Allen & Gledhill
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.”
Aquinas Law Alliance
Aquinas Law Alliance is a local boutique law firm founded in 2016 comprising more than 15 lawyers from Singapore, Malaysia and China. The firm is led by joint managing partners Aloysius Wee and Lim Kok Meng.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is known for its equity capital markets practice. It is one of the few law firms in Singapore that regularly advises on transfer listings as an alternative to the more traditional initial public offerings and reverse take-overs.
Industry sector strengths include finance, e-commerce, technology, engineering, construction, retail, and food and beverage.
Key clients
Key clients include Camsing Healthcare, China Haida Group, Zixin Group, TTJ Holdings and V2Y Corporation.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research cycle, the firm was active in the equity market area, particularly on equity mandates such as secondary share offerings, private placement of shares and IPOs.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Camsing Healthcare investment by Qiren Holdings.
Green Build Technology’s private placement of shares.
TTJ Group’s privatisation.
Blackletter LLC
Founded in 2010, Blackletter LLC (formerly known as Link Legal LLC) is a Singapore boutique law firm focused primarily on private clients and dispute resolution. The firm has shifted its focus to develop and grow its offerings in the financial services space.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm focused on art, banking and finance, capital markets, disputes resolution, family offices and private wealth, financial regulation, fintech, insurance, investment funds and tax practice areas.
Key clients
Key clients include CGS-CIMB Securities, Maybank Securities, Bank of Singapore, LGT Bank (Singapore), Maybank Investment Bank, Kookmin Bank, MSIG Insurance (Singapore), Crypto Finance Asia, Kasa Singapore and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in advising on financial services regulatory matters.
The firm recruited partner Kim Kit Ow, managing partner Gerard Ng and counsel Yap Teck Chai into the banking and finance team.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Maybank Securities expanding its financing business.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets: Equity
“Concise, pragmatic and solutions-oriented advice and views. Always willing to assist and support the bank and its related entities.”
“Excellent knowledge of capital markets and financial products. Strong business acumen on our product initiatives and ability to relate to our operational process. Prompt turnaround time and ability to provide advice specific to our organisation. Good insight on local operating environment.”
“Proactive. Knowledgeable. Trustworthy. Ethical.”
“They are open to hearing the customer's needs and deliver work in a professional and timely manner. More importantly, they are always contactable.”
“They have good market insights, are commercially driven, and great response time with attention to detail.”
Financial services regulatory
“Business-oriented. Efficient. Detailed. Prompt response.”
“The team from Legal Ink appreciated the importance of the transaction. They were very accommodating in having calls after-hours as well as in the turnaround times. More importantly, they understood our concerns and provided pragmatic advice that would safeguard our interests.”
Gerard Ng
“Amazing client relations, very good support and assistance in all matters, provides practical, realistic, pragmatic advice suitably tailored for our businesses and requirements.”
“Excellent leadership.”
“Responsive, available, great understanding of complex transactions.”
“Strong understanding of our business needs and operating model. Able to provide excellent feedback and helpful with our needs. Excellent attitude and very engaging in discussion.”
Teck Chai Yap
“Able to deliver work in accordance with business needs.”
“Communication skills, knowledgeable.”
“Responsive. Knowledgeable. Proactive.”
“Understands our business, provides clear and concise opinion.”
“Very structured and able to list out the key points in our discussion. Understands our business needs.”
BTPLaw
BTPLaw is a boutique corporate law firm established in 2020. Practice areas include investment fund formation, asset management, capital markets, BVI, M&A, fintech, blockchain, regulatory compliance, and startup fundraising.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm specialises in the formation of VCC and investment funds, financial services regulations and cryptocurrency advisory.
The firm is one of the few Singapore-based law firms with a BVI practice
Key clients
Key clients include Sygnum, Azimut, Luminor Capital, ICM Global Funds, Raffles Family Office, Shenwan Hongyuan Singapore, Azimut Investment Management Singapore, Pilgrim Partners Asia, Swiss-Asia Financial Services, AL Capital Management, DeFiance Capital, Privium Fund Management (Singapore) and Chicago Global Capital.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research cycle, the firm was particularly active in providing legal services for the business combination in the BVI.
In 2022, the firm brought in Shen Xiaoyin as the head of data protection.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
AGBA and TAG mergers.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
“Prompt response. Great knowledge base.”
Investment funds
“Good understanding of the law, commercial approach to problem-solving.”
“Proactive and nimble to update the requirements of the documents.”
“Prompt response, provide ongoing support and advice to the new and emerging fund manager.”
Brandon Tee
“Efficient and fast on problem-solving matters.”
“Great to work with. Prompt and diligent. Great analytical and research skills.”
“Knowledgeable, strong intellect, commercially aware.”
“Strong technical knowledge of the fund management industry, understand the struggles we have as a first-time fund manager.”
Dentons Rodyk & Davidson
Dentons Rodyk & Davidson is the oldest law firm in Singapore, founded in 1861. It has diverse financial and corporate offerings and is particularly strong in banking and finance and project development. The firm forms part of the Dentons ASEAN network, which also includes Dentons HPRP in Indonesia, Zain & Co in Malaysia, and Dentons Myanmar.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s banking team advises on an array of financing transactions including asset finance, project finance, Islamic finance, leveraged finance and syndicated lending, with expertise in the energy, real estate, natural resources and private equity space.
The capital markets team advises on the full spectrum of domestic and foreign debt and equity offerings for issuers, underwriters, arrangers and dealers.
The corporate team has a focus on oil and gas, power, healthcare, consumer products, real estate and technology.
Key clients
Key clients include OCBC, DBS, CIMB, ING Bank, HSBC, Citibank, Validus Capital, RBC Investor Services Trust Singapore, Digo Corporation, Boustead Projects, Pacific Radiance and Onstar Express.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was advising lenders on term loans, syndicated loans and acquisition financing.
In the capital markets area, the firm advised on debt and equity transactions. It kept busy with IPOs, secondary offerings, REITs, and other debt market transactions.
The corporate team was very active in cross-border acquisitions for both the buy and sell side. The firm covered clients from different sectors including information systems, technology, healthcare, commodities trading, real estate and energy.
Banking partner Kee Min Lee joined the firm in 2023.
Investment fund partner Emily Low joined the firm after departure from Atlas Asia Law Corporation.
M&A partners Mark Wong, Evelyn Ang, Glenda Lee and Joonkee Bahng joined the firm, while partners Valmiki Nair and Tony Toh left the firm. Ray Chiang got promotion into senior partner.
Project partner Wan Qing Loke left the firm in 2021 and joined Sea Limited.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
DBS Bank’s S$370 million ($276 million) loan facilities.
Element Materials Technology (Element)’s acquisition of FOSTA group.
HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore)’s S$208 million 3.468% green fixed rate notes issuance.
OPIS’s acquisition of pricing data assets from Singapore Solar Exchange.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Insolvency
“Knowledgeable, commercial, proactive.”
“Practical and very responsive.”
Restructuring
“Technical knowledge and ability superb, able to give fresh perspective to issues, fantastic responsiveness to urgent issues, reasonable fees.”
Debby Lim
“Debby is highly intelligent, knowledgeable, commercial, responsive and proactive on matters where we have worked together.”
“Technically very strong, very responsive, gives fresh perspective to issues, willing and able to take on strong opponents and win.”
Mark Seah
“Practical, responsive, very well experienced.”
Drew & Napier
Founded in 1889, Drew & Napier
is one of the most well-known names in the Singapore legal market and is recognised as one of the “big four” law firms in Singapore. The firm bolstered its regional capabilities by forming Drew Network Asia (DNA) with Shearn Delamore & Co in Malaysia, Makarim & Taira S in Indonesia and Martinez Vergara Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS)
in the Philippines.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a well-diversified offering across the financial and corporate space, with its key strength being its market-leading restructuring team.
The firm advises on matters across a diverse range of sectors including real estate, shipping, oil and gas, technology and renewable energy.
Key clients
Key clients include Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of Singapore, CIMB Bank Singapore Branch, Citibank, DBS Bank, Tuan Sing Holdings, Tam Jai International, China Mining International and the Trendlines Group.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was particularly active in debt restructuring. A notable deal was advising the client in relation to an ongoing debt restructuring, which is one of the largest in recent history.
The capital markets team handled several transactions including share placements, medium term notes and convertible bond issues, mainly for issuers.
The corporate team was very active in acquisitions and joint ventures.
In the projects space, the team was involved in various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, real estate and petrochemical.
Banking partner May Ng joined the firm after departure from Rajah & Tann.
Capital market partner Ng Pei Tong was promoted from associate director to director and Benjamin Ng was promoted from senior associate to associate director in 2022.
M&A partner Tan Jin Wei joined the firm after leaving Allen & Overy.
Restructuring and insolvency partner Lim Mingguan joined the firm in 2023.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Tuan Sing’s tender offer exercise for outstanding Series 004 Notes issue.
SK ecoplant’s acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of TES-Envirocorp.
Sumitomo Mitsui Construction’s S$88 million ($66 million) acquisition of shares in Antara Koh.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking
“Drew & Napier has provided excellent legal advice. They have been always on call to assist and very proactive in their approach to matters.”
“Responsive and pragmatic legal advice provided.”
Financial services regulatory
“Deep understanding of the local regulations, understanding of clients' needs and fast turnaround.”
“Open to client's suggestions and new ideas.”
Insolvency
“Very attentive service with a focus on achieving the designated business objectives.”
Investment funds
“Drew & Napier have demonstrated their professionalism in the engagement. They are responsive to our clients' needs and are able to explain complex concepts to the clients in a clear and concise manner.”
“Extremely knowledgeable on this topic (despite it being relatively new).”
“The firm possesses a broad understanding of industry-specific regulations and the legal landscape that allows it to navigate through complex and sophisticated matters across multiple disciplines. The team's in-depth knowledge of investment strategies and fund operations has allowed it to craft top-notch legal documents which, in turn, contribute greatly to the success of the fund.”
“Very responsive and considers the best solution suitable for the fund, not just a cookie-cutter answer.”
M&A
“They are extremely client-focused, responsive and protective of their client's interests and will pre-emptively set the groundwork with regulators in order to facilitate a transaction. They are very user-friendly and commercial lawyers who understand the deal imperatives and execute to the highest standards.”
Project development
“Knowledgeable, skilled and responsive.”
Restructuring
“Extremely commercial and competent. Timely and spot-on advice from an award-winning lawyer.”
“Strong technical and quick turnaround.”
Wei Meng Chan
“Very responsive and knowledgeable.”
Ron Cheng
“Attentive, very knowledgeable, detail-oriented to the matter at hand.”
“Deep industrial knowledge and fast turnaround.”
“Friendly and approachable.”
“Mr. Ron Cheng is a talented and highly skilled lawyer who is capable of comprehending complex investment strategies and structure. He possesses a broad understanding of legal frameworks across multiple disciplines while being highly skilled and updated in investment fund-related regulations.”
“Ron is experienced, skilled and responsive.”
“Ron is very responsive to clients' queries, even outside of the regular working hours. He is also able to explain complex legal concepts to the clients in a clear and concise manner.”
“Very responsive and will work quickly to solve problems working late into the night. Looks out for client's interests and points out potential downsides.”
Blossom Hing
“Blossom Hing is my ‘go to‘ lawyer at the firm due to her vast experience. She is extremely detail-oriented yet highly creative and innovative. She is also building an excellent team who supports her very effectively.”
“She is an excellent lawyer who is very aggressive, intelligent and effective in litigation. She is extremely effective in complex cross-border restructuring and dispute matters. I trust her implicitly."
Julian Kwek
“Brilliant lawyer, friendly and able to think out of the box.”
“Julian is an intelligent and creative problem-solver who always makes sure to understand his clients' objectives and concerns in developing effective strategies in their complicated cross-border restructuring matters.”
Steven Lo
“Steven is highly knowledgeable, commercial and a very reassuring pair of hands for any high-stakes merger transaction with multiple complexities. He constantly goes over and above for his clients, anticipating risks ahead of time and proactively positioning his clients for excellent tactical outcomes.”
Renu Rajan Menon
“Responsive, approachable, knowledgeable.”
Sushil Nair
“Very experienced.”
Benedict Teo
“Great counsel who provides sound advice. Always very proactive and innovative in his approach.”
“Responsive and always going the extra mile to ensure clients' legal requirements are always met.”
Duane Morris & Selvam
Product of a 2011 joint venture between a US and a domestic firm,
Duane Morris & Selvam’s Singapore office plays a key role as a hub for the international firm’s regional work.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s strongest practice is capital markets, but it performs well consistently in banking and finance, M&A and project development. The capital markets practice has a regional focus and often acts on matters in India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar.
Key sectors of activity include technology and telecommunications, oil and gas, energy, utilities, consumer goods, media and entertainment, and pharmaceuticals. The firm’s structure as a joint venture allows it to advise on both local and foreign law matters.
Key clients
Key clients include Globe Telecom, Axiata Investments (Indonesia), XL Axiata, Cariflex, Protelindo, Woori Bank, Shinhan Bank, Resona Merchant Bank Asia, Kirkham International and Parastruct Innovations.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the capital markets team was particularly active in the equity capital market advising on private placements of shares and rights issues, mainly acting for book-running lead managers and underwriters.
In M&A, the firm was active on cross-border and domestic strategic deals on the buy side. The firm was also active in fund formations.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm recently acted for both liquidators and creditors.
Partner Jerald Foo joined the firm from Oon & Bazul, while partner Krishna Ramachandra moved to Digital Insights Ventures.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
ICICI Securities’ $180 million rights issue of shares in Capri Global.
SKP Securities’ $120 million rights issue of shares in Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing.
Axiata Investments (Indonesia) Sdn and XL Axiata’s acquisition of 66.03% of the issued share capital of PT Link Net.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Asset finance
“They are very attentive, knowledgeable and responsive.”
Leon Yee
“Leon is very knowledge and works practically.”
Eng and Co
Eng and Co were founded in 2018 by name partner Rachel Eng, who also serves as managing director. The firm is notably a member of the PwC legal network, which extends over 100 territories throughout the world with more than 3,500 lawyers providing a full spectrum of legal services.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its capital markets, corporate and M&A, and investment funds practices.
Sectors of activity include retail, banking and financial services, healthcare, food and beverage, oil and gas, and technology.
Key clients
Key clients include Avanseus Holdings, YCP Holdings (Global), Boustead Singapore and Singapore Press.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research cycle, the corporate team was active in advising mandates in relation to private acquisition, public acquisition and merger, for clients across different sectors such as logistics, real estate, technology and telecommunications and media.
The firm was also responsible for several confidential fund formation mandates.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Boustead Singapore’s voluntary general offer to acquire, privatise and delist its real estate subsidiary, Boustead Projects.
Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation’s acquisition of 13.63% of Indo Trans Logistics Corporation.
YCP Holdings (Global)’s 100% acquisition of Auctus Advisors.
LPA
International law firm LPA-CGR established its Singapore office in 2018.
LPA Singapore is strategically positioned to advise clients in Singapore and those conducting business throughout the region, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and elsewhere in southeast Asia.
Focusses/ specialisms
The firm’s Singapore office is focused on M&A, private equity, restructuring and various modes of financing, with strong expertise in the technology, financial services, energy, commodities and natural resources sectors. The type of transactions the firm is involved in ranges from venture capital transactions to cross-border M&A, primarily in the non-listed sector.
Key clients
Key clients include Bolloré Group, Saint-Gobain, Havas Group, Exclusive Networks, Cargo AI, TechnicoFlor Group, Edhec, H3 Dynamics, Ancileo, Neurones IT and YesWeHack.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the M&A team was active in advising private acquisition, asset acquisition, joint venture and divestment mandates. The deals were mostly in the technology and telecommunications, energy, logistic and financial services sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Havas Group’s acquisition of communication agency Klareco.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Great involvement of the law partners from LPA in each of the cases, and fantastic relevant advice and suggestions. Turnaround time has also been very fast for all the creation of legal documents.”
“Good knowledge of the dynamics of negotiation for shareholders agreements and share subscription agreements.”
“Great support.”
“Hands-on lawyers, ability to deal with cross-border operations.”
“LPA-CGR was very commercial and autonomous on this project. Client appreciated their clear advice.”
“LPA team understand the business objectives well and have the ability to translate those to the legal world.”
“LPA Singapore provided outstanding legal support in terms of quality and responsiveness. Their lawyers are savvy negotiators and prompt to understand the underlying business context.”
“Problem-solver, availability, accurate answers.”
“The LPA team is proactive, detailed-oriented and delivers high-quality services.”
“They have strong ties with the French community in Singapore. Very commercial-minded and they can provide out-of-the-box solutions and fast responses.”
“Very business-driven. Looking for smart solutions. Deal-maker while defending the interest of clients.”
Restructuring
“Reactive. Professional.”
Arnaud Bourrut
“Arnaud is always available and pleasant to deal with, he has a depth of knowledge on project structuring.”
“Arnaud is very flexible in his approach; he can adapt quickly.”
“Beyond technical expertise, high level of availability, responsiveness and business acumen.”
“Fantastic communication, great understanding of our business as well as the local jurisdiction knowledge.”
“Good technicality with positive mindset, very responsive.”
“Perfect.”
“Problem-solving, availability, deep knowledge and experience.”
“Reactive, experienced, innovative.”
“Reactive. Professional.”
“Smart and reactive lawyer, with excellent negotiation skills and a background in top-tier firms.”
“Very commercial, clear and trustworthy.”
Astrid Cippe
“Reactive. Professional.”
Berengere Roig
“Commercial and savvy lawyer. Very collaborative and responsive to the client's needs.”
“Very good technically and socially with client. Always handles really well the complexity of the deal along with client's expectations.”
Mayer Brown
International firm Mayer Brown's Singapore office serves as a hub for the firm's activities throughout the region, particularly for projects work in jurisdictions such as Pakistan, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is noted for its banking and finance, corporate and M&A, and project development work.
The banking team boasts expertise in advising borrowers and lenders on matters such as trade and commodities financing, securitization, acquisition financing, and leveraged financing and has a special focus on inbound and outbound acquisition financing transactions in India.
In the projects area, the firm is best known for its energy and oil and gas work in emerging jurisdictions such as Myanmar, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. The firm has expertise in matters relating to LNG-to-power projects across the region.
Key clients
Key clients include Huntsman, Magna International, Medtronic, Itochu, Idexx Laboratories, Banjaran Asset Management and Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel).
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the review period, the firm was responsible for several confidential M&A and restructuring mandates. In M&A, the firm was active in joint ventures.
The firm recruited partner Justin Tan from Clyde & Co, Mark Wong and Jennifer Chih from PK Wong & Nair into the corporate and securities team.
Morrison Foerster
International law firm
Morrison & Foerster’s
Singapore office serves as a hub for its regional practice and is helmed by managing partner Shirin Tang.
The firm is strongest in M&A
and also advises on banking and finance and
projects matters.
The banking team advises lenders and borrowers on matters including project financing, refinancing, real estate financing and acquisition financing.
In corporate and M&A, the firm focuses on sectors including technology and telecommunications, media, financial services, private equity and real estate. The firm has also been growing its presence in the investment funds space.
The projects team has particular expertise in the oil and gas and energy sectors.
Key clients include Ascendent Capital Partners,
EverStream Energy Capital Management,
GLP, Princeton Digital Group,
IndoSpace, FLOW Digital Infrastructure, GDS, Tokyo Gas, Sumitomo Corporation and First Solar.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
In banking the firm was active in
cross-border and domestic restructuring
financings, acquisition financing and refinancing.
The M&A team was active in acquisitions and joint ventures across different sectors. It was also active in fund formations mandates.
The finance and projects partner Per Lindberg got promoted in 2023, while finance and projects partner Tessa Davis moved inhouse.
The M&A team welcomed Steven Tran from Mayer Brown and Tabitha Saw from White & Case.
Deal highlights:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
GLP’s China Logistics Fund I (“GLP CLF I”)
$5 billion sale of the portfolio
IndoSpace
IndoSpace Logistics Parks IV (ILP IV) formation
293 MW DC utility-scale solar project
Client Feedback:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
“Worked very closely with the Singapore banking and corporate team, they have consistently responded promptly with expert and pragmatic advice. They understand our business and our strategic vision, and their years of experience advising on many of our landmark transactions has resulted in invaluable insight, cohesive and actionable solutions, tailored to our business needs.”
“Enthusiastic, easy to communicate with, clear legal advice.”
“Very knowledgeable about local laws in a broader global context; highly communicative; detail oriented; team is very positive and pleasant to work with as well, which is always a plus.”
“Because we are a CVC of a global financial institution, we need a law firm with both corporate/venture capital and financial regulatory capabilities. MoFo has the exact set of capabilities we need at a price point that makes sense for us.”
“Outstanding firm, with top class professionals.”
“Very commercial and user friendly.”
“Very responsive, hard-working, professional and has the right mix of public company/private equity/VC experience with
expertise in our key
jurisdictions in Asia.”
“Positive, energetic, keen attention to detail.”
“Deep knowledge of BHCA control matters with extensive experience working with global financial institutions, including in Asia.”
“Very experienced and commercial.”
“Very responsive, very thoughtful, creative lawyer.”
“Exceptional technical skills and a deeply commercially focused approach to lawyering.”
PK Wong & Nair
PK Wong & Nair is a full-service law firm following the merger of Nair & Co and PK Wong & Associates in 2020. The firm is led by co-managing directors Suresh Nair and Mark Wong.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its strong restructuring and insolvency practices. The firm has experience in advising creditors such as bondholders, debtors, liquidators and trustees across a variety of industry sectors.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research cycle, the firm was particularly active in M&A and restructuring and insolvency.
The M&A team was responsible for several confidential mandates, mostly for lenders.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm recently acted for both creditors and debtors.
The firm recruited associate director Noel Chua, associates Divya Lakshmi D/O K Durai and Joel Wang Pinwen into the litigation and arbitration team. Associate Bjorn Tan and Elizabeth Tiffany Setiarman joined the firm's corporate team.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Insolvency
“I have a well-established working relationship with Suresh Nair. This firm would be my first stop because they are hungry, excellent at what they do and always on top of their game. They are a solid firm with exceptional expertise, good response time, and practical, personable service.”
“Prompt and accessible.”
“Sound advice.”
“Very efficient and excellent network of lawyers in Asia and ME.”
Restructuring
“Professionalism, thinking of client's interest and providing pragmatic solutions and reviewing options.”
Suresh Nair
“Excellent legal analysis and concern for client.”
“He is among the best insolvency practitioners in Singapore. An exceptional advocate, he is razor-sharp and precise and provides timely and practical advice in the most personable way possible.”
“Personal approach and professionalism. Really understands our business, our objectives and works tirelessly.”
“Prompt and accessible.”
“Very thorough and strong in insolvency law.”
“The team is very capably led by Suresh Nair. Suresh is one of the leading court advocates in Singapore. Suresh is a listener and very easy to work with.”
Bryan Tan
“Bryan is very personable and helpful. He actively reached out to ensure that he understands our requirements and proposes very useful solutions to help us move ahead with our problems.”
Rajah & Tann Singapore
Rajah & Tann Singapore is one of the largest full-service firms in Singapore, founded in 1976. The firm is regarded as one of the jurisdiction’s elite firms, dubbed the “big four”. The firm, led by managing partner Patrick Ang and deputy managing partner Rebecca Chew, extends its presence throughout the region with Rajah & Tann Asia, the largest southeast Asian network of law firms.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm provides quality advice in banking and finance, project development and restructuring and insolvency and has formidable capital markets and M&A practices.
The banking team acts for domestic and international banks, financial institutions and corporates on a wide variety of instruments and cross-border transactions such as real estate finance, project finance, acquisition finance, Islamic finance and structured finance transactions.
The firm has experience acting for issuers, issue managers, underwriters and originators on deals from across the spectrum of capital markets transactions, while the corporate team is experienced in acting for both acquirers and sellers across a variety of sectors.
The firm’s restructuring team was the first dedicated restructuring and insolvency practice group in Singapore and has acted for a wide range of clients, including creditors, debtors, liquidators, judicial managers, receivers and financial advisers.
Key clients
Key clients include SAM Trade group, Shanghai Huaxin Group (Hong Kong), H&C S Holdings, Agritrade International, Vauld group, Hajime Shinji, REXLot Holdings, Eagle Hospitality REIT, Hyflux Group, Hontop Energy (Singapore), Cosco Shipping (Qidong) Offshore, Ezion Holdings and Swissco Group.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
In the capital markets area, the firm advised on debt and equity transactions. On the debt side, it acted for issuer in bond issues. In a landmark mandate, the firm advised the issuer on a fixed rate note, which is the first bond in Singapore with a coupon step-down upon re-rating to investment grade. On the equity side it worked for issuers on IPOs.
The corporate team was very active in cross-border mergers, takeover offers, divestment and asset acquisition. The firm covered clients from different sectors including investment management, financial services, real estate, technology and telecommunications and logistics.
In the project space, the firm notably advised clients in energy, transport, technology and telecommunications, construction and materials, and industrials and manufacturing.
The firm promoted four partners in the capital markets team, including Janice Pui, Jasselyn Seet, Enoch Long and Dodo Lim, while partner
Cheng Yoke Ping retired.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
AustAsia Group’s IPO.
Cuscaden Peak’s S$6.6 billion ($4.9 billion) competing takeover acquisition offer.
GLL IHT’s S$3 billion multicurrency medium term note programme.
Lendlease Global Commercial REIT’s equity fund raising.
OUE CT Treasury’s S$100 million 4.20% fixed rate notes issuance.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Asset finance
“They are responsive, thoughtful but able to remain pragmatic to adapt to business constraints.”
Banking and finance
“Detailed and prompt. Good understanding of the limited partnership structure and the intricacies involved.”
“Experienced and very ‘market’. Speed of reply and strong team is helpful.”
“Practical, solutions-oriented and customer centric.”
Financial services regulatory
“Client-first approach. Very responsive.”
“Very responsive when timing was critical. Very knowledgeable with regards to our regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore.”
Insolvency
“Market leaders, client-oriented, well regarded in Singapore.”
“Strong construction claim case knowledge.”
“Very knowledgeable, commercial and pragmatic.”
Investment funds
“Experienced, commercial.”
“Helpful, business oriented.”
“Responsive when necessary and providing good-quality work.”
Private equity
“Experienced, knowledgeable, commercial, prompt.”
“Our partnership with R&T has lasted for several years thus far. They are very aware of our needs/interests and take these to heart when providing recommendations during the review process. Their standard of work and deliverables are high and yet they do not charge exorbitantly.”
Project development
“They are very knowledgeable about the contract clauses and provided invaluable advice, including the drafting and proposed clauses, to close the issues with the counterparties.”
Restructuring
“R&T partners are highly competent, multi-disciplinary, responsive, fun to work with and provide commercially sensible advice and solutions to problems and situations.”
Adzfar Alami
“Adzfar is extremely dedicated, highly responsive and always goes the extra mile for clients. He is always kind and patient in taking the time to explain concepts to clients. His strong personal skills help him to connect well with clients. Adzfar is also very knowledgeable and able to deliver expert and tailored legal advice to help address legal and commercial issues. He is highly reliable and can always be counted on to deliver high-quality work even under compressed timelines.”
Patrick Ang
“Highly competent, responsive, knowledgeable and provides commercially sensible and practical advice.”
Shemane Chan
“Always ready to support us during the entire contracting phase.”
Mark Cheng
“Extremely knowledgeable, commercial and responsive.”
Jasmine Chew
“Clear, concise, able to provide customised insightful solutions to clients.”
“She is amongst the most knowledgeable lawyer we have worked with that has a strong understanding of Singapore's regulations and licensing. She is able to honestly project to us the possible risks that we may encounter and areas that we should focus on and recommends mitigation of those risks.”
Beng Chye Chua
“Great communication skills, extremely client-focused, technically strong, able to generate creative solutions.”
Chi Tern Hoon
“Practicable, patient, knowledgeable.”
Jasmine Thng
“She’s a very dedicated, hard-working and brilliant young lawyer.”
Weilin Lee
“Experienced and very market oriented. Speedy reply and strong leader.”
“Good appreciation of my business and our considerations. Able to recommend solutions and negotiate best terms on my behalf.”
Xin Mei Lee
“Practical, quick and solutions oriented.”
“Xin Mei is our go-to lawyer for highly structured and complex leveraged and acquisition financing. She is always able to quickly grasp the nuances in highly complex transactions and is extremely knowledgeable in both legal and commercial issues. She is extremely dedicated, always responsive and highly reliable – you can always count on her to deliver high-quality work even under compressed deadlines. She is also highly personable, connects well with her clients and demonstrates great leadership. She is solution-oriented and is always patient in taking the time to explain concepts to clients.”
Angela Lim
“Dedicated.”
Raelene Pereira
“Very approachable and diligent.”
Avinash Pradhan
“He has deep knowledge in construction and is a very talented lawyer. In a very short time, he studied my legal case, cracked the high court judgment and won in appeal.”
Zixiang Sun
“Zixiang is very attentive and responsive to his clients’ needs. He's also very knowledgeable about fund investments, and his exposure and experience allow him to give a fair and balanced take on every scenario that comes up. He adopts a client-first approach and would actively advise clients on spotted issues even if unprompted.”
Arnold Tan
“Arnold is very responsive when the timing of advice is critical. Arnold is very knowledgeable when it comes to matters related to our regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore.”
“Very knowledgeable.”
Anne Yeo
“Experienced and patient.”
“Responsive, deep industry knowledge, willing to listen.”
“Very responsive, easily accessible. In-depth knowledge of regulatory matters. Provides innovative solutions.”
Philip Yeo
“Knowledgeable, hard-working, commercial, responsive.”
Setia Law
Founded in 2023, Setia Law
is a specialist high-stakes dispute resolution and crisis management team in Singapore.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is specialists in dispute resolution, fraud and financial crimes, restructuring and insolvency, and international enforcement.
Shook Lin & Bok
Independent law firm Shook Lin & Bok in Singapore has a well-diversified practice across the financial and corporate space. The firm maintains offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and has also established China and India desks.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is ranked highest in banking and finance, M&A, restructuring and has strong capital markets and investment funds practices.
Sectors of focus include banking and financial services, energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, transportation, technology and telecommunication, oil and gas, and real estate.
Key clients
Key clients include DBS Trustee, HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore), Morgan Stanley, Perpetual (Asia), State Street Trust (SG), Advance Intelligence Group, Xiaomi, M1 Telecommunications and Tesla.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
The banking team was active on a range of mandates including sustainability-linked financing, green financing, acquisition financing, fintech financing, property financing and secured financing.
In the capital markets area, the firm advised on debt and equity transactions. On the debt side it did a mix of issuer and arrangers side work on bond issues. On the equity side it worked for issuers on IPOs.
In M&A, the firm was active on strategic deals on both the buy and sell side. The deals were in the financial services, insurance, healthcare, technology and telecommunications and education sectors.
The restructuring team was active on several high-value mandates. The firm also notably advised HSBC, the single largest creditor of Hin Leong Trading, in the collapse of the Hin Leong group of companies.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Changi Airport Group (Singapore)’s S$2 billion ($1.48 billion) sustainability-linked revolving credit facility.
Compass Venture’s TSXV IPO.
Perpetual (Asia)’s S$236 million 7% notes maiden issuance.
Prestige Biopharma’s KRX IPO.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking
“Detailed and thorough when working on a transaction with prompt and quick follow-ups to ensure that the transaction goes smoothly.”
“Understanding of the legal issues involved on a case-by-case basis. Alternative suggestions recommended for consideration.”
Capital markets
“Attentive and thoughtful.”
“Speed and advice.”
Insolvency
“Practical advice and competitive fees.”
“SLB covers the grounds on a holistic basis, involving not only legal views, but also commercial sense to approach the case.”
“SLB is able to advise on approaches for cases where we engage their services, which is win-win for parties and maximises our recoveries.”
Investment funds
“Knowledgeable, efficient and professional.”
“Timely turnarounds and practical escalations. Dedicated team that is always available to assist.”
M&A
“Dedicated, good knowledge and experienced.”
“Fantastic expertise and domain knowledge. Extremely strong consulting on cases or challenges with open discussion of pros and cons of each possible path forward. Very quick and efficient.”
“Technical prowess. Personal attention of partner. Attention to detail.”
“They are very on the ball, always responsive, consistently able to meet deadlines, very commercial. All done at very reasonable fees.”
“A very deep bench with good technical and regulatory knowledge overlaid with commercial solutions driven advice.”
Private equity
“Sound and prompt advice taking into account commercial considerations for win-win solutions.”
Restructuring
“Excellent commercial approach, quick response times, thinking outside the box.”
“Hard-working, smart, and gets to the point quickly.”
Shi Ying Chua
“Extremely client oriented and bright. Expect sensible and effective solutions which cut through complicated problems.”
Dayne Ho
“He sees the sticking points in any transaction earlier than others and solves them immediately. Clients are always ahead in the power curve because of his almost prescient analysis and brilliant negotiation skills.”
“Very responsive and my go-to Singapore M&A counsel.”
Stanley Lim
“Approachable, thorough, knowledgeable and prompt.”
“Understanding of the bank's requirements. Suggest alternative solutions that best suit the bank's position.”
“A very responsive and helpful lawyer who provides very useful advice which is relevant to the context.”
Yeow Khoon Ng
“Practical and sound legal advice. Provides solutions and options for every case.”
“He is a very experienced lawyer. Very personable and shares his knowledge with his client. Explains the concept clearly and provides very practical solutions/advice.”
“Knowledgeable, provides very good work and service.”
“Willing to listen to our problems and provide sound legal advice.”
Marilyn See
“Already mentioned in previous sections.”
Jamal Siddique
“Responsive and listens.”
Alicea Tan
“Efficient, quick response, knowledgeable.”
Daniel Tan
“Makes himself available, flexible commercial approach to problem-solving, innovative solutions to complex problems.”
“Personable, easy to access and always willing to have an opinion on the spot. Hard-working and has a great team who he treats very well.”
“Strong leader who wants to do the best for his clients.”
“Responsiveness. Approachability. Balances legal advice with commercial advice. Market connectivity. Clear confident advice.”
Woon Hum Tan
“Experienced, knowledgeable, puts client's interest first.”
“Extremely well-versed and tenured in this area.”
“Speed and advice.”
Mae Shaan Teo
“Excellent relationship management. Always going above and beyond to help. Great interpersonal skills. Technically strong in SG law.”
Suresh Viswanath
“Excellent junior lawyer, very responsive and a pleasure to work with.”
Gang Wong
“Speed and advice.”
“Dedicated, good knowledge and experienced.”
Pearlyn Xie
“Understands commercial deal complexities and able to come up with win-win solutions in timely fashion.”
TSMP Law Corporation
TSMP Law Corporation is a boutique law firm founded in 1998 to provide diversified financial and corporate practices. The firm is led by joint managing partners Thio Shen Yi and Stefanie Yuen Thio.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in M&A and is active in banking, capital markets, restructuring and project development.
In banking, the firm specialises in acquisition and project financing in the real estate sector and has experience in advising both lenders and borrowers.
On the M&A side, the firm is known for quality work in public company takeovers and REIT mergers and is active in sectors such as media, real estate, hospitality, and technology and telecommunication.
The restructuring team is experienced in acting for creditors, debtors and insolvency professionals.
Key clients
Key clients include INEOS Styrolution APAC, Oxley Holdings, Oversea-Chinese Banking, Mizuho Bank, DBS Bank, United Overseas Bank, Credit Suisse (Singapore), Annaik Limited Perennial Real Estate Holdings and Slaughter & May.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the banking and finance team was active in financing and refinancing mandates for a mix of client roles as lenders and borrowers.
In the capital markets area, the firm advised on debt and equity transactions. On the debt side, it did a mix of issuer and REIT manager side work on bond issues. On the equity side, it worked for issuers on IPOs.
In M&A ,the firm was active in public acquisitions, private acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures. The deals were in the natural resources, technology and communications, financial services, consumer goods and services, and healthcare sectors.
In the project space, the firm was also involved in acquisitions relating to sectors in utility and energy, renewable, data centres, real estate and aviation.
In the project space, the firm was also involved in acquisitions relating to sectors in energy and real estate.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Mainboard-listed Hafary Holdings/Guangdong ITA Element Building Materials joint venture.
Silvergate Bank’s $5,000,000 term credit and security agreement.
Slaughter & May (London) and YTL PowerSeraya’s acquisition of the Tuaspring power station.
Wego’s convertible notes issuance.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Asset finance
“The staff at TSMP can always be reached and they always provide advice that aids in the successful closing of our real estate transactions.”
Bank lending
“Excellent.”
“TSMP has been providing a legal service to our bank for many years, which includes standard registration or charges, mortgages and securities. TSMP also actively aids the bank in bilateral loan facilities and provides support services to our offshore branches.”
“TSMP has been providing valued legal services to us for many years and is familiar with our daily documentation needs and requirements.”
“TSMP's team is very thorough and professional.”
“Very responsive, competitive fees and great service. Always there when I need them.”
M&A
“Commercial, responsive and cost-effective.”
“Despite complexity due to fund formation by multiple co-investors and multiple target entities involved in the acquisition, TSMP timely reviewed and analysed the legal risks involved in the deal by leveraging its deep insight and expertise in the real estate and M&A industry. In addition, the TSMP team closely collaborated as one team with us to provide seamless advice to the client.”
“Practical, solutions-oriented and quick.”
Project development
“Knowledgeable, purposeful, decisive.”
Restructuring
“TSMP is a great firm. The restructuring team are all bright, commercial, strategic and responsive. They are a pleasure to work with.”
Jennifer Chia
“Responsive and practical advice based on her abundant skills and experience are her very big attributes and advantages and contribution to her firm and the clients. Also, her time and cost management skills are trustworthy.”
“Jennifer has an in-depth knowledge of local laws and has been providing legal advisory services to our bank for many years, so she knows the day-to-day needs of the bank in terms of legal documentation.”
“Jennifer is a fantastic lawyer who is dependable, technically sound and a safe pair of hands on transactions. Jennifer is my go-to lawyer for Singapore banking and finance work.”
“Jennifer is a seasoned and experienced legal counsel with much depth and knowledge in her field of work and we have relied greatly on her wisdom for structuring our loan facilities.”
“Knowledgeable, helpful and professional.”
“Practical, solutions oriented and customer-centric.”
“Very attentive and responsive to our legal needs.”
“Very responsive and professional!”
June Ho
“June is a pleasure to work with in all respects.”
Derrick Loh
“Access, experience, legal knowledge, results-driven.”
Shen Yi Thio
“Shen Yi is a very personable lawyer who thinks outside the box to find innovative solutions for clients. He is commercial and technical at once and, most importantly, he delivers results. Quick to respond with a very strong team, Shen Yi comes with the highest of recommendations.”
Stefanie Yuen Thio
“Very commercial and client-focussed.”
Withers KhattarWong
Full-service law firm Withers KhattarWong is the product of a 2015 formal law alliance
between Withers and KhattarWong. The firm boasts an international presence through its affiliation with Withers worldwide.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best recognised for restructuring and insolvency work.
It acts for a wide spectrum of creditors, debtors and third parties in restructuring or distressed transactions.
Key clients
Key clients include China CITIC Bank International, TuasOne, United Overseas Bank, DBS Bank, FKS Food and Agri, CIMB Bank, Everstone Capital Asia, Accial Capital, Accial Capital Management, Durational Holdings and MAH Sustainable
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
The banking team was active for a mix of lenders and borrowers on domestic and cross-border financings and lending work.
The corporate team was busy with both buy and sell side roles in industries including technology and telecommunications and alcoholic beverage. The firm was also active in fund formation and fund raising.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm took on a host of roles for debtors, creditors and liquidators.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
APRIL International Enterprise’s cross-border loan.
Inbrew Asia’s acquisition financing.
Italian Exhibition Group’s acquisition of the Singapore International Jewelry Expo and Cafè Asia, Sweet and Bakes Asia trade shows.
Perpetual (Asia) syndicated loan facility.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Asset finance
“Knowledgeable, detailed, commercially minded.”
Banking and finance
“They offer competitive legal fees with high-quality service. They work fast and efficient.”
“They were very attentive and quick, enabling the tight transaction timelines to be kept on schedule. They were also proficient in advising on the implementation of covenants and taking of security across multiple jurisdictions.”
“Well versed in property financing and gives sound advice on mortgage-related issues.”
“WKW responses are very prompt, and they meet the deadline provided to them. The team provided very constructive feedback and protected the group's interest from all aspects. Without compromising the group's interest, the WKW team can satisfy both the lenders and our interests. Their fees are also very reasonable.”
Capital markets
“Responsive, efficient, knowledgeable.”
Financial services regulatory
“Senior lawyers are experienced with good industry knowledge in private client work. Responsive to feedback.”
Investment funds
“Withers is very fast in turnaround and provides good advice.”
M&A
“Responsive, relevant and very commercial.”
“The team is timely in the responses, provides good feedback and opinions.”
“Very efficient and responsive. Can balance flexibility and legal protections for us. Being commercial.”
Private equity
“Withers is thorough and shows commitment to clients. Daniel Yong is a high-quality lawyer in this space.”
Project finance
“Dedicated works in timely manner. Careful, exhaustive and fair advice to finalise the arrangement.”
“Very prompt and knowledgeable.”
Restructuring
“Competent. Responsive. Demonstrates clear understanding of client requirements.”
“Having a global partner with experts in many jurisdictions, in particular across APAC and partner network, really helped me to consolidate my legal matters and have a one-hand service, and more importantly a view across all matters and dependencies.”
“Legally sound advice delivered promptly and concisely.”
Guan Feng Chen
“Guan Feng is able to come up with solutions for difficult scenarios and was able to see from the group and the lender's perspective. He is very passionate about helping the group and the group has been engaging with him for over five years. Guan Feng and his team’s responses are very prompt, and he has met every deadline that has been provided.”
“Very experienced, quick thinker, always trying to protect our interests to the fullest extent.”
Chuo Ming Leong
“Can lead documentation negotiation in a commercial way.”
“Listens well to client issues. Willing to explore various approaches and restructuring strategies.”
“Very consumer-centric. Practical. Value for money.”
Winston Seow
“Knowledgeable.”
Kenneth Szeto
“Approachable, knowledgeable, accessible.”
“Kenneth is very practical when giving advice, very approachable, and he is a people person. He has very good knowledge in his area of practice.”
“Very good knowledge of property financing and gives good advice relating to mortgages.”
Erlene Tan
“Always responsive and timely.”
“Erlene is a keen listener, and truly has expert knowledge in her field, specifically in company law, restructuring and insolvency. She is a seasoned practitioner who is technically strong and is always quick to grasp our issues. She is commercially astute and unsurpassed in this area. She also brings a lot of industry experience, and with that solutions and approaches to getting the job done.”
Justin Yip
“Legally sound advice delivered promptly and concisely.”
Daniel Yong
“Able to provide good advice and innovative ideas to solve our problems.”
“Calm and knowledgeable. Daniel gives confidence to the listener when providing his input. He shows high commitment levels, experience and good judgement.”
“Knowledgeable and able to provide practical advice. Easy to deal with, patient and able to explain complex issues in a simple way for non-lawyers.”
Tiancheng Zhou
“Intensive communication to solve difficult situations.”
“Very responsive and knowledgeable.”
Wong Tan & Molly Lim
Established in 1986, Wong Tan & Molly Lim is in a formal law alliance with international law firm Watson Farley & Williams.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm focuses primarily on banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, general corporate and commercial law, onshore representation for foreign corporations, corporate and commercial litigation, arbitration, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution.
WongPartnership
Founded in 1992 and led by Ng Wai King,
WongPartnership is one of the clear market leaders in the Singapore legal market and one of Singapore’s “big four" firms. The firm extends its presence throughout the region with the WPG network.
Focusses / specialisms
The banking team advises across the spectrum of financing mandates acting for clients such as corporates, banks and financial institutions.
The firm's financial services regulatory team caters to the regulatory compliance needs of international financial institutions and has a special focus on the fintech space.
The capital markets team has a wealth of experience in advising on public and private equity placements, as well as domestic and international debt offerings.
On the corporate side, the firm often acts on high-profile mergers and acquisitions throughout the region. The firm has also set up a venture capital practice to take advantage of Singapore's reputation as a venture capital/startup hub.
The projects team is experienced in advising a variety of stakeholders in sectors including infrastructure, oil and gas, power (conventional and renewable), utilities and construction.
Key clients
Key clients include United Overseas Bank, Mizuho Bank, Citibank, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Credit Suisse, Navis Capital, Blackstone, Shun Tak Holdings, Olam International
and Keppel Corporation.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
In addition to general financing work, the banking team notably acted on several acquisition financings and green financings, acting for both borrowers and lenders. In a landmark mandate, the firm advised a borrower in the refinancing of the acquisition and the green loan syndicated financing of the project development, which is the largest syndicated green loan financing in Singapore to date.
An equity capital markets highlight saw the firm advise on the IPO of NIO on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange. On the debt side, it mostly acted for the issuer on bond issues.
In M&A, the firm was active in strategic deals on both the buy and sell side. The deals were in real estate, tourism, investment management, financial services and investment management.
In projects the team was active advising clients from sport, shipping, real estate, energy, oil and gas, and technology and telecommunications.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm took on a host of roles for debtors, creditors and liquidators.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
CapitaLand Ascott Trust’s acquisition of nine serviced residences.
NIO’s SGX IPO.
Perennial Shenton Property’s S$3 billion green loan syndicated financing.
Sand SG Holdings’ S$95 million secured facility.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
“Ability to grasp extremely well the concerns and wants of both lenders and borrower, and to bridge them competently and professionally.”
“Fast response, long-term understanding of client requirements and commercial in advice. Also, one firm that can provide high-quality advice across multiple specialties e.g., M&A, banking, regulatory etc.”
“One of the market leaders and can always be relied upon to produce quality work.”
“The team understands what is required from the Bank and is able to deliver advice which provides the pros and cons of the decision required.”
“WP's team of advisers are thorough and fast in response time.”
Financial services regulatory
“Concise and commercially driven advice.”
“The team from WongPartnership is always very well prepared and knowledgeable.”
Insolvency
“Strong technically. Responsive. Client centric.”
“WongPartnership team was prompt on delivering advice and managed all the bank's stakeholders well.
They provided in-depth analysis and also provided commercial recommendations for the bank on the way forward.
When in need of a senior counsel, they were also able to provide options for the bank.”
M&A
“Commercial, speedy, knowledgeable.”
“Experienced in their field of work. Able to provide practical solutions.”
“Innovative in structuring; always seeking to tailor solutions to suit the client's objectives.”
“Responsive and experienced in regulatory aspects.”
“The team is very efficient and comprises multi-disciplinary experts to cover corporate work and infrastructure project work. The knowledge sharing among the various parties in the team is seamless and swift. While most team members attend most meetings, the costs incurred did not fall beyond expectations nor was there double billing.”
“Very responsive and practical in advice rendered.”
“Willing to take in feedback and provide alternative solutions for clients.”
“WongPartnership is very responsive, and they provide commercial and clear advice.”
Private equity
“They have a strong command of the local legal and regulatory requirements for fund management.”
“WP is an M&A powerhouse blessed with a deep bench of first-class transactional lawyers who know how to get the deal done efficiently and sensibly.”
“Wong Partnership has a deep bench of tier one practitioners across multiple disciplines. You know that you are getting practical, thoughtful and articulate advice to deal with complex transactions. For bet the farm work, I would choose no other.”
“The firm offers a comprehensive array of services, as evidenced by their ability to assist us on multiple fronts including multi-stage venture financing and M&A work for our portfolio companies.”
Project development
“Proactive and knowledgeable.”
“Fast, efficient, prompt, strategic and has good industry knowledge.”
Project finance
“They are truly "partners" and take care of your interests. They do not stop at what their work scope is but will go beyond that to make sure that the transaction is successfully completed.”
Restructuring
“Balance of legal and commercial advice.”
“The restructuring team is deep and wide. They work well as a team and bring a great mix of legal and business acumen.
They know the law but are very practical in terms of solving business problems.
They are a top firm in Singapore and SEA.”
“WongPartnership helped the bank to navigate the dichotomy of information and stakeholders to establish a clear legal view and strategy. The team was commercial, reliable and we were also comforted that there were a pair of steady hands that we could count on for counsel.”
Andrew Ang
“Commercial-minded, able to provide effective solutions, responsive and client-orientated.”
“One of the most innovative M&A lawyers in the country. Has earned the trust of the industry regulator and is therefore able to provide very cogent advice. Accessible, helpful and personable.”
Sing Yee Chan
“Sing Yee looks at the big picture. She is the real deal when it comes to multi-geography deals. She does not just delegate to local counsel. She knows all the issues in each geography and acts like a proper deal counsel, knowing all the issues. Very commercial and goes the extra mile for clients.”
“Very responsive, experienced and able to provide practical solutions to tricky situations. Able to handle complex deals.”
“Very responsive, practical in solutioning, handles negotiations well and is able to get client's requests across.”
Alvin Chia
“He is truly a partner with his client's interests at heart. He is very experienced and pragmatic. Although he is a very senior partner, he is hands-on with the work and very responsive.”
“Very detailed while remaining commercial so as to ensure transaction progresses in an expedited manner.”
Audrey Chng
“Excellent understanding of our business and the regulatory regime we operate within.”
“Very patient and willing to listen to suggestions and provide alternative solutions.”
“Very proactive and responsive to client's queries and issues. Always open to listening to suggestions and providing alternative solutions.”
Trevor Chuan
“Very professional. Able to provide professional advice in the best interest of client. Manages a team of professional legal associates.”
Deya Dubey
“Very knowledgeable and also very creative in his arguments towards issues that came across during meetings/hearings.”
Felix Lee
“Provides professional advice and acts in the best interests of clients. Able to meet deadlines. Manages a team of professional associates.”
Kyle Lee
“Kyle is an expert in venture capital deals in Singapore and has a wealth of experience working with various players in the industry. He is able to offer strategic insight into deals and can anticipate potential outcomes and consequences of specific deal mechanics. Furthermore, Kyle is able to balance his strategic approach with commercial acumen and sensitivity to the specific risk/reward preferences of his clients. He is able to provide concise and timely input on the most important issues, while also recognising when certain details can be overlooked.”
“Kyle is a very pleasant person to work with. He is an expert in his practice area. He is able to provide sound advice by taking into consideration the relevant elements.”
“Kyle’s reputation only grows from year to year. Having worked with Kyle for more than a decade, he consistently combines legal experience and commercial acumen across a broad variety of deals that he partners us on. Beyond a high degree of trust in Kyle’s opinions, we also look to him as a rational counterpart who not only delivers effective legal outcomes but can also bring both sides of a negotiation closer during difficult discussions.”
“Manages expectations and preempts problems and offers good solutions.”
“Solution-focussed, excellent client service, tons of experience.”
Christy Lim
“Good management, professional and knowledgeable.”
“Provides adequate supervision and personal involvement, ensures associates provide quality products and within deadlines and fee caps.”
Jolynn Lim
“Jolynn is a fine lawyer who has depth of experience and is one to watch.”
“Jolynn is highly detail oriented and a practical and effective counsel for our deals.”
“We have been working with Jolynn since she was a junior lawyer. We are very happy to see her grow in her career. At her seniority, she shows her capability to manage clients and issues professionally. She is also very responsible and responsive.”
Nicolette Lye
“Responsive and meticulous.”
Smitha Menon
“Great at building relationships and solving problems. Organises the team well and gets the right things done.”
Felicia Ng
“Strong subject-matter knowledge.”
Wai King Ng
“Super in terms of his legal knowledge and communication skills. He possesses a unique ability to reassure clients. Honest and realistic; he does not always try to mask bad news or try to paint it as good or neutral.”
“Tremendous legal insight; his considerable experience provides enormous comfort to clients when he is present in a transaction. Has trained a strong team of lawyers to lead M&A transactions.”
“Wai King is one of the best M&A lawyers in Singapore. He is very sharp, commercial and very user-friendly. Invaluable adviser to have on your side.”
Fi Ling Quak
“Commercial, problem-solver. Speedy.”
“Fi Ling is extremely commercial and always willing to offer practical solutions no matter what the issue is.”
“Fi Ling is very commercial; she is hands-on and understands our risk appetite and business.”
“She is very hard-working, commercial, thorough, and thinks from the client perspective.”
Manoj Sandrasegara
“Responsive. Knowledgeable. Clever.”
Anna Tan
“Anna is a first-class M&A lawyer who is very commercial, across all issues and user-friendly. She is highly capable and always delivers.”
Bernadette Tan
“A wealth of experience already as one of the top young banking lawyers in Singapore. Great at managing every aspect of complex matters and always goes above and beyond for clients.”
Kai Yun Tan
“Able to catch on to what is required from the bank and is able to manage expectations. Commercial recommendations.”
“Clear, confident advice.”
“Very responsive and managed all stakeholders within the bank well.”
Peng Cheng Tay
“Hands-on and able to come up with practical solutions. Handles the counterparty well.”
“Tay is a meticulous person and always very well prepared for meetings, etc.”
Sion Yoong Tian
“Commercially driven, responsive and very effective in communicating complex legal advice/problems in a simple and easily understood manner.”
Ian de Vaz
“Responsive, strategic, friendly, fast, knowledgeable.”
Susan Wong
“Attentive to firm's legal needs and responsive to client's demands.”
“Extremely competent and knowledgeable in her specialised field.”
“Top lawyer who has seen it all and continues to be at the forefront of the banking legal landscape in Singapore.”
Stephanie Yeo
“Deep legal mind, international experience, and ability to simplify complex matters and problem solve.
A joy to work with.”
“She grasped the complex subtlety of the restructuring case quickly and provided counsel and solutions to navigate the divergence of stakeholders to maximise recovery for us. She is the best in her class, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her.”
Annabelle Yip
“Very attentive and willing to go out of her way to help to resolve issues.”
AEI Legal
AEI Legal
Boutique law firm AEI Legal was founded in 2018 and is led by managing director Andrea Chee.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its corporate and M&A work. It is also active in venture capital and private equity area.
Sectors of focus include consumer products, technology, real estate and food and beverages.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Supreme, Kakao, LRQA and GoTo.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“AEI Legal has deep sector experience and is able to balance well between commercial and legal risks. For M&A transactions this is critical.”
Ashurst ADTLaw
Ashurst
International law firm Ashurst’s Singapore office serves as a hub for the firm’s regional practice. The firm also has a formal law alliance with boutique Singapore firm ADTLaw.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is known for its high-quality banking and finance and projects work and also boasts strong corporate, capital markets and restructuring and insolvency offerings.
The banking team is experienced in acting for clients such as arrangers, lenders, financiers and borrowers on matters including acquisition financing, project financing and refinancing.
The M&A team is active on matters across the region and has a record of acting on high profile deals.
In projects, the firm is particularly strong advising on the financing and development of power projects.
On the restructuring front, the firm advises lenders, debtors, potential purchasers and insolvency officeholders across a variety of sectors.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Australian and New Zealand Banking Group, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, DBS, Citibank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, BGC Partners, AC Energy, Marubeni, Keppel Renewable Energy and Macquarie Capital.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Banking
“The banking team in Singapore -led by Jean Woo - is responsive and commercial. We used Ashurst for some of our Indonesian projects and they were responsive and practical in their advice.”
Asia Practice
Asia Practice is a Singapore headquartered law firm active in the financial and corporate space and related regulatory matters. Key figures at the firm include directors Jonathan Tan and Leon Low.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its banking and finance and corporate and M&A offerings.
The banking team is experienced with clients including lenders, arrangers, and borrowers on an array of transactions such as asset finance, acquisition financing, debt restructuring, syndicated financing and refinancing.
The corporate team has experience in a range of sectors including technology, real estate, agriculture, social infrastructure and manufacturing.
The firm also has expertise in the fintech and regulatory area.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Dynacyte Biosciences, Aufhaven, Tier One Entertainment, Dot Dot Fire International Singapore Finance Company, Precious Metals Trading Group, Sea Easy Capital and Validus Capital.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Fast, professional, competent in Singapore law.”
Restructuring
“Put client's interest first - help us understand all the pros and cons and how to relate these factors to our context. Willing and able to communicate difficult messages that are crucial for us to fully admit the reality for rational decision making. Always responsive in the process of deliverable development.”
Atlas Asia Law Corporation
Atlas Asia Law Corporation
Active since 2018, boutique law firm Atlas Asia Law Corporation focuses on corporate and commercial matters and has an association with EY. The firm has a team of five directors and is led by founder and managing director Evelyn Ang.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in the corporate and M&A area. It is also active in the private equity and venture capital market.
Sectors of activities include fintech, logistics, real estate, agriculture, food and beverage, insurance, education and healthcare.
Bird & Bird ATMD
Bird & Bird Singapore was formed in 2009 when international law firm Bird & Bird entered into a global association with Singapore firm Alban Tay Mahtani & de Silva. Access to Bird & Bird’s pan-Asia network provides the firm with an edge in handling cross-border transactions. Key figures at the firm include joint managing partner Sandra Seah.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in M&A, banking and finance, debt and equity capital markets and project development practices.
The banking team has notable expertise advising on regulatory compliance and fintech matters.
The corporate team has experience advising clients on inbound and outbound investments in an array of sectors including technology and telecommunications, energy, aviation, automotive, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail. The client portfolio features multinationals, financial institutions, public and private companies, private equity firms and government-linked entities.
In the projects space, the firm boasts a specialist practice for energy management and energy efficiency projects.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Viu International, Shanghai Turbo Enterprises, iX Biopharma, United Overseas Bank, LS 2 Holdings, KludeIn I Acquisition, Ingram Micro, Altair ASEAN Fund, The Building and Construction Authority.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development
“They provided great legal insights on various clauses as well as the impact on the organization and proactively suggested alternatives that can be acceptable to both parties while minimizing risk for the organization. The turnaround time for the work was quick and ahead of expectations.”
Private equity
“Great communication skills and providing accurate information.”
BlackOak
BlackOak
Founded in 2016, BlackOak is a well-known boutique focusing on restructuring and insolvency. The firm has expanded its presence across the region by partnering with firms such as AZB & Partners in India.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in its restructuring and insolvency practices. It represents a gamut of stakeholders, including insolvency professionals, debtors, creditors, funds and white knights across a range of sectors.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include AJCapital Advisory, Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Ernst and Young Solution, Fujita Corporation Singapore, Sky Smart Ventures and TransAsia Private Capital.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Restructuring
“They are giants in the restructuring and insolvency space. Combines cutting-edge legal knowledge with commercial acumen.”
Insolvency
“They are well known amongst the Singapore practitioners and consistent in their submissions.”
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is an international law firm with offices across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The firm’s Singapore office houses 120 lawyers and opened in 1981. The office serves as a base for operations across the region and is helmed by managing partner Kai Schneider.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm ranks among the market leaders in banking, M&A, debt equity market, restructuring and project finance. It is also active in the equity capital markets and project development space.
The firm’s 2012 Formal Law Alliance with Cavenagh Law allows it to provide both Singapore and international law services.
In banking and finance, the firm boasts one of the largest cross-border finance practices based in Singapore. Its diverse client base includes commercial and investment banks, funds and public and private corporations and international bodies.
The firm has extensive expertise in the financial services regulatory practice,advising on regulatory issues affecting all parts of the financial sector.
The capital markets team notably has experience advising on landmark capital markets transactions in India.
The firm houses the largest dedicated M&A team among international law firms in Singapore and focuses on corporate and M&A matters across Southeast Asia. The team has experience acting for corporates, banks, private equity houses, sovereign wealth funds and real estate and infrastructure funds.
The restructuring team focuses on sectors such as oil and gas, telecommunications, construction, transport, maritime and shipping. The team has expertise representing stakeholders such as creditors, lenders, coordinating committees, private equity sponsors, insolvency practitioners and debtors.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Credit Suisse, DBS, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Digital Realty, Cimory Group, PT Avia Avian, HDFC Bank, ING, Kellogg, Philip Morris, PSA, Keppel, KrisEnergy, Blackstone, CVC Capital Partners and CDPQ.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
“Very capable - technically and commercially. Proactive and great response times. A pleasure to work with.”
M&A
“Very responsive and excellent quality of work. A very long drawn-out transaction and wouldn't have concluded satisfactorily without CC's support.”
CNPLaw
CNPLaw
Full-service law firm CNPLaw, previously known as Colin Ng & Partners, was formed in 1988. The firm houses more than 40 lawyers and is a member of Interlaw, IR Global and SCG Legal.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in the debt and equity capital market, banking and finance, investment funds, M&A and project development space. The firm also actively advises clients in the restructuring and insolvency area.
The banking team advises banks, financial institutions, investment funds as well as corporate borrowers across the full range of domestic and cross-border banking and finance transactions.
The firm’s well-established capital markets practice advises on both debt and equity offerings.
The corporate and M&A team advises on matters across the ASEAN region and has experience advising Chinese clients. Sectors of focus include manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, logistics, retail and technology.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Tupy Overseas, Minerva Luxembourg, Natura Cosméticos, Compañía de Minas Buenaventura, International Press Softcom, Amicorp Asset Management and Hera Capital.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Private equity
“Commercially savvy and always finds legal solutions to business problems. Attention to detail and quick turnaround. Excellent team led by Mr. Amit Dhume.”
Investment funds
“They are very competent and highly responsive. They provide sound and relevant advice in a timely manner. They provide examples of precedents from their experience.”
Damodara Ong
Damodara Ong provides strategic advice and legal services in dispute resolution and litigation matters, as well as for a broad range of corporate and commercial transactions.
Focusses / specialisms
In corporate matters, the firm has experience in advisory and compliance for listed and non-listed entities, charities, institutions of public character and NGOs, corporate support services, cross-border transactions, distribution and supply, agency and franchising, infrastructure and project financing, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, fund-raising and debt financing staffing and manpower.
The firm provide strategic advice and legal services for a broad range of corporate and commercial transactions, to clients at every level from individuals and SMEs to local and global companies.
DWF
DWF’s Singapore office is recognised for its corporate and M&A work and is led by managing partner Ben Constance.
Focusses / specialisms
Sectors of focus include insurance, financial services, real estate, technology and telecommunications.
Key clients
Recent clients include Entoria Energy, HCL Infosystems, Gojo & Company, Toko Alpha and Korea Investment Partners.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
During the research period, the firm was active on several cross border transactions for clients, including acquirers, investees, and sellers. An example saw the firm advise HCL Infosystems on the divestment of HCL Insys to PCCW.
The firm added Joel Shen from Stephenson Harwood as a partner to its corporate team.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Binance Capital Management $20 million acquisition of a controlling interest in Toko Alpha
Entoria Energy acquisition of Red Dot Renergy
Gojo & Company investment in Loan Frame Technologies
Korea Investment Partners investment in Pouring Pounds
PCCW acquisition of HCL Insys
Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Private equity
“Responsive, knowledgeable and competent.”
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
The first international law firm to operate in Singapore, London headquartered law firm
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has been active in the Southeast Asia region since 1980. Key figures in the firm’s Singapore office include partner Don Stokes.
Focusses / specialisms
Freshfields in Singapore has a strong corporate and M&A offering and has well-established banking and finance, capital markets and project development offerings.
The projects team advises clients such as multilaterals on matters across the region in jurisdictions such as Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Key clients
Recent clients include Blu Stone Management, M1 Group, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Udenna Corporation, Asian Development Bank, Sembcorp Utilities, and EGAT International.
FSLAW
FSLAW
Established in 2013, FSLAW is a boutique firm based in Singapore providing corporate & commercial law solutions for clients in the Asia Pacific region. The firm holds membership of the Dentons NextLaw network and also has an association with FS Law in Australia.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is noted for its debt and equity capital markets, corporate and M&A and restructuring and insolvency work.
Sectors of activity include insurance, technology, biotech, pharmaceutical, mining and natural resources.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Lightspeed India Partners III, Darrow Holdings and Cambridge Capital.
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
US firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher’s Singapore office was established in 2008 and is led by partner Jai Pathak. The firm's Singapore office works in tandem with its Beijing and Hong Kong offices to provide clients with a comprehensive service.
Focusses / specialisms
The office is best known for its high-quality project development and restructuring and insolvency work but also has strong offerings in M&A and project finance.
The firm also actively advises clients in the banking area, the team advises both borrowers and lenders on cross-border deals in Singapore and throughout the region in jurisdictions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Laos. The banking team has particular expertise in energy, infrastructure and oil and gas and is strong in project financing.
The corporate team’s experience covers matters including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity investments.
In restructuring the firm’s experience includes advising both debtors and creditors and it is known for its work in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include MedcoEnergi, JBIC, Mizuho, Sumitomo, Deutsche Bank, Alternative Capital Providers, PAG Absolute Returns, Duniatex Group, Chevron, Platinum Equity, Jadestone Energy, MedcoEnergi and PT Indika Energy.
Harry Elias Partnership
Harry Elias Partnership
Founded in 1988, Harry Elias Partnership is a full-service Singaporean law firm active in the financial and corporate space. In 2020, the firm ended its three-year merger with multinational law firm Eversheds Sutherland. The firm also has an associated firm HEP Law in Brunei Darussalam.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm boasts a well-diversified financial and corporate practice. It is recognized for its work in the restructuring and insolvency, M&A, banking and finance, debt and equity capital markets and project development space.
The corporate team has experience in sectors such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals, fintech, mining, infrastructure, technology and logistics and the banking team has expertise in fintech.
The restructuring team’s clients include companies, shareholders, liquidators, judicial managers, receivers and creditors.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Canadian Solar, Macquarie, Aura Singapore, Wee Hur, HSBC Institutional Trust Services, First Abu Dhabi Bank, DBS Bank and South Beach Consortium.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development
“The team are very personable and dedicated to their clients. The assigned Partner was actively involved in the case and is not there just to delegate to others. Legal strategy is strong.”
Insolvency
“Follows up closely and is good with respecting client's wishes.”
Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee
Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee is the product of a joint venture between Hogan Lovells and Singaporean law firm Lee & Lee. The firm is helmed by Alex Wong, who serves as managing partner.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm boasts a well-diversified practice across the financial and corporate space.
The firm is particularly strong in the aviation industry and acts for banks, financial institutions, domestic and international airlines, aircraft leasing and finance companies, aviation service and maintenance companies, and aircraft manufacturers.
The banking team has experience advising clients on matters related to pre-delivery payment financings, export credit supported financings, and securitisations.
In capital markets, the firm is well known for representing issuers and arranging banks on establishing and operating EMTN programmes. The firm is also focussed on the distressed bond markets in India, Indonesia and China.
Key clients
Notable clients include BNP Paribas, HSBC, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, RHB Bank, Citigroup Global Markets and Morgan Stanley.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
During the review period, the firm acted for arrangers, managers, issuers, and trustees on updating EMTN programmes and issuing bonds. One highlight saw the firm advise the trustee on the issue of bonds by Sri Lanka’s government.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka $1 billion 6.85% bond issue
The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka $1.4 billion 7.85% bond issue
Transurban Finance Company €600 million 1.45% bond issue
Vicinity Centres €2 billion EMTN programme
Vicinity Centres €500 million 1.125% bond issue
Insights Law
Established in 2015, ZICO Insights Law in Singapore is a member of the ZICO Law network and is helmed by managing director Lian Seng Yap.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is ranked for its corporate and M&A and capital markets work.
It advises on a range of matters including IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, dual listings, secondary offerings, and restructurings. The firm often acts for Chinese investors who aim to invest in the ASEAN region.
Key clients
Recent clients include Dorr Global Healthcare International, Etika Holdings and AVIC International Maritime Holdings.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Banking and finance
"i) Well versed in banking standards and law. ii) Flexible and responsive."
Financial services regulatory
"Zico executed competently and professionally and are timely with their reviews and follow-up."
Investment funds
"Timely reviews and comment, executed professionally in the area of work."
JT Legal
Founded in 2017,
JT Legal is a boutique corporate and corporate finance law firm led by managing director Joshua Tan and specialises in M&A, reverse takeovers, IPOs, sale and purchase of company and company assets, joint-ventures, convertible note and bond issues, security arrangements, major asset acquisitions and disposals, employee share option plans and contractual matters.
The firm is recognized for its M&A and investment funds work.
Key clients of the firm include REVIVO BioSystems.
Research period review:
32nd edition
(2021/2022)
During the research cycle, the firm was active in the M&A and investment funds area and advised mandates relating to financial investments and fund formation for local and foreign clients. Sectors of activity include agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences.
Client Feedback:
32nd edition (2021/2022)
"Prompt response, good insights and flexibility in negotiation. Good client relationship and goodwill."
"Very knowledgeable and experienced. Friendly and positive, maintains good client relationships."
JurisAsia
JurisAsia
The boutique law firm JurisAsia focuses on corporate and M&A matters. Key figures at the firm include partner Tan Choon Leng. The firm has an association with international law firm Gowling WLG.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its corporate and M&A work. The firm is also active in the banking and finance, projects and capital markets space.
Sectors of focus include financial regulatory services, construction and engineering, insurance, education, fintech, natural resources, infrastructure, healthcare and technology.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Geeq Corporation, Alpha Sky, SLR Consulting, WeAreHangry, Mysavytutor, Codemasters Group, Nippon Paint and NEOS Impact.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Prompt, professional legal counsel.”
K&L Gates Straits Law
K&L Gates Straits Law is the product of the 2019 combination of K&L Gates Singapore with Straits Law Practice.
The firm boasts a diverse financial and corporate offering and has the distinction of being one of the few international firms able to offer full-service legal capabilities on the ground in Singapore.
The integrated banking team is strong in asset finance and has experience in providing banking and transactional services to a variety of Indian parties in the Singapore and Indian markets.
The projects team has experience advising stakeholders, including port operators, power producers, project developers, SOEs and contractors.
Key clients include PT Pertamina, Taiwan Power Company, PT Antam Tbk,
Simmtech Holdings, Penske Australia, PT
Petromine Energy Trading and Serba Dinamik Indonesia.
King & Spalding
King & Spalding
International law firm King & Spalding boasts 23 offices spread across the globe in more than 160 countries, housing 1200 lawyers. The firm’s Singapore office serves as a hub for its regional practice and is led by managing partner Kelly Malone.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in its high-quality project development work and has well-established offerings in project finance, banking and finance, corporate and M&A and restructuring and insolvency.
The banking team has significant expertise advising on a range of financing mandates, including structured lending and leveraged finance. The firm has also been growing its presence in the sustainable lending space.
On the corporate front, the firm is particularly known for its work in the energy sector.
The firm’s flagship projects practice is experienced in advising stakeholders throughout the project life cycle. Types of work include advising on LNG-to-power projects, renewable and conventional energy projects, regasification and refinery projects.
The firm’s restructuring team has experience advising on matters throughout Asia and acts for clients such as strategic investors, private equity investors, financial institutions and credit funds.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Apollo Management, Keppel Capital, Bumi Armada, Macquarie, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, JERA, Greenko Energy, Mubadala, Shell, PetroVietnam, Batavia Oil, Dialog and Summit LNG.
King & Wood Mallesons
King & Wood Mallesons is a global law firm headquartered in Australia. The firm opened its Singapore office in 2015 with lawyers qualified in English, Singapore, Hong Kong and New York law. Key figures include partners Jake Robson, Michael Lawson, Will McCosker and John Shum.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Singapore team is recognized for its work in the banking, M&A and project development. The firm is also active in the investment funds area.
It takes on mandates throughout Asia and has expertise in sectors including real estate, hospitality, infrastructure, financial services, energy, natural resources, telecommunications and healthcare.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include 8F Asset Management, HSBC, ANZ, NAB, Westpac Banking, Goldman Sachs Australia, Macquarie Asset Management and Real Assets, ARA Asset Management, MUFG Bank and GIC.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Prompt, responsive and clear advice. Good transaction management skills.”
Investment funds
“Very knowledgeable, professional, practical, great depth of experience and perspective. Very good understanding of our business and issues facing it.”
Latham & Watkins
Global law firm Latham & Watkins was founded in 1934 and established its Singapore office in 1997. It boasts more than 3000 lawyers spread across its global offices. The firm’s Asia practice is led by Michael Sturrock, who serves as Asia managing partner.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is ranked among the market leaders for its capital markets, project finance, project development and corporate and M&A work.
The banking team is known for its project finance expertise and has experience representing banks, financial advisors, private equity firms, hedge funds, borrowers, sponsors, syndicates and government institutions.
The capital markets team advises on the full spectrum of debt and equity mandates, acting for clients such as issuers, underwriters, and initial purchasers. The firm is well known for advising on cross border IPOs, particularly in India, Singapore and the US.
The corporate team is widely recognised for its strength in advising on cross border mandates in jurisdictions including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Key sectors of focus include energy, telecommunications, mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, and banking.
Key clients
Key recent clients include Asian Development Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Mizuho Bank, Tokyo Gas, Pertamina, San Miguel Corporation, Warburg Pincus, Fullerton Healthcare Corporation and Asset World Corp.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
The banking team was recently active for both borrowers and lenders across several financing transactions. One noteworthy project financing deal saw the firm advise the sponsors on the financing of one of the largest upstream oil and gas projects to reach financial close in Indonesia in the past decade.
A recent capital markets highlight saw the firm advise the issuer on the largest ever corporate IPO in Thailand and the largest real estate company IPO in the world since 2014. The firm also advised the issuer on the second ever, and later on the third, co-issuance of notes by an Indian company. The firm also acted for the issuer on Thailand’s second-largest IPO by market capitalisation in 2019.
On the corporate side, the firm recently advised the acquirer in the largest M&A transaction to date in the Philippine cement industry. One high-value deal saw the firm advise HLT Healthcare on acquiring Columbia Asia Healthcare.
The firm recently added Mark Cooper as a partner from Hogan Lovells to its corporate team.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
Asset World Corp SET IPO
Bangkok Commercial Asset Management SET IPO
Bojonegoro Regency gas processing facility and pipelines
Ctrip.com International $1.4 billion acquisition of a stake in MakeMyTrip
HLT Healthcare Holdings $1 billion acquisition of Columbia Asia Healthcare
Mong Duong 2 thermal power plant
San Miguel Corporation $2.15 billion acquisition of an 85.7% stake in Holcim Philippines
San Miguel Corporation $2.15 billion financing
McDermott Will & Emery
McDermott Will & Emery is a global law firm with more than 20 offices and 1,400 lawyers across the world. The firm opened its Singapore office in 2021, key figures include Merrick White, Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi, Ignatius Hwang and Alfred Chia.
Focusses / specialisms
The Singapore team has a strong track record advising on landmark Indonesian projects in power, oil and gas and infrastructure. It also has experience in providing legal services on PPP projects and actively advising clients in the renewable energy field in Singapore. The team also focused on M&A and capital markets.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Public Utilities Board of Singapore, Rotary Engineering, TransEra Energy, West Natuna Exploration, Athena Energy, Beijing Gas and Singapore Carbon Hydrogen.
Mishcon de Reya
London headquartered law firm
Mishcon de Reya’s Singapore office was established in 2020 and is led by managing partner Tahirah Ara.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its restructuring and insolvency team, which has experience in advising borrowers and issuers in debt restructuring mandates.
Key clients
Notable clients include Bumi Resources, Apexindo Pratama, and Bakrie Sumatera Plantations.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Restructuring and insolvency
"Their knowledge on restructuring, fast response, guide our company for better understanding."
"The team provides the highest quality of legal service, not only because of their technical ability, pragmatic approach and insights, but particularly due to the level of attention they give to the clients and the matters they handle. They know how to handle difficult situations and provide solutions. They are reliable, efficient, and always ready for the clients."
Morrison & Foerster
International law firm Morrison & Foerster’s Singapore office serves as a hub for its regional practice and is helmed by managing partner Shirin Tang.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in M&A and also advises on banking and finance and projects matters.
The banking team advises lenders and borrowers on matters including project financing, refinancing, real estate financing and acquisition financing.
In corporate and M&A, the firm focuses on sectors including technology and telecommunications, media, financial services, private equity and real estate. The firm has also been growing its presence in the investment funds space.
The projects team has particular expertise in the oil and gas and energy sectors.
Key clients
Key clients include Ascendent Capital Partners, EverStream Energy Capital Management, GLP, Princeton Digital Group, IndoSpace, FLOW Digital Infrastructure, GDS, Tokyo Gas, Sumitomo Corporation and First Solar.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
In banking, the firm was active in cross-border and domestic restructuring financings, acquisition financing and refinancing.
The M&A team was active in acquisitions and joint ventures across different sectors. It was also active in fund formations mandates.
The finance and projects partner Per Lindberg got promoted in 2023, while finance and projects partner Tessa Davis moved in-house.
The M&A team welcomed Steven Tran from Mayer Brown and Tabitha Saw from White & Case.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
GLP’s China Logistics Fund I (“GLP CLF I”) $5 billion sale of the portfolio.
IndoSpace Logistics Parks IV (ILP IV) formation.
The 293 MW DC utility-scale solar project.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
“Worked very closely with the Singapore banking and corporate team, they have consistently responded promptly with expert and pragmatic advice. They understand our business and our strategic vision, and their years of experience advising on many of our landmark transactions has resulted in invaluable insight, cohesive and actionable solutions, tailored to our business needs.”
M&A
“Enthusiastic, easy to communicate with, clear legal advice.”
“Very knowledgeable about local laws in a broader global context; highly communicative; detail-oriented; team is very positive and pleasant to work with as well, which is always a plus.”
Private equity
“Because we are a CVC of a global financial institution, we need a law firm with both corporate/venture capital and financial regulatory capabilities. MoFo has the exact set of capabilities we need at a price point that makes sense for us.”
“Outstanding firm, with top-class professionals.”
Lip Kian Ang
“Very commercial and user-friendly.”
“Very responsive, hard-working, professional and has the right mix of public company/private equity/VC experience with expertise in our key jurisdictions in Asia.”
Per Lindberg
“Positive, energetic, keen attention to detail.”
Jiang Liu
“Deep knowledge of BHCA control matters with extensive experience working with global financial institutions, including in Asia.”
Shirin Tang
“Very experienced and commercial.”
“Very responsive, very thoughtful, creative lawyer.”
Hong Cheong Wong
“Exceptional technical skills and a deeply commercially focused approach to lawyering.”
Nishimura & Asahi
Nishimura & Asahi is a “big four” Japanese law firm with 530 lawyers across 14 offices including 10 overseas. Since the establishment of the office in Singapore in 2012, the firm has expanded its team of attorneys qualified in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan, including secondees from Nishimura & Asahi Japan. The firm entered a formal law alliance with Singapore practice Bayfront Law in June 2020, which allows clients access to a full spectrum of comprehensive Singaporean, Japanese and international legal services.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Singapore team is active in the corporate and M&A area. The team also actively advises clients in banking and finance and restructuring and insolvency matters.
Key clients
Key clients include Mitsui Chemicals, Oki Electric Industry, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, TEPCO Renewable Power, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Kobelco Steel and Chudenko Corporation.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the M&A team was particularly active in acquisition mandates. The deals were across different sectors such as renewable energy and real estate.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Oki Electric’s acquisition of the aviation equipment business of Japan’s Yokogawa Manufacturing Corporation.
SMBC’s acquisition of an additional 15.01% shareholding in Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation.
TEPCO Renewable Power’s acquisition of shares in Vietnam Power Development Joint Stock Company.
Nishimura & Asahi-Bayfront Law Alliance
Nishimura & Asahi-Bayfront Law Alliance is the product of a 2020 formal law alliance (FLA) between Nishimura & Asahi and Bayfront Law - this marks the first FLA between a Japanese and a Singaporean law firm.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its corporate and M&A practice.
The firm advises clients such as acquirers, sellers, and joint venture partners in sectors such as technology, fintech, transport, financial services, real estate, and construction.
Key clients
Clients include Secom, TIS, JR East Business Development SEA, ORIX Corporation, Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance, and Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
Oon & Bazul
Founded in 2002, Oon & Bazul is known for its banking work. The firm extends its presence outside Singapore with an association with Malaysian law firm TS Oon & Partners. Key figures include Ting Chi Yen, who heads the banking practice and Meiyen Tan, who heads the restructuring and insolvency practice.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its work in restructuring and insolvency, banking and finance and M&A practices.
The banking team has strong relationships with several Indian banks and has expertise in ship finance. The firm also focuses on fintech work, especially in Korea and Japan.
The corporate team is experienced in sectors including food and beverage, technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Key clients
Key clients include Trail Mix Ventures Fund II, Kopi Kenangan, Sift Science, Grid Dynamics Holdings, Fishawack Health, EmergeVest, EV Cargo, Moderna, Telenav and Busy Bees.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
The banking team was active for a mix of lenders and borrowers on domestic and cross-border financings, trade finance and real estate finance.
In M&A, the firm was active in strategic deals on both the buy and sell side. The deals were mostly in the technology and telecommunication sectors.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm recently acted for both debtor, administrator, liquidator and shareholder.
In staff changes, restructuring and insolvency partner Mei Yen Tan left the firm.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Fishawack Health’s acquisition of PRMA Consulting.
Grid Dynamics Holdings’ acquisition of Tacit Knowledge.
Sift’s acquisition of Keyless.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking
“They are responsive, and their fees are reasonable.”
“The firm and the team are subject-matter experts in the area they are looking into, specifically banking disputes of all kinds. They are extremely thorough and very precise in their strategic input. The team is always available to assist us.”
“Very conscientious and efficient in digesting a large amount of information and documents. Highly intelligent at grasping even the most complex concepts.”
Insolvency
“Entrepreneurial in terms of considering how to deploy litigation funding products to advance their business objectives as a firm, as well as to assist their clients in terms of funding their disputes.”
“Excellent knowledge, responsiveness and top-drawer commercial advice. Keith Han leads a fantastic team working with his associate Angela Phoon.”
“Oon and Bazul has provided timely and accurate advice. Very good judgement.”
“Professional and good technical skill.”
“Quick, responsive, commercial.”
“Responsive.”
“They are very responsive, technically strong and attentive to clients' needs.”
M&A
“They are very knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and are able to give practical advice.”
Restructuring
“Keith Han is on the ball, attentive and practical.”
“They are knowledgeable and very responsive.”
Ammani Mathivanan
“Very good senior associate – diligent and responsive.”
Yi Wayn Ng
“Yi Wayn is a sound M&A and PE lawyer and takes the time to listen to her client's issues. She works closely with clients to deliver quality work.”
Ting Chi Yen
“Responsiveness and reasonable fees.”
Keith Han
“Excellent commercial acumen, quick on the uptake, easy to work with.”
“Excellent lawyer. Very efficient and good judgement.”
“Keith has excellent knowledge of insolvency issues with a particular focus on asset recovery and insolvency litigation. He gives good commercial advice and really knows his stuff.”
“Keith is a hungry young lawyer and a safe pair of hands in his area of expertise.”
“Keith is attentive, responsive and practical with his recommendations.”
“Keith is very responsive and provides practical and sound advice, which allows me to make internal decisions very quickly.”
“One of the most intelligent lawyers in Singapore and one of the best advocates in his generation. Future SC for sure.”
“Responsive and commercial.”
“Responsible and practical.”
“Responsive. Technically sound.”
Prakaash Silvam
“Clarity, thorough and in-depth understanding of the law. Ability to strategise to the best interest of the client.”
PD LEGAL
Established in 2017, PD Legal is active in the financial and corporate space. The firm has established an India desk to expand its presence in the region.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its corporate and M&A work.
Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021)
The firm was recently active on matters including regulatory compliance, fund formation, corporate restructuring, and project financing.
The firm welcomed Mike Chiam as a partner from CNPLaw to its corporate and financial services practice.
PDLegal
PDLegal
is a full-service law firm based in Singapore. It is a member of IR Global, which is a multi-disciplinary professional services network that provides legal, accountancy, financial advice to companies and individuals around the world represented in 155+ jurisdictions, covering over 70 unique practice areas.
The firm is recognized for its investment fund practice and offers an extensive range of services to private equity, venture capital firms, and family offices.
Key clients of the firm include Meld Labs, IBG, Intent Capital Group, Prakal, The Kindly Ecosystem, ENJFI, JCube Capital Partners, PEY Capital, and Nex10 Labs.
Research period review:
32nd edition (2021/2022)
During the research cycle, the firm was active in advising on
transactions and regulatory matters
related to private equity and
venture capital funds. It is also worth mentioning that the firm was active in advising regulatory mandates for fintech, digital assets, and payment services.
The firm expanded its investment practice by hiring associates Amanda Goh and Kashib Shareef Ahmad. The firm also hired an independent contractor, Jennifer Eng to assist with matters involving China and the region.
Deal highlights:
32nd edition
(2021/2022)
Cardano
$42.8 million ISPO
ICOA
$185 million acquisition of IBG Finance
Providence Law Asia
Providence Law Asia
Founded in 2012, Providence Law Asia is a boutique practice focused on cross-border and domestic restructuring and insolvency matters. Managing director Abraham Vergis is a key figure at the firm.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in the restructuring and insolvency practice. It is experienced in advising stakeholders across a variety of sectors such as technology, financial services and real estate and regularly act for and advise insolvency professionals in their capacity as liquidators, judicial managers, financial advisors, restructuring officers, receivers and private trustees.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include The Working Capitol Group, BlackRock, and insolvency professionals from Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KordaMentha, FTI, Alvarez & Marsal, Borrelli Walsh and Quantuma.
QED Law Corporation
QED Law Corporation
Boutique practice QED Law Corporation is experienced in a wide range of cross-border transactions involving M&A, Private equity, and investment funds. Key figures at the firm include directors Susan Kong, Marilyn Goh and Linda Cai.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in banking and finance and corporate M&A practices.
The banking team is experienced in a wide variety of financing transactions, including REIT financing, refinancing, project financing and acquisition financing.
Key sectors of expertise include real estate, construction, hospitality, energy, food and beverage, fintech, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial restructuring
“Each of the partners are knowledgeable in conveyancing, corporate and banking, and have the experience to advice legal and commercial aspects of each matter.”
Investment funds
“Professionalism, practical approach to legal issues and negotiation, fees are generally more competitive.”
Quahe Woo & Palmer
Quahe Woo & Palmer
Founded in 2015, Quahe Woo & Palmer is a boutique focused on corporate and M&A matters. The firm has offices in Singapore and Hong Kong. The firm has recently become part of Multilaw, a global network of reputable firms.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in M&A practice. It takes on clients such as multinational companies and private equity funds on corporate and M&A matters across a range of sectors including healthcare, retail, food and beverage, technology, construction, social infrastructure and entertainment.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Catterton Asia Advisors, Seraya Partners, Advanced MedTech Group, Phoon Huat Group, Cé La Vi Group, Bond Capital Partners, LOGOS China Holdco and NV5 Global.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Top notch when it comes to providing legal advice in light of good commercial judgment.”
Private equity
“Very familiar with the work required and thus lends a firm guiding hand to all parties. Very responsive and gives clear advice on next steps.”
Reed Smith
Reed Smith
Global law firm Reed Smith has established the Singapore office since 2012. The firm boasts a strong network and is capable of advising clients throughout the region in jurisdictions including Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The firm is in a Formal Law Alliance (FLA) with Singapore law practice Resource Law LLC.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in debt and equity capital markets, project development, banking, M&A and restructuring and insolvency practices. It’s Singapore presence has a particular strength in international trade and commodities, dry and wet shipping, trade and ship finance, energy and natural resources, corporate and regulatory work.
In banking the firm has a particular focus on structured trade and commodities finance, advising on transactions including prepayments, pre-export financing, borrowing base facilities, limited recourse structures and inventory finance. The banking team regularly takes on mandates from banks, funds and trading houses.
In capital markets, the firm advises companies, underwriters, sponsors and other market participants on a range of capital-raising transactions.
In the corporate space, the firm often focuses on energy and natural resources, advising institutional energy and natural resources clients as well as investors including private equity, venture capital and family office investors. The firm is also building its presence in the technology and media sectors.
The firm’s project development expertise covers sectors such as oil and gas, conventional power, renewables, utilities and manufacturing.
RHTLaw Asia
Active since 2011, RHTLaw Asia is a regional law firm headquartered in Singapore. The firm is a founding member of the ASEAN Plus Group (APG), a group of full-service law firms in Asia.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is a consistent performer across the financial and corporate space.
The banking team regularly acts for domestic and international banks, financial institutions and corporations and has recently been growing its presence in the fintech sector.
The capital markets team regularly advises local and international clients on debt and equity offerings.
The firm’s M&A team is known for its work in the technology and healthcare sectors.
Key clients
Recent clients include AM Group Holdings, BreadTalk Group, Kwan Yong Holdings and Janus International Group.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Restructuring and insolvency
"They are technically sound and provide very prompt response to our urgent and at times complex queries."
"The restructuring partner Nigel is very knowledgeable, commercial and approachable."
Rubicon Law
Rubicon Law is a boutique corporate law firm formed in 2020 and is led by managing director Lam Shiao Ning.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in M&A practice and has a particular strength in local and cross-border mergers, acquisitions and fundraising transactions. Sectors of activities include financial services, marine, logistics, healthcare, education and technology.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Tonik Financial, Niometrics and Medici.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Private equity
“Quality work. Quick turnaround on documents. Advice to management and raising concerns when applicable.”
M&A
“Sharp and efficient.”
Shearman & Sterling
Shearman & Sterling
The New York-headquartered international law firm Shearman & Sterling was founded in 1873 and has a global presence with over 850 lawyers spread across 24 offices. The firm has presence across southeast Asia include Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm provides strong project finance advice and has strong offerings in project development, banking, capital markets, corporate and M&A and restructuring and insolvency.
The capital markets team has a wealth of experience in IPOs, particularly in relation to India, Indonesia and Thailand. The firm also has experience advising international banks and financial institutions in their roles as initial purchasers, arrangers, dealers and solicitation agents on matters including bonds and notes issues.
In the corporate and M&A space, the firm boasts one of the few pure private equity specialist teams in Singapore. The firm also focuses on insurance M&A and bancassurance matters.
The firm provides high-quality advice in both project finance and development matters. It is particularly known for working on high profile project financing transactions across the region. Key sectors of focus include infrastructure, oil and gas, power, renewable energy, utilities and petrochemicals.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include International Finance Corporation, Alvogen Emerging Markets, Masdar, Citicorp International, Greenko Energy, HSBC, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, CPPIB, JERA and China Telecom Corporation.
Simmons & Simmons
Established in 2013, Simmons & Simmons JWS’ Singapore office serves as a hub for the firm’s regional practice. Key figures include partners Rolfe Hayden and Jek-Aun Long.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm provides both international and Singapore law advice and is recognised for its banking, capital markets, investment funds and project development practices.
The investment funds team has a focus on hedge funds work, and the banking team advises on a range of matters, including trade and commodity finance, fund finance, acquisition finance, and margin lending.
Key clients
Clients include Citibank, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, BlackRock Global Funds, BlackRock Strategic Funds, and BNY Mellon Global Funds.
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom
Active in the jurisdiction since 1995, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom’s Singapore office is led by Rajeev Duggal. The firm has more than 25 years of experience in the region and has advised on matters in jurisdictions including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in the debt and equity capital markets, banking and M&A practices.
The capital markets team advises Southeast Asian and international issuers and underwriters on numerous capital markets transactions involving the raising of capital through debt, equity and hybrid issues.
The corporate team’s expertise includes representing bidders, targets and financial investors on inbound and outbound cross-border M&A and private equity transactions.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include TDCX, Grab Holdings, SEA, Bridgetown 2 Holdings, Soho Global Health, Axiata Group and Aboitiz Equity Ventures.
Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood is a international law firm with over 1100 people worldwide, including more than 190 partners. The firm’s Singapore presence has 26 years of experience in corporate, finance and dispute resolution covering the region. The firm also formed the alliance with Singapore law firm Virtus Law.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in banking and finance, project development and restructuring and insolvency area.
The firm’s Singapore team has strong expertise in the maritime industry. It also has expertise in offshore finance, aviation finance and restructuring work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Hafnia, Nordea Bank, Vitol, MUFG Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, TransAsia Private Capital, BNP Paribas, OCP Asia, China Development Bank, Berge Bulk Shipping and Golden Equator Capital.
Taylor Vinters Via
Founded in 2012, Taylor Vinters Via in Singapore is led by directors Yingyu Wang and Anthony Soh.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in the corporate and M&A space and has a particular focus on the technology sector.
Key clients
Recent clients include The Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society, Asia Innovations Group, Oxford University Innovation, Vistra Corporate Services, and Switcheo Exchange.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Investment funds
"Fast response. Professionalism."
"They are very responsive, they give relevant details without going into every single part of the contract. That helps to sieve out the important points for us as a business and not focus on the wrong priorities. Being commercially savvy, they are also able to give feedback on the market practice and how we should leverage using standards and market trends."
M&A
"Beyond advising on the legal aspects, TVV were able to put forward suggestions for commercial negotiating positions as well as provide perspectives on market practice."
"Ying and her team are extremely knowledgeable in the tech space. Ying and her team handled the investment round professionally and made the process very easy for us."
Virtus Law (Stephenson Harwood (Singapore) Alliance)
Virtus Law
Founded in 2013, Virtus Law has established a formal law alliance with London headquartered law firm Stephenson Harwood.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in restructuring and insolvency and is also recognized for its work in banking and finance and capital markets. The firm provides both international and Singapore law advice.
The restructuring team’s experience covers matters such as debt restructurings, debt to equity swaps, refinancing and insolvency.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include ABN AMRO Bank, Arcus Infrastructure Partners, National Bank of Greece, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken, Nordea Bank, Vitol, Standard Chartered Bank and National Bank of Fujairah.
Watson Farley & Williams
Founded in 1982, international law firm
Watson Farley & Williams boasts a team of over 550 lawyers spread across 17 offices. In Singapore, the firm has entered into a formal law alliance with Wong Tan & Molly Lim.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm boasts a well-diversified financial and corporate offering in Singapore, with particular strength in project finance, restructuring and insolvency, and capital markets.
The restructuring team has expertise in advising on matters in the aviation, offshore oil and gas, and maritime sectors.
The projects team advises clients across the region on matters throughout the project lifecycle.
Key clients
Clients include ABN AMRO Bank.
Yuen Law
Established in 2012, Yuen Law is a local boutique under the leadership of managing director Samuel Yuen.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm specialises in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities transactions, corporate restructuring and regulatory matters.
Key clients
Key clients include Thunder Reel, ACM Biolabs, Skyhook Capital, Verge HealthTech Fund, Real Tech Holdings and Pine Venture Partners.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the review period, the firm was primarily active in the corporate and M&A and private equity areas, taking on both buy and sell side roles. Sectors of activity include financial services, social infrastructure, construction and materials, media and logistics.
The corporate team welcomed director Angeline Wong from Eng and Co.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Pine Venture Partners’ $3.7 million Series A fundraising round of ZumVet.
Real Tech Fund’s investment into ceEntek.
