize Your China WFOE: A 2025 Four-Part Survival Guide Foreign companies are exiting China in record numbers as regulatory pressure, rising costs, and geopolitical risks reshape the landscape. Whether you’re planning a full WFOE closure or a strategic downsizing, the stakes are high — and missteps can be costly. This

China Employment Law

The China Rules on Terminating an Employee

Terminating Employees in China Terminating an employee’s contract in China is far from a straightforward process. China’s employment laws impose stringent regulations that require employers to navigate a complex legal framework. The repercussions of mishandling a China employee termination can be severe, ranging from costly legal battles to reputational damage. This blog post outlines the

China employee discipline

China Employee Discipline: Your Rules and Regulations are the Starting Point

China-Specific Employee Rules and Regulations are Key A strong foundation in employee relations protects both your business and your workforce. It minimizes misunderstandings, reduces legal risks, and promotes trust and loyalty among your employees. This, in turn, leads to a more engaged and productive work environment. One key element of compliant employee relations is having

Doing business in China with a China bank account

A Guide to Opening a Bank Account in China as a Foreigner

How to Open a Bank Account in China If you’re planning to live, work, or invest in China, opening a bank account is often one of the first essential steps you’ll need to take. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right bank to understanding key considerations, such as fees,

China foreign due diligence

China Legal Compliance Basics

Legal Compliance for Your China Operations The Chinese market still offers vast potential for many businesses, but navigating its legal environment requires ongoing attention. As Chinese regulations and economic conditions shift, foreign companies benefit from prioritizing legal compliance. Compliance with Chinese law goes beyond simply avoiding penalties. It demonstrates your company’s commitment to responsible business

International fraud lawyers

What to Do If You Think You Are a Victim of Internet Fraud

The Pig-Butchering Scam, also known as Sha Zhu Pan (杀猪盘), Crypto Romance Scam, CryptoRom, or Hybrid Investment Romance Scam, is a deceptive and harmful scheme that preys on individuals on dating apps and social media. Scammers patiently build trust with their targets over weeks or even months, luring them into fake investment opportunities in cryptocurrency,

China employment law

China Employment Documents: The 101

China Employment Documents Let’s face it, navigating China’s employment laws and regulations is challenging. From stringent contract requirements to unusual policies on probation periods, vacation time and more, understanding and adhering to China’s local employment practices is pivotal yet complex. This article provides foreign employers an in-depth guide on effectively creating employment documentation in China.