A ‘pre-eminent player in the Singapore market‘ Allen & Gledhill LLP ‘is renowned for being the go-to firm for landmark transactions‘. Banking and finance work is a mainstay of the firm, which is retained by financial institutions, corporates, private equity and sovereign wealth funds in the gamut of financing mandates, ranging from bilateral loan facilities to complex structured products involving multiple parties in Singapore and across the region. The team, which works closely with the energy, infrastructure and projects practice, is also proficient is project finance, and showcases particular strength in lending matters within the real estate sector. Noted for being ‘at the forefront of industry trends and developments’, the group has been increasingly advising on green loans and sustainability-linked credit facilities. Mark Hudspeth, a key contact for both lenders and major corporate borrowers, handles syndicated loans, acquisition financings and debt restructuring. He oversees the banking and finance department with project finance specialist Kok Chee Wai, who also manages the financial services group. Lim Wei Ting is ‘an industry-leading practitioner who provides valuable perceptive advice’ in the fields of real estate finance, investment grade acquisition finance and takeovers, to name a few. Aloysius Ng is another noteworthy practitioner, who focuses on domestic and cross-border financing transactions.

At Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, the banking and finance team provides advice that ‘is practical and solutions-oriented.’ Practitioners are seasoned in complex and high-value transactions across a variety of industries, and skilled at handling the full array of financing deals, ranging from real estate finance to syndicated lending, acquisition financing, Islamic finance, and sustainability-linked credit facilities. Acting for sponsors and lenders in the financing of renewable energy projects is another area of expertise for the group, which ‘is well versed in regional transactions throughout APAC.’ Dual qualified partner Angela Lim, who regularly advises on leveraged financing, greenfield project finance and debt restructuring in the region, jointly heads up the group with NG Sey Ming, another name to note for cross-border banking matters, including project, real estate and acquisition finance. Other key individuals include Lee Weilin, who is a trusted advisor for property funds, REITs and corporate financings, banking and capital markets partners Lee Xin Mei and Cheryl Tan, and Mei Shi Ho, who is proficient in REIT financing transactions and green loans.

Shook Lin & Bok LLP ‘has a strong team of knowledgeable, professional, reliable and friendly lawyers’ dedicated to banking and finance matters in Singapore and throughout region. With strong credentials in landmark banking deals, including acquisition finance, green loans, private equity finance, structured lending, REIT-related transactions and trade and commodity financings, the group acts for an impressive roster of lenders, including banks and other major financial institutions. Department head Liew Kai Zee has a wealth of experience in cross-border acquisition and structured finance, and is the counsel of choice for several corporate borrowers and financiers. Bilateral and syndicated loans as well as project and asset finance are core areas of activity for Stanley Lim. Zhi Ming Tan is singled out for his knowledge of property development and project finance, while Aditi Mathur stands out in the field of sustainability-linked credit facilities. Bryan Chang, Clement Khoo and Paul Goh, all of whom are engaged in domestic and cross-border banking and finance mandates, are other noteworthy individuals.

Acting for a balanced mix of corporations, banks and financial institutions, WongPartnership LLP has an excellent borrower and lender perspective of market practice and relevant precedents. The firm fields a ‘top-notch’ banking and finance practice that ‘provides reliable, excellent and valuable advice to clients’ in relation to the entire spectrum of financing transactions, including acquisition finance, green loans, sustainability-linked facilities and real estate financing matters. Susan Wong, whose expertise covers debt-related transactions including project, real estate, acquisition, asset and Islamic financing, spearheads the financial services group. Project finance, property development loans and debt restructuring are among Alvin Chia‘s key specialisms, while Christy Lim is a ‘go-to banking lawyer’ for structured and leveraged finance. Bernadette Tan focuses on financing deals in the real estate, REITs and business trusts spaces.

The banking and finance practice at Dentons Rodyk is best known for its capabilities in real estate finance, where it attracts both borrower and lender-side mandates. Doreen Sim, who is a reference in this field, manages the department which offers additional expertise in the energy and natural resources sectors. Typical mandates range from project, structured and leveraged finance to debt restructuring, syndicated lending and Islamic finance. Joo Thye Tan acts for financial institutions and corporates in financing deals in the trade, commodity, infrastructure, real estate and energy spaces. Dawn Tong‘s practice covers banking and financial regulatory requirements, as well as all aspects of loan and debt transactions.

Rated for its ‘technical knowledge‘, Drew & Napier LLC is especially prolific in project, acquisition, real estate and construction financing. Its broad service coverage also includes banking advisory and regulatory matters, as well as debt restructuring and assistance with LIBOR transition. Several local banks, offshore financial institutions, and multinational corporations turn to the team for advice on the gamut of loan and credit transactions. Practice leader Pauline Chong ‘provides sound advice in the context of complex situations‘, including bilateral and syndicated loan facilities to borrowers from the Asia Pacific region. Benedict Teo, who focuses on contentious matters, is widely recommended by clients. Renu Menon and Lau Sok Hiang, the latter of whom specialises in real estate matters, are other names to note.

TSMP Law Corporation has strong relationships with several domestic and international financial institutions and corporates, and on the transactional front is especially strong in corporate real estate financing. Its diverse market perspective make it a frequent choice for both borrowers and lenders in the context of syndicated lending, debt restructuring, refinancings and acquisition finance. The team is jointly led by two multifaceted partners: Jennifer Chia, whose experience cuts across banking and finance, real estate, private wealth, compliance and regulatory matters, and corporate and finance specialist June Ho, who regularly advises on ship financing, and syndicated loans.

Able to resource matters relying on expertise from its formal alliance with Stephenson Harwood should the need arise, Virtus Law LLP provides Singapore law advice on both domestic and cross-border banking and finance mandates, encompassing acquisition, project, and asset finance. The latter is a true specialism for the team, which is skilled at acting for financial institutions, corporations, funds, and sponsors in a variety of shipping, offshore, and aviation financing transactions, as well as restructuring and insolvency matters. Colin Jarraw, whose traditional focus on maritime finance has recently expanded into other fields of banking law, manages the group, which also features Jason Yang, noted for his knowledge of sale and leaseback transactions and insolvencies.

Showcasing a strong track record in domestic and cross-border lending, Withers KhattarWong LLP‘s banking and finance group is particularly well versed in the financing for property acquisitions and development in Singapore and abroad, acting on behalf of lenders and borrowers. Project finance is another strong point for the practice, which works in close collaboration with the restructuring and insolvency teams in the context of distressed debt transactions. Guan Feng Chen, who possesses over two decades’ experience in multijurisdictional financings and debt restructurings, handles an array of deals in Asia, with a particular emphasis on Indonesia and Malaysia, besides Singapore. Lenders and borrowers routinely turn to Kenneth Szeto, who is singled out for his ‘strong knowledge of banking and finance matters, particularly property financing.’ Consultant Agatha Lee advises a host of banks and financial institutions on general banking issues, as well as secured and unsecured financing.

CNPLaw LLP has a versatile banking and finance practice, which is as comfortable in acquisition, project and corporate financings as it is in specialised areas such as asset finance and debt restructuring. Practice head Quek Li Fei has a strong pedigree for acting for lenders and borrowers in domestic and cross-border financing mandates; he has additional expertise in blockchain and cryptocurrency issues. Banks, financial institutions, investment funds and corporate borrowers also turn to English law qualified Bill Jamieson, Pei-Ling Wong  and Wee Siong Low for assistance in a variety of lending transactions.

K&L Gates Straits Law LLC has established a notable practice in advising Indian companies venturing into Singapore, as well as foreign companies looking to establish operations in India. The team has a strong following among the main Indian banks with branches in Singapore, and is also adept at advising foreign companies, banks and governmental entities on the drafting and structuring of loan security documents. Cross-border trade financing, LIBOR transition matters, and restructuring work are areas of growth for the team, which is led by M Rajaram, a key contact for the entire spectrum of debt transactions and banking disputes. Other names to note include of counsel Lai-Foong Chan and Ahmad Khalis, both of whom are skilled in a range of banking and regulatory matters on behalf.

With expertise in secured and syndicated lending, structured finance and project finance, Wong Tan & Molly Lim LLC is adept at acting for international banks and corporate borrowers. Ong Beng Hong and Tan Swee Gek, both of whom have combined experience in banking and finance, capital markets and regulatory matters, jointly oversee the practice.