Singapore

Singapore, 11 May – Global law firm Hogan Lovells has strengthened its Corporate & Finance practice in Singapore with the hire of Partner Eric Tan, marking the firm’s continued build-out of its private capital and finance capabilities in Asia.   James Doyle, Corporate & Finance Practice Group Leader, commented: “APAC, including Singapore, is a key focus for the firm, and Eric’s arrival is a targeted addition which strengthens our finance capability in this critical hub. It also further reinforces our private capital practice in the region. We remain focused on developing our fully integrated global offering across private equity, funds, secondaries and private credit.” Eric is a highly regarded banking and finance lawyer with over two decades of experience advising financial institutions, private credit funds, multinational corporates and private equity sponsors on complex cross-border financing transactions. His practice spans acquisition finance, fund finance, structured lending, pre-IPO financing, real estate finance, margin loans and private note issuances, as well as private equity investments through debt and convertible instruments. Siew Kam Boon, Office Managing Partner for Singapore, added: “We are increasingly seeing Singapore-led transactions structured across multiple layers of capital, with bank lenders, private credit providers and sponsors working alongside increasingly sophisticated corporate borrowers who are actively shaping these structures. Eric has strong experience advising on these types of financings and together with our existing team, we now have a stronger bench to support our private capital clients across the full private capital lifecycle.” Owen Chan, Regional Managing Partner, Asia Pacific, said: “Our upcoming combination with Cadwalader will significantly strengthen our global platform, particularly in leveraged finance, fund finance and structured finance. Eric’s hire strengthens how our APAC practice connects into that platform.” Eric Tan said: “Hogan Lovells’ sustained investment in APAC, together with its upcoming combination with Cadwalader, creates a compelling global finance platform. Just as importantly, the breadth of the firm’s offering allows me to support clients not only on financing transactions, but also across the broader landscape of corporate, regulatory and strategic issues that arise in complex transactions.”

Virtus Law, Stephenson Harwood’s alliance firm in Singapore, has strengthened its Dispute Resolution practice with the arrival of partner Terence Seah. Terence brings with him extensive experience in handling complex commercial disputes, with a strong track record advising clients across a broad range of industries including in the medical, insurance, financial and tech sectors. He specialises in commercial disputes and fraud and white collar crime investigations and defence, and is particularly well regarded for his trial experience. Most recently, he won two high-profile cases, including a successful criminal trial resulting in the withdrawal of charges against a factory supervisor, and a High Court victory in a major conspiracy claim. Terence’s unique combination of technical expertise in financial products and derivatives, together with his experience in large-scale investigations and criminal defence, enables him to support clients with comprehensive strategic guidance. “Terence’s investigations and criminal law experience add valuable perspective to complex corporate matters, strengthening our practice and the service we provide to clients in Singapore and across the region,” said Lauren Tang, Managing Partner, Virtus Law. “We look forward to working with Terence again.”

Yuen Law is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Chua as Co-Head of the firm’s Corporate Practice. Kevin joined Yuen Law in 2021 as a Director in the Corporate Practice. He is a highly regarded practitioner with more than two decades of experience advising on high-value corporate transactions and regulatory matters for clients in the financial services sector, including investment fund managers, financial institutions, family offices, and fintech companies. Prior to joining Yuen Law, Kevin was Head of Regulatory Practice at a boutique law firm ranked in Legal 500, and practiced at WongPartnership, a leading Big Four law firm. He has also held public sector roles, including Assistant General Counsel at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), where he served in management roles within the compliance and registration divisions of ACRA. Kevin is recognised by leading directories, including IFLR1000, where he is ranked as a Highly Regarded practitioner in Financial Services Regulatory, and Asialaw, where he is listed as a Notable Practitioner. Clients describe him as “honest, hard-working, very knowledgeable.” On his appointment, Kevin said: "Our dual strengths in corporate actions and financial services regulation remain central to Yuen Law’s growth. This is an exciting time for our Corporate Practice as we continue to expand our sector specialisms, particularly in technology and financial services. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to deliver exceptional service to our clients, and to further build a practice defined by technical excellence and outstanding client care." Samuel Yuen, Managing Director and Co-Head of the Corporate Practice, welcomed Kevin to his new role: “Kevin’s wealth of experience, particularly in regulatory, financial services, and investment funds matters, adds significant depth to our practice. Having worked alongside Kevin for many years, I have seen first-hand his commitment to clients and his ability to navigate their most complex challenges. His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and grow our Corporate Practice.” The Corporate Practice at Yuen Law is committed to supporting clients’ growth and strategic ambitions through leading corporate transaction and regulatory expertise. Our award-winning group advises businesses of all sizes on complex transactions, combining commercial insight, practical guidance, and technical precision. Kevin’s appointment underscores Yuen Law’s ongoing commitment to delivering best-in-class corporate and regulatory advice, enhancing our ability to serve clients across Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Oon & Bazul LLP is pleased to welcome Sngeeta Rai as a Partner in its Dispute Resolution practice, further strengthening the firm’s capability to handle complex, high-value disputes across industries and jurisdictions. Sngeeta was previously a Director at Davinder Singh Chambers LLC, advising on significant commercial disputes and working closely with Mr Davinder Singh SC. She has extensive experience representing listed companies and high-net-worth individuals in disputes including contractual claims, shareholder disagreements, property and inheritance disputes, medical negligence and defamation. She is adept at combining technical precision with strategic insight and a pragmatic, client-focused approach. She began her career as a Justices’ Law Clerk to the Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court, before serving as an Assistant Registrar. This combination of private practice and judicial experience provides her with a deep understanding of court processes, enhancing her ability to guide clients through complex litigation. She has undertaken an overseas attachment at Fountain Court Chambers in London and is an accredited mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre. Outside of work, she enjoys mentoring aspiring lawyers preparing for the Singapore Bar Examinations, sharing her insights to support the next generation of legal talent. Commenting on the appointment, Managing Partner Bazul Ashhab said “Sngeeta is exactly the calibre of lawyer who complements and strengthens our formidable disputes practice. With her exceptional skill, judgment, and experience, she will help us deliver results on the most complex and high-value matters to even greater heights. Her appointment reflects our continued commitment to staying ahead of the curve and offering clients a disputes capability that few others can match.” Recognised by the Asian Legal Business as one of the 40 exceptional legal talents in Asia under the age of 40, Sngeeta’s addition demonstrates the firm’s commitment to attracting talent with purpose and reinforces Oon & Bazul’s position as a leading, clientfocused disputes practice. Find out more about the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice.