Next Generation Partners

Banking and finance: local firms in Singapore

Allen & Gledhill LLP

Allen & Gledhill LLP has a prestigious history in banking and finance, in sectors ranging from real estate and infrastructure to energy, telecoms, logistics and numerous other sectors. The sizeable team covers the full breadth of banking and finance segments, including general lending, project finance, leveraged finance, acquisition finance and asset finance. The firm has an extensive record in syndicated financings, involving large groups of banks and financial institutions. It has also led the market in sustainability-linked and green financings. Mark Hudspeth is co-head of the banking and finance group, and continues to be rated for syndicated financings and sustainability-linked loans. Kok Chee Wai is co-head of the banking and finance team, and co-head of the regional energy, infrastructure and projects group, and has worked on a series of bulge-bracket corporate loans over the years. Jafe Ng, Julie Sim, Lim Wei Ting and Aloysius Ng are also key partners

Practice head(s):

Mark Hudspeth; Kok Chee Wai


Other key lawyers:

Jafe Ng; Julie Sim; Lim Wei Ting; Aloysius Ng


Testimonials

‘Strong bench strength of leading practitioners across diverse areas. The team is generally at the forefront of industry developments and involved in landmark transactions. ’

‘Lim Wei Ting is a leading practitioner with an incisive legal mind coupled with a keen appreciation of commercial issues. In line with this, he is able to provide perceptive advice which is highly valued. 2. He possesses a strong ability to identify critical issues and forge consensus amongst various stakeholders. He is client-focused, he is sensitive to client’s concerns, and provides exemplary service. Very responsive.’

‘A&G has a very strong corporate banking franchise and is known in the regional banking market to deliver/complete assignments at short notice and also manage costs. They have very good and experienced banking partners with good knowledge of legal expertise and can provide sound advice as well as negotiate the best outcome for their banking clients. They are also reliable in terms of managing and meeting the timeline/schedule to complete the documentation assignment to achieve the financial closing. Besides the experienced partners, A&G has also staffed a team of good associates who can be relied upon to support the banking assignments to complete the tasks. Hence it is also a team effort from A&G with strong collaboration within the team to complete these assignments. ’

‘One of the standouts from the A&G partners is Aloysius Ng. He has worked on many of my assignments and has the following positive attributes: – Manages assignments in a timely manner to ensure schedules are met to achieve and meet timeline for financial closing – Provides sound legal advice and is also able to assist in advising on complicated legal matters – Negotiates well on behalf of bank clients and endeavor to achieve best possible outcome in all situations – Manages costs well to ensure within client approved budgets.’

‘A leading Singapore Law firm and one of our “first stops” whenever there are SG law requirements. A&G is associated with a certain standard of competence, reliability, and knowledge. Turnaround is prompt and partners and teams are professional.’

‘We typically work with Lim Wei Ting whenever possible. We value him for his breadth of knowledge, strong commitment (and availability), and his ability to lay out issues into “digestible” commercial decisions balancing out legal/technical considerations.’

‘Highly recommended as a team is very experienced, knowledgeable and provides good advice for leading market norms. ’

‘Kok Chee Wai is a very experienced veteran and leading counsel in his own field. With Chee Wai leading the cases, we feel confident leading a deal for our clients as well.’

Work highlights


  • Advised the lenders on a S$3bn syndicated secured loan facility to Perennial Shenton Property.
  • Advised the lenders on $1.97bn sustainability-linked loan facilities to Olam Holdings.
  • Advised the lenders on €1.04bn term loan facilities to SATS Treasury.

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a prolific record in bulge-bracket financings, particularly in relation to real estate and REITs. It is also at the forefront of sustainability-linked and green loans, especially those connected to real estate acquisitions and developments. The firm has a burgeoning presence in cross-border financings, including those involving India, Indonesia and China. It has close links to a multitude of regional and international lenders, along with a number of REITs and other corporates in Asia Pacific. Angela Lim is qualified to practise in England and Singapore, is co-head of the banking and finance group, and has extensive experience in high-value local and cross-border loans, including sustainability-linked financings. Also co-head of the team, Ng Sey Ming is Singapore, Malaysia and UK qualified, and is a leading figure in real estate finance, acquisition finance, and sustainability-linked loans. Lee Weilin is further noted for sustainability-linked financings, REIT transactions, and corporate loans. Lee Xin Mei and Cheryl Tan cover banking and debt capital markets transactions.

Practice head(s):

Angela Lim; Ng Sey Ming


Other key lawyers:

Lee Weilin; Lee Xin Mei; Cheryl Tan; Mei Shi Ho; Adzfar Alami


Testimonials

‘Ng Sey Ming (Partner) and Ho Mei Shi (Partner) – Good personalities, approachable, competent and highly efficient. Prompt in responding to queries.’

‘The team is knowledgeable in banking and finance deals. They are responsive and able to execute transactions in a timely and efficient manner.’

‘Ng Sey Ming is easily accessible, and the advice given are solution based.’

‘Deep knowledge of market practice and issues. Advise provided are practical and commercial.’

‘Young partners who are driven and competent. Also known to focus on ESG.’

‘Lee Weilin has impressed me with work, despite a relatively young age. Could stand up well against the older partners in her field. Highly recommended .’

‘The team at Rajah & Tann is always highly responsive, consistently delivers expert and quality legal advice and most importantly, constant assurance that they are professionals who have the backs of their clients on all transactions. ’

‘Lee Xin Mei is our go-to lawyer for highly structured and complex leveraged and acquisition financings. She is a high-caliber and top-tier legal talent with an extremely astute mind. 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.

Key clients

Credit Guarantee & Investment Facility, a trust fund of the Asian Development Bank


Citigroup Global Markets Singapore, BofA Securities, DBS Bank, and Citicorp International and various other lenders


The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Qatar National Bank and RHB Bank


Work highlights


Shook Lin & Bok LLP

Shook Lin & Bok LLP has a rich history in banking and finance, including leveraged and acquisition finance, green and sustainability-linked financings, real estate finance and project financings. The firm has experienced considerable growth in green and sustainability-linked finance. It continues to work on major Singapore and regional real estate financings, and acquisition financings. The team represents an impressive number of major regional and international banks, along with large corporate borrowers. Liew Kai Zee has an outstanding reputation in the market and is one of the most experienced banking and finance specialists in Singapore. Stanley Lim is another big name in banking and finance, particularly in relation to bilateral and syndicated financings, acquisition finance, real estate finance and collective sale finance. Clement Khoo is an increasingly prominent banking and finance specialist, along with Bryan Chang and Kelvin Wong .

Practice head(s):

Liew Kai Zee


Other key lawyers:

Stanley Lim; Marilyn See; Pok Eu Jin; Tan Zhi Ming; Aditi Mathur; Bryan Chang; Clement Khoo; Kelvin Wong


Work highlights


WongPartnership LLP

WongPartnership LLP remains a market leader in banking finance, noted for its history in acquisition finance, real estate finance and general corporate lending. More recently it has been at the forefront of green loans and sustainability-linked financings. It continues to be active in acquisition finance in the real estate sphere and advised Perennial Shenton Property on the refinancing of the acquisition of, and the S$3bn green loan syndicated financing of the 8 Shenton Way project development. The firm represents all three of Singapore’s major banks and international banks with a presence in Singapore, the vast majority of Singapore’s top real estate developers and REITs, leading international private equity houses, prominent government-linked companies and established multinationals based in Singapore. Susan Wong is at the pinnacle of the profession, heads the financial services group and has over 35 years of experience in major banking and finance transactions, including acquisition finance and real estate finance. Christy Lim is deputy head of the banking and finance practice, and also leads many of the firm’s top banking and finance engagements. Alvin Chia is another leading name in the team, as are emerging talents Felix Lee and Bernadette Tan.

Practice head(s):

Susan Wong; Christy Lim


Other key lawyers:

Alvin Chia; Felix Lee; Bernadette Tan


Testimonials

‘Bernadette Tan is extremely responsive and knowledgable. She is able to explain complex legal terms to the layman to understand the purpose and repercussion of the clauses.’

‘Counsels from WongPartnership have strong legal knowledge with a good balance of commercial sense. Its turnaround is quick and it always guards the client’s interest keenly. ’

‘Alvin Chia has his client’s interests at heart and is very practical. He is truly one of the few lawyers who when I engage him, I know that we are in trusted hands.’

‘Susan Wong – An industry leader with vast experience and constantly leading the most complex transactions. Bernadette Tan – One of the best young banking lawyers around already with a formidable deal history. Always delivers and puts the client first.’

‘Wong Partnership is one of the most established law firms in Singapore and their Banking and Finance practice has a strong and credible track record having acted for many issuers and borrowers in large lending transactions. They have strong domain knowledge which is very valuable in guiding issuers and borrowers to negotiate with lenders on significant transaction terms and conditions.’

‘Christy Lim demonstrated a very high level of technical competency in this syndicate loan transaction and was able to provide clear advice on the legal and commercial implications of the issues involved. She was very professional and proactive in dealing with issues on the transaction with a view to protecting and safeguarding our interests as borrowers. She kept a close tab on the tight timeline of the critical paths to ensure that the transaction would be completed in time. It is a pleasure to work with Christy!’

‘Christy Lim is a veteran in her field. She is always known as a tough negotiator, highly experienced, and quick to provide advice and support for her clients. Highly recommended.’

‘Good team support with seamless info within the various partners, and associates in the team. The same team members are available to work on the same client on subsequent transactions that arise in subsequent years. Partners and senior associates have good knowledge and are able to advise.’

Work highlights


Dentons Rodyk

Dentons Rodyk has a long history in real estate finance, in particular, and has a broader emphasis on leveraged finance, general lending, syndicated lending, asset finance and structured finance. Key sectors include real estate, energy, private equity and natural resources. The team represents an impressive range of local, regional and international banks, along with real estate developers, investors and other corporate borrowers. It has continued to advise on significant real estate financings and acquisition financings over the research period, and is also making a further impression in Islamic finance. Finance practice head Doreen Sim has a prolific record in big-ticket real estate financings, along with acquisition finance, and is an established name in cross-border transactions. Joo Thye Tan is another experienced figure, especially in energy sector project financings, as is Jonathan GuweJanice Ngeow leads the asset finance team and is the co-head of the Islamic finance group, which is also led by Islamic finance specialist Zhulkarnain Rahim.

Practice head(s):

Doreen Sim


Other key lawyers:

Joo Thye Tan; Jonathan Guwe; Janice Ngeow; Zhulkarnain Rahim; Ron Oong


Testimonials

‘The team is highly responsive and diligent, and able to push matters ahead very quickly and effectively. The team adeptly leverages its global network of offices to deliver comprehensive support across diverse jurisdictions.’

‘Ron Oong is great to deal with, and consistently takes a pragmatic and solutions-driven approach to effectively help clients navigate complex matters.’

 

Key clients

OCBC


DBS


CIMB


ING Bank


Maybank


HSBC


Citibank


Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)


Work highlights


  • Advised the lender on a bridge loan facility of up to the Singapore Dollar equivalent of €1.2bn to SATS to finance its acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services.
  • Acted for OCBC and CIMB in the secured social loan financing to Perpetual (Asia) as trustee of First Real Estate Investment Trust to restructure its existing loans secured on various Singapore and Indonesian hospitals/medical facilities.
  • Acted for the club lenders in the club financing to Tembusu Residential for the acquisition of the government land sales site at Jalan Tembusu and the development thereof.

Drew & Napier LLC

Drew & Napier LLC has a primary focus on project financing, acquisition financing, and real estate and construction financing. It is also noted for debt restructurings and green loans, syndicated financings, and bank regulatory matters. The group represents a range of local banks, regional and international banks with presences in Singapore, other financial institutions, and local and international corporate borrowers. Pauline Chong leads the banking and finance practice and has extensive experience in syndicated and bilateral financings, project finance, and debt restructurings. Renu Menon is deputy head of the group and is also noted for bilateral and syndicated loans, acquisition finance, and bank regulatory work. Lau Sok Hiang is a key figure in real estate financings.

Practice head(s):

Pauline Chong


Other key lawyers:

Renu Menon; Lau Sok Hiang


Testimonials

‘The team is able to explain complex issues is commercial terms making it easy to understand. ’

‘Drew & Napier LLC – Banking and Finance strength lies in their profound expertise demonstrated through their dealing of the transaction. They possess a deep understanding of the industry landscape, allowing them to provide insightful solutions and legal advice. Compared to other firms, this practice comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a ranger of perspectives that enhance problem-solving.’

‘Renu Menon promptly addresses and answers queries raised regarding the various transaction documents. She pays careful attention to specifics and embraces a customer-focused methodology. Unlike other competitors, Renu Menon ensures that every aspect of the transaction is thoroughly attended to, fostering a level of care and engagement that sets her apart in the field.’

‘The team is known to adopt a nonsense approach. No stone too big or too small to look under, and they will try their utmost to find a solution to the matter. They offer service pro bono with no lack or reduction of their service.’

‘Despite being a legal powerhouse and requires little or no introduction in Singapore, no deal or enquiry is too small for Drew. This is what that sets Drew apart and makes Drew relatable to both institutions and retailers alike.’

‘Pauline Chong provides “gold” standard of service and unparalleled strategic depth and speed with her high-level advice on exacting legal and commercial difficulties posed to her. ’

‘Drew & Napier is a firm that is in the bank’s panel. We have worked with them as lenders counsel in transactions and they have consistently delivered.’

‘Pauline Chong is very approachable, highly professional, and responsive.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO Bank


Bank J Safra Sarasin Singapore


Bank of China (Hong Kong)


Bank of China


Bank of Singapore


CIMB Bank Berhad, Singapore Branch


Citibank


COSCO SHIPPING International (Singapore)


Credit Industriel et Commercial, Singapore Branch


CWT


DBS Bank


Far East Organization Centre


Guthrie GTS


Hotel Properties


Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Singapore Branch


KrisEnergy


Lee Kim Tah


Meinhardt Group International Limited and Meinhardt (Singapore)


Metro Holdings


Mizuho Bank


Overseas Union Enterprise


Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation


Qatar National Bank


Standard Chartered Bank


The Bank of East Asia Limited, Singapore Branch


The Wolfpack Culture VCC


The Wolfpack Fund Management


Tuan Sing Holdings


UBS


United Overseas Bank


VP Bank


Woori Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised Heliconia Capital Management on the restructuring of and investment into Pacific International Lines.
  • Advised the PUB on the ongoing debt restructuring of Hyflux and its subsidiaries, including Tuaspring.

TSMP Law Corporation

TSMP Law Corporation is best known for corporate real estate financings, especially land acquisition financing and land development financing; it is also noted for secured and syndicated lending, acquisition financing, debt restructurings, and refinancings. Its client roster features Singapore’s leading banks and a number of major developers. Jennifer Chia heads the banking and finance group and the corporate real estate team, while June Ho also has a major focus on banking and finance transactions, including secured and syndicated facilities.

Practice head(s):

Jennifer Chia


Other key lawyers:

June Ho


Testimonials

‘The TSMP team meets client’s deadlines and commercial expectations by collaborating and discussing with their clients to understand the commercial objectives and urgency of the transaction. They work across various practice areas in the firm to consolidate expertise for the client, so that the partner in charge ensures that the client does not need to instruct various different partners in the same firm. ’

‘While services provided is cross border communication heavy, the team has effectively used communication app technologies to ensure effectiveness of official email communication quickly and at minimal costs.’

‘Jennifer Chia ensures a high partner engagement with the client and with her associates to ensure a consistent work output to the client. Jennifer is happy to share her various experiences with clients to ensure that they are given various legal options to come to landing on the transaction structure.’

‘Always on the ball and always delivers good (and practical) advice.’

‘June Ho – always hands-on and such a pleasure to work with. Knowledgeable and commercially minded – just what you need!

‘TSMP is a firm with responsiveness and extensive experience in the banking and finance area. They are capable of handling various urgent and complex matters. ’

‘The lawyers of TSMP are quite hardworking and professional, having solid ground in Singapore law practice, especially in the banking and finance area. ’

‘June Ho is an outstanding partner who is available to address your queries at any time.’

Key clients

DBS Bank


Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation


Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation


Silvergate Bank


ESR-LOGOS Funds Management


YTL PowerSeraya


TLW Success


INEOS Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advised DBS and OCBC as lenders in the financing the £718 million acquisition of 52 Lime Street, one of the largest office deals struck in Britain amid the pandemic.
  • Acted for the Manager of ESR-LOGOS REIT to effect the change of trustee from RBC Investor Services Trust Singapore Limited to Perpetual (Asia) Limited.
  • Instructed by Slaughter & May (London) in YTL PowerSeraya’s S$270 million acquisition of the Tuaspring power station from Hyflux. The deal arose out of Hyflux’s controversial liquidation.

Virtus Law LLP

In alliance with Stephenson Harwood LLP, Virtus Law LLP naturally has a strong base in ship finance, though the wider practice has extensive experience in acquisition finance, project finance and refinancings. The firm has also achieved further growth in general banking and has advised clients on a series of sustainability-linked loans. It has close links to international banks, lessors and other financial institutions. Colin Jarraw has played a key role in expanding the firm’s banking and finance practice. Jason Yang provides further expertise in debt restructurings and sustainability-linked loans.

Practice head(s):

Collin Jarraw


Other key lawyers:

Jason Yang


Key clients

Standard Chartered Bank


ING Bank, Singapore Branch


ABN AMRO Bank


ANZ Bank


Global Loan Agency Services Australia


E.SUN Commercial Bank


Work highlights


  • Acted as Singapore legal counsel to SCB in the Hin Leong Group insolvency.
  • Advised a syndicate of lenders – comprising ABN AMRO Bank, ING Bank, TIAA FSB, Clifford Capital, and new joiners KeyBank and CIC – on increasing and extending Peacock Container Group’s existing sustainability-linked loan.
  • Advised ANZ Bank on a $50m sustainability-linked loan to U-Ming Marine Transport.

Withers KhattarWong LLP

Withers KhattarWong LLP‘s banking and finance practice is closely linked to the firm’s real estate team. Much of the practice centres on financing real estate acquisitions and developments, with additional experience in project finance and restructuring engagements. Private debt, subscription line financings and tech-sector financings are also fortes for the firm. It has an impressive client base of local and regional lenders, funds, and a number of major borrowers. Guan Feng Chen is a hugely experienced banking and finance specialist with a fine record in cross-border financings involving Indonesia and Malaysia. Kenneth Szeto is a key figure in real estate finance, as is Agatha Lee, who provides further senior-level expertise at the consultant level.

Practice head(s):

Guan Feng Chen


Other key lawyers:

Kenneth Szeto; Agatha Lee; Tiancheng Zhou


Testimonials

‘Huge experience and knowledge in bank sector.’

Tiancheng Zhouis a well-experienced lawyer with better business sense than competitors.’

Key clients

China CITIC Bank International


TuasOne


United Overseas Bank


DBS Bank


FKS Food and Agri


CIMB Bank


United Overseas Bank


Everstone Capital Asia


Accial Capital


Accial Capital Management


Durational Holdings


MAH Sustainable


Work highlights


  • Advised China CITIC Bank International as documentation agent in a cross-border loan to APRIL International Enterprise (APRIL).
  • Acted for the borrower (the project company) in the restructuring of the over S$600m project financing facilities which finance the project costs and working capital of Singapore’s largest waste-to-energy plant.
  • Acted for United Overseas Bank and DBS Bank in a syndicated loan facility to Perpetual (Asia), the funds trustee of Boustead Industrial Fund, to finance the fund’s initial acquisition of 12 industrial property assets.

Asia Practice LLC

Asia Practice LLC has a background in asset finance and trade finance. It has forged ahead with a broader practice of refinancings and real estate financings, including for resort developments. The firm has close links to a range of international law firms and Chinese law firms. Lee Chien Herr, Jonathan Tan and Leon Low lead the firm, with Marc Teh providing further senior expertise.

Practice head(s):

Leon Low; Jonathan Tan; Lee Chien Herr


Other key lawyers:

Marc Teh


Testimonials

The team is quick, responsive, and good to deal with. All very hands-on, always reachable. Very practical, excellent commercial lawyers.’

‘Jonathan Tan and Marc Teh are the key contacts we work with. They go the extra mile for clients and are always on top of the matters, whether big or small. They are responsible and always willing to help. We consistently get quick, straight answers, and issues are highlighted in a timely way for our consideration. For a boutique firm, service levels are comparable to even the large and international firms.’

 

Work highlights


Blackletter LLC

Blackletter LLC has gained considerable traction in the market, landing a number of banks and financial institutions as clients. It has succeeded in lending, regulatory and compliance matters, and has achieved further prominence in fintech and payment services, tokenisation of assets, digital asset derivatives, and green and sustainability-linked loans. Ow Kim Kit has over 20 years of experience in financings, product development and documentation, having previously worked as a senior legal counsel at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Managing partner Gerard Ng is another banking and finance specialist.

Practice head(s):

Gerard Ng; Ow Kim Kit


Key clients

CGS-CIMB Securities


Maybank Securities


Bank of Singapore


JP Morgan


CCB International (Singapore)


LGT Bank (Singapore)


Swissquote Bank


Work highlights


CMS Holborn Asia

CMS Holborn Asia‘s practice is led by director Daniel Tan, who is a rounded practitioner with especially extensive experience in leveraged and acquisition finance; Tan has built out the firm’s presence in private credit, particularly venture debt transactions which tap into the firm’s focus on the tech sector. Trade finance and asset finance are also core elements of the practice, which acts for both lenders and borrowers, with a slightly heavier leaning towards borrowers. The department is active in transactions throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. Senior associate Javier Yong also impresses clients.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Tan


Other key lawyers:

Javier Yong


Testimonials

‘Daniel Tan and Javier Yong are very client-focused. They take the time to explain the practical impact of legal concepts to clients and always make themselves available for any queries. ’

Key clients

Barclays Bank


United Overseas Bank Limited


Malayan Banking


DBS Bank


Hypefast


Alliance to End Plastic Waste


Interflour Group


Partners for Growth


Galderma


Dat Bike Vietnam Company


Kasikornbank Public Company


Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank


Ascenda Loyalty


Flagstone Group


responsAbility Investments


Jiangsu Financial Leasing


Longreach Credit Investors


PT CIMB Bank Niaga


Bank Mendes Gans


Work highlights


  • Advised the lenders on the $150m refinancing of a secured syndicated facility for Interflour Group.
  • Acted as international counsel to a syndicate of Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Taiwanese lenders in connection with a dual currency loan facility for Loc Troi Group.
  • Advised Alliance to End Plastic Waste on a secured loan facility to Mr Green Kenya Africa for the implementation of a plastic collection and recycling project in Kenya.

CNPLaw LLP

CNPLaw LLP has a wide-ranging banking and finance practice, drawing on the experience and expertise of a variety of partners and lawyers that have a focus on this area. Corporate lending remains the core of the practice that has additional expertise in project finance, acquisition finance and debt restructurings. Blockchain and cryptocurrency matters also form a component of the team’s work. Bill Jamieson is an English lawyer with 20 years of experience in Singapore. Quek Li Fei leads the banking and finance group, which also includes Wong Pei-Ling.

Practice head(s):

Quek Li Fei


Other key lawyers:

Bill Jamieson; Wong Pei-Ling


Work highlights


Duane Morris & Selvam LLP

Duane Morris & Selvam LLP  has a broad-based banking and finance practice that has seen growth in venture debt transactions over the last two years. Its core practice continues to centre on leveraged and acquisition finance, project finance, asset finance, trade finance and real estate finance, along with regulatory and compliance work. It remains close to a wealth of Korean, Chinese and Indian banks, and a number of alternative lenders, notably Genesis Alternative Investments. Leon Yee is chairman of the Singapore office, head of the banking and finance team, and the blockchain and fintech group.

Practice head(s):

Leon Yee


Testimonials

‘Duane Morris & Selvam is our go-to firm for most of our cross-border assignments. Their service and work output are commendable. The key differentiator is their partner time in any assignment. The partner has in-depth assessment and involvement in the assignments and is an expert in the relevant field of law. Their fee is commensurate with the work product and they are extremely practical in their approach. ’

The team is fabulous. It has deep expertise across a wide breadth of industry.’

Key clients

CJ International Asia


Genesis Alternative Investments


Federal International (2000)


State Bank of India


Iceberg Holdings


Goldman Investment International Holding


Shwe Minn Gan Finance Company


Work highlights


  • Advised an Indian state-owned bank with review and finalisation of a corporate guarantee from a Singapore company.
  • Advised a Singapore Oil & Gas retail holding company with its expansion plans in Southeast Asia, involving financing and joint-venture documents with an investor.
  • Advised a PRC company on its housing/commercial development project and joint-venture matters with a Myanmar conglomerate, involving arrangements for shareholders debt and security coverage as well as specific governance mechanics.

Harry Elias Partnership

Harry Elias Partnership is building its standing in banking and finance, following the arrival of current banking and finance head Pearl Lim and Chan Wai Chong in 2021. Since then, the firm has steadily expanded its client list of banks and financial institutions, resulting in a steady pipeline of acquisition finance, real estate finance, corporate loans, financial products, regulation and fintech engagements, among others. The team is particularly noted for real estate finance, including those related to development and acquisitions, and restructurings have also been a key driver of recent engagements.

Practice head(s):

Pearl Lim


Other key lawyers:

Chan Wai Chong


Testimonials

‘The banking team at Harry Elias exhibits keen knowledge and fast turnaround times in banking transactions including real estate related financing matters. Although smaller in size than the largest local firms, the firm has demonstrated that it can punch above its weight.’

‘Pearl Lim and Chan Wai Chong have demonstrated sound knowledge in banking and finance, have maintained fast turn around times and often offers practical solutions.’

 

Key clients

United Overseas Bank Limited


Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited


Industrial and Commercial Bank of China


RHB Bank Berhad


Phoenix Property Investors


DBS Bank Ltd.


Standard Chartered Bank


Work highlights


K&L Gates Straits Law LLC

K&L Gates Straits Law LLC has a major focus on India-related financings, notably those involving Indian businesses venturing into Southeast Asia and non-Indian companies entering India itself. It advises a number of Indian banks, and Singaporean and Southeast Asian banks. It continues to see further growth in trade finance, LIBOR transition, loans to micro businesses and SMEs in Singapore, and restructuring engagements. M Rajaram is the chairman of the Singapore office and has some four decades of experience in banking and disputes work. Of counsels Lai-Foong Chan and Ahmad Khalis are also immensely experienced practitioners in banking and regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

M Rajaram


Other key lawyers:

Lai-Foong Chan; Ahmad Khalis


Key clients

KB Kookmin Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised KB Kookmin Bank on a lending agreement in relation to a $300m senior debt facility involving its Indonesian Subsidiary, PT Bank KB Bukopin, and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Wong Tan & Molly Lim LLC

Wong Tan & Molly Lim LLC has a long history in the banking and finance arena and has close links to Singaporean banks, along with other Asia-based and European financial institutions. It also advises a range of listed companies and multinationals on their financing arrangements. The firm continues to be active in syndicated secured loans and ship financings. Ong Beng Hong and Tan Swee Gek jointly head the team.

Practice head(s):

Ong Beng Hong; Tan Swee Gek


Key clients

KBC BANK N.V.


SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION


CHINA CONSTRUCTION BANK


SING INVESTMENTS & FINANCE LIMITED


HUA NAN BANK


JB FOODS LIMITED


KSH HOLDINGS LIMITED


HIAP HOE LIMITED


Work highlights