Christie Liu
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Prosynergy Consulting Limited, Ravenscroft & Schmierer Solicitors Notary Rechtsanwälte, and China Information Technology Development Limited
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
After graduating from Exeter, I returned to Hong Kong to reunite with my family. I was awarded a scholarship to pursue my LLM there and gradually readjusted to life in the city. My journey to becoming a legal practitioner was not straightforward—I began as a paralegal at a prominent full-service local firm, where I first encountered insolvency litigation. This experience shaped my foundational training and ultimately influenced my choice of specialization.
During my time at private practice, I had the opportunity to work on high-profile crypto-related litigation cases, which further honed my expertise in asset recovery, particularly in the tech and virtual assets space. To deepen my knowledge of financial regulation, I joined a leading consultancy firm at the forefront of Hong Kong’s virtual asset licensing landscape, securing most of the VASP licenses in the region.
The diverse experiences I have gained in a short time have broadened my perspective and given me a unique professional edge. The connections I have made along this unconventional path and working experiences have been invaluable, and while I’m grateful for these opportunities, I take equal pride in having consistently impressed my colleagues and counterparts with my work and abilities.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
To put it frankly, much of traditional legal practice revolves around reviewing and drafting agreements or legal documents – essential but often routine and not the most interesting work. What excites me is working at a transformative era in law and finance, shaped by virtual assets and blockchain technology. This is a field where the global legal community is learning and adapting in real-time, creating unprecedented challenges and opportunities to develop innovative legal frameworks.
I received conventional legal training, but my career has immersed me in this exciting intersection of law and technology – from tokenization projects to crypto-related litigation. What I find most rewarding is applying traditional legal principles to novel problems and seeing the full spectrum of a project’s lifecycle, from initial licensing and compliance through to potential enforcement actions or disputes.
Each day presents fresh intellectual challenges, whether interpreting emerging regulations or advising clients navigate this dynamic landscape. The opportunity to combine established legal expertise with frontier technology issues – while helping shape best practices in real-time – is what makes my work so engaging and fulfilling.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The greatest strength of my programme was its truly accessible academic culture. Lecturers maintained an open-door policy that encouraged students to ask thoughtful questions – both during and outside class time – fostering continuous intellectual engagement. What impressed me most was how responsive and supportive faculty members were across all subjects. Beyond delivering interactive, intellectually stimulating lectures, they consistently went above and beyond: sharing practical industry insights, making syllabus material come alive with real-world context, and creating a learning environment that transcended traditional classroom boundaries. This exceptional level of faculty engagement and mentorship significantly enriched my academic experience.
What did you most enjoy about studying here?
What I enjoyed most about studying at the University of Exeter was the combination of inspiring lecturers and a welcoming student community. The campus itself was a highlight—its green spaces created a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere that fostered real connections. As someone who values a close-knit academic environment, I appreciated how the university’s setting encouraged both collaboration and personal growth.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I chose the University of Exeter primarily because of its outstanding student satisfaction ratings—and it absolutely lived up to its reputation. The campus offers a perfect balance between academic excellence and an enriching student experience. Beyond the strong teaching and supportive community, the natural surroundings and vibrant atmosphere made it an inspiring place to study. And yes, being able to start my days with a refreshing hike, especially during those crisp winter mornings, was an added bonus!
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
I would say “T”s and “Q”s are essential in life. A combination of professional competencies, interpersonal abilities and courtesies would go a long way. Strong critical thinking and analytical skills have been fundamental in solving complex problems, while effective communication has been essential for collaborating with teams and clients alike.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Excel in your work—you never know who might notice. That next conversation could lead to an unexpected opportunity. Career paths are rarely linear; stay open to new possibilities and embrace the excitement of where your skills might take you.
What are your plans for the future?
Keeping an opened mind. Will continue to gain more knowledge and training in what I do now. See what the future takes me.
