David Olsson AM is a lawyer and international adviser with more than three decades of experience across Australia and Asia, focused on cross-border investment, financing and regulatory matters, with a current emphasis on Southeast Asia.
He has advised financial institutions, corporates and government entities on debt capital markets and inbound and outbound investment, particularly in Asia, including China.
David is an International Director at Mallesons and a former senior partner of the firm. He has held a number of senior leadership roles, including Managing Partner, Australia, and Head of the Banking & Finance Group. He also led the firm’s Beijing office and previously headed its Hong Kong and Melbourne offices.
Since 2020, in his role as International Director, he has focused on supporting engagement with key clients and priority sectors across the region. His work centres on connecting clients, markets and opportunities, working with boards, senior executives and partners where legal, commercial and policy considerations intersect in complex cross-border environments.
David maintains strong relationships across government, industry and business. He has a particular interest in Australia’s economic transition, including energy transition and decarbonisation, as well as developments in the health and university sectors.
He served as National President of the Australia China Business Council from 2019 to 2026 and is Chair of the Australian National University Foundation. He is also a longstanding supporter of developing Australia’s next generation of Asia-capable leaders, including as a former Business Champion of the New Colombo Plan.
Earlier in his career, David worked in London, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, building a foundation in international legal practice that continues to inform his work across jurisdictions. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 for significant service to the law and to Australia–China relations.
