Founded in 1902, Allen & Gledhill is one of the largest and leading law firms in Singapore. The firm extends its influence across the region with an office in Myanmar and Vietnam, an associate firm in Malaysia and an alliance in Indonesia.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in its banking and finance practice, servicing clients including corporates, financial institutions and funds across multiple sectors including energy, real estate, maritime and aviation, and healthcare. It excels across product lines including Islamic finance, project finance for energy, infrastructure M&A and restructuring.
Key clients
Key clients include DBS Bank, HSBC, UBS, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Bank of New York Mellon (Hong Kong Branch) and JP Morgan.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research cycle, the firm participated in a high volume of financing transactions for borrowers and lenders across acquisition finance, real estate finance, project finance and refinancing. Highlights include the S$3 billion ($2.2 billion) syndicated secured loan facility to Perennial Shenton Property, the largest real estate green loan facility in Asia to date.
In the capital markets arena, the firm was preoccupied with IPOs and handled several notable debt market transactions such as establishment of a S$500 million secured medium term note programme and issue of S$145 million sustainability-linked notes by M&T Investments, it is the first auto asset-backed securitization in Singapore.
The corporate team was very active in cross-border acquisitions, mergers and privatization works and was active in the investment funds space, notably advising on high-profile fund formation mandates.
In projects, the team was involved in various sectors including energy, real estate, aviation, technology and telecommunications. Notable projects include one of the rare large sites offered for sale from the government’s reserve in 2021 and with a total development cost substantially exceeding S$2 billion.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm recently acted for both creditors and administrator.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Housing and Development Board’s S$1 billion fixed rate notes issuance.
The Mandai rejuvenation project in Singapore.
Mapletree China Logistics Investment Trust’s $5 billion loan programme.
Perennial Shenton Property’s S$3 billion syndicated secured loan facility.
Olam Holdings’ $1.975 billion sustainability-linked loan facilities.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Asset finance
“A&G are consistently superb. They add significant value to every transaction they are involved in. A&G Singapore is probably my favourite law firm on a global basis.”
Banking and finance
“Subject-matter expert.”
“Well-established leading firm with accomplished practitioners across several practice areas.”
Capital markets: Debt
“Quick, effective, resourceful and technically competent.”
Capital markets: Equity
“Very technically sound and yet commercial, with a deep understanding of the local regulations and market practice. Reliable and readily accessible.”
Financial restructuring
“Depth of team, knowledge of multiple jurisdictions, international network, ability to perform wide-scope work, problem-solving ability.”
“The team comprises experts with significant relevant experience, and who also appear to be personally invested in the negotiations and successful conclusion of the agreements.”
Investment funds
“They are experts in their field and provide timely and accurate advice.”
“They provided advice that was practical and were able to provide market intelligence. They were prompt and able to meet our deadline.”
M&A
“Allen & Gledhill is renowned for being the premier law firm with the widest set of capabilities in Singapore across a range of disciplines. The M&A practice is well-staffed by experienced senior partners, supported by competent junior lawyers. The firm has demonstrated clear integrity and accountability in their dealings.”
PPP/PFI
“A strong full-service firm with solid legal and commercial experience.”
Christian Chin
“Christian Chin is very commercial and gives very practical advice. He has also been of great assistance and goes out of his way to provide other support and guidance whenever requested and I know I can count on him to be a trusted adviser. The other lawyers I have worked with in A&G have also been extremely helpful, especially Francis Mok (financial regulatory) and Jonathan Lee (M&A).”
Rhys Goh
“A pair of steady hands that you can always rely on. He is extremely technically sound and yet able to balance this with commercial practicalities. Very responsive and solution oriented. Able to effectively protect our risks.”
Shieh Lin Lai
“Prompt in her response and provides timely service.”
Kee Yeng Lee
“Brilliant and energetic lawyer. At the top of her class in terms of legal and regulatory knowledge. Very accessible and diligent.”
Wei Ting Lim
“Accomplished leading practitioner in his field. Highly competent with astute appreciation of commercial considerations. Very responsive. Provides comprehensive and perceptive advice which is much valued.”
Aloysius Ng
“Client-focused.”
Hsiu-Hau Oh
“Knowledge, accessibility, managing deadlines, experience.”
“Knowledge, experience, commitment, problem solving.”
Christopher Ong
“Christopher is appreciated for his strong intellect, lucid explanations, humility and diligence. He is accessible to clients and delivers advice that addresses all aspects of the brief.”
Minn Naing Oo
“Depth of knowledge, experience, network.”
“Knowledge, experience, enduring relationships with regulators and industry leaders, solutions oriented, ability to perform wide-scope work, adherence to tight timelines.”
Sarah Teo
“Well versed in fund registration processes and industry knowledge, accessible and available for discussions.”
Kelvin Wong
“Innovative solutions to sticky commercial disagreements. Ability to string together very diverse practice teams to work on our projects.”
Zhao Qi Wu
“Speed, technical competence and strong planning skills.”
MIchelle Zheng
“Michelle is incredibly efficient, service-minded, pleasant and devoted.”
