Hall Of Fame

Leading Associates

Fintech and financial services regulatory: local firms in Singapore

Allen & Gledhill LLP

Well-regarded for its ‘in-depth knowledge of the regulations across different financial services and products’, the team at Allen & Gledhill LLP covers a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious matters, from banking and corporate finance to financial services sector reorganisations and business conduct requirements. The team excels in licensing advisory for fintechs and handling crypto disputes, and it is actively involved in shaping new regulations through its consultative role. The leadership team includes: Francis Mok, who is a key port of call for banks, securities dealers, futures brokers and fund managers; Adrian Ang, who is described as ‘formidable, brilliant and honest’Karen Tiah, who is lauded as ‘very experienced and technically sound’; and Alexander Yap focuses on the acquisition, divestiture, provision, sharing of technology and IP-related assets. Aaron Lee is a commercial litigator with expertise in employment, white-collar, regulatory and compliance matters, while Zhi Feng Tan focuses on advising financial institutions on the regulations affecting their business.

Practice head(s):

Francis Mok; Karen Tiah; Adrian Ang; Alexander Yap


Other key lawyers:

Aaron Lee; Zhi Feng Tan; Alexander Fong Yi


Testimonials

‘Karen Tiah is a trusted legal adviser and expert on fintech and financial services regulatory matters. She is a subject matter expert with deep-rooted knowledge of not only what’s set out in the regulations, but also what’s not expressly spelled out in the regulations.’

‘The fintech practice is extremely strong, largely due to the leadership, drive and technical ability of its team leader Adrian Ang.’

‘Adrian Ang is exceptionally talented and impressive. His knowledge in the sector is second to none and his technical ability and commercial awareness far outstrip many more senior practitioners in the field.’

‘Adrian Ang is formidable, brilliant and honest. As a pioneer in the fintech regulatory space, he is dedicated to providing thought leadership in the field and is well-respected by regulators and by his peers.’

‘Alexander Fong Yi has deep knowledge of the field.’

‘The team is experienced and knowledgeable in this field. They have in-depth knowledge of the regulations across different financial services and products. They have many financial services clients which provides that with invaluable market intel and industry practice.’

‘Karen Tiah is very experienced and technically sound.’

‘Adrian Ang grasps commercial issues quickly, is very responsive, and provides thorough advice.’

Work highlights


  • Advised the Circle group on regulatory implications of issuing their single-currency stablecoin in Singapore.
  • Advised the World Bank on payment services in Singapore, in relation to its Business Ready project.
  • Advising Climate Impact X Pte. Ltd. on regulatory implications of carbon credits marketplace business and carbon credit related products and services, in Singapore.

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow

The ‘extremely helpful’ team at Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow, praised for its ability to provide clients with ‘practical legal advice’, attracts an impressive roster of national and international banking clients, leading fund managers, and fintechs. The team excels in a broad range of fintech mandates, with particular strength in payments, data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity. Practice head Stephanie Magnus frequently advises on fintech models such as equity and debt crowdfunding, digital advisory platforms, payment service models and tokenisation. Eunice Tan specialises in regulatory, legal and compliance matters in the financial services and fintech models, and Ying Yi Liew left the firm in Feb 2025.

Practice head(s):

Stephanie Magnus


Other key lawyers:

Eunice Tan


Testimonials

‘The team has been extremely helpful and provided practical legal advice. They are well versed in the regulations and any changes that impact the payments regulatory landscape. I have been working with the team for three years, and they have definitely made my life easier.’

‘Eunice Tan is proactive in her deliverables, able to anticipate sense of urgency and very approachable.’

‘Hands on, flexible and accommodating.’

‘Eunice Tan is excellent. She is responsive, and provides clear guidance on how to navigate complex regulatory issues, and manage the MAS.’

‘Very focused on delivering results.’

‘The team is responsive, technically excellent, understands the industry and provides practical, commercial solutions.’

Key clients

Arta Wealth Management Pte. Ltd. (Arta)


Asia Wealth Platform Pte Ltd (StashAway)


iCapital Advisors, LLC


DBS Bank (DBS)


Goldbell Financial Services/ Goldbell Evolution Network


(GEN) Pte Ltd.


SBI Securities (SBI)


The Association of Banks in Singapore


UBS AG


Work highlights


  • Advising Asia Wealth Platform Pte Ltd and iCapital Advisors on the legal and regulatory implication of their cross-border activities in relation to distribution of funds and offering of investment management capabilities on a cross-border basis.
  • Represented DBS, UBS and SBI on Singapore’s first digital native bond pilot as part of Project Guardian by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Rajah & Tann Asia

The ‘hands on’ team at Rajah & Tann Asia excels in providing regulatory advice on innovative financial projects, complex cross-border transactions, and crowdfunding initiatives. The practice handles payment services license applications, NFT product launches, digital token issuances, and venture capital fundraising, making them a standout in these areas. Steering the practice is Regina Liew, who handles advisory, transactional as well as enforcement matters for banks, all classes of financial institutions and businesses. She is supported by deputy head Larry Lim, whose practice spans a wide range of sectors, including banking, securities, derivatives, commodities, financial advisory, and payment systems. A litany of financial institutions turn to Benjamin Liew for his assistance on a wide range of matters, particularly on China’s legislative framework for derivatives.

Practice head(s):

Regina Liew


Other key lawyers:

Larry Lim; Benjamin Liew


Testimonials

‘The team is very hands on and puts in the effort to understand our business.’

‘They always act with professionalism and consistently demonstrate their in-depth knowledge without fail.’

Key clients

Baring Private Equity Asia


CVC


Keppel Infrastructure and Keppel Energy


iCapital SG Pte Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Baring Private Equity Asia as Singapore counsel on its EUR 6.8 billion with Swedish investment firm, EQT AB.
  • Advised Baring Private Equity Asia as Singapore counsel on its US$2.8 billion acquisition of the Tricor group from Permira, involving over 10 jurisdictions.
  • Advised Keppel Infrastructure and Keppel Energy on the derivatives and hedging transactions in connection with the S$750 million development of a 600MV advanced combined cycle gas turbine power plant.

WongPartnership LLP

Highlighted as ‘efficient and very knowledgeable’, the team at WongPartnership LLP is noted for its work on cutting-edge projects like blockchain-based stablecoins, digital banking platforms, and telemedicine. The practice is also highly regarded for its expertise in navigating payment services license applications for digital asset service providers. Elaine Chan and Joy Tan jointly lead the FSR practice at the firm, and are noted for their extensive regulatory experience advising a broad spectrum of financial institutions on a host of matters. Rosabel Ng is noted for her specific focus on the regulation of derivatives and structured products, as well as regulatory compliance and advisory matters relating to primary financial market infrastructure providers, while Lam Chung Nian earns praise for his ‘very practical and sound advice to clients with a sensible analysis of the legal framework’. Other notable individuals include: Sin Wei Ong, who stands out for his corporate finance expertise; Kyle Lee, who specialises in venture capital and start-up matters; Tian Sion Yoong lauded for his ‘best in class working knowledge with leading global financial institutions’; Kylie Peh, noted for her work on both contentious and non-contentious matters; and Chan Jia Hui.

Practice head(s):

Elaine Chan; Joy Tan; Rosabel Ng; Lam Chung Nian; Sin Wei Ong; Kyle Lee; Tian Sion Yoong; Kylie Peh; Jia Hui Chan


Other key lawyers:

Melissa Tham


Testimonials

‘During our collaboration, we have seen nothing but excellence in their management of the client. The team is open in their communication and incredibly responsive to the client’s needs. Their grasp of the legal and practical aspects of the matters are what sets apart their team.’

‘Lam Chung Nian and Kylie Peh are the standout out partners that we have worked with in this sector.’

‘With Lam Chung Nian, we are more than confident and comfortable working with him due to his astounding understanding of the practical aspect of the practice area. He provides very practical and sound advice to clients with a sensible analysis of the legal framework.’

‘Tian Sion Yoong has a deep understanding and the best in class working knowledge with leading global financial institutions as well as unicorn fintech/blockchain projects.’

‘Melissa Tham is a rare rising star lawyer who possesses superb technical and business knowledge beyond her level of seniority. Melissa is professional, responsive and sets the very best standard for herself, she is a pleasure to work with.’

‘WP’s financial services regulatory team is very thorough in analysing regulatory issues, ranging from banking to fund management to crypto licensing. The team also has a very strong grasp of the underlying technology when advising on crypto matters.’

‘Tian Sion Yoong is very detailed in his analysis, and is also very practical in advising on regulatory matters.’

‘The team is efficient and very knowledgeable in the fintech industry.’

Key clients

Far East Organization


GuocoLand Limited


ARA Asset Management Limited


Lendlease Group


ESR Funds Management (S) Limited


Frasers Logistics & Industrial Trust


DBS Bank Ltd.


Standard Chartered Bank


Parkway Holdings


United Overseas Bank Limited


UOL Group Limited


Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited


City Developments Limited


Perennial Real Estate Holdings. Pte. Ltd.


Bank of China Limited, Singapore Branch


China CITIC Bank International Limited, Singapore Branch


Xfers Pte. Ltd.


Hako Technology Pte. Ltd.


Cherry Decentral I GmbH


Northstar Group


Igloo


Borneo.io


JD Sports Fashion Pte Ltd


KrisShop Pte. Ltd.


Go-Ventures


Openspace Ventures


Wavemaker Partners


KitaLulus


Work highlights


  • Advised UBS Group AG on the Singapore regulatory aspects arising from its merger with Credit Suisse Group AG by way of a statutory merger under the Swiss Merger Act.
  • Acting for Wavemaker Partners as leading investor in the US$6 million series A investment round of MFast.
  • Advised the client in relation to the roll-out of its digital banking services, and assisted with the drafting and reviewing the terms and conditions of such digital banking services and use of third-party software platforms in conjunction with such digital banking services.

Dentons Rodyk

The fintech and FSR team at Dentons Rodyk offers deep expertise in capital raisings, privacy and data protection, regulatory compliance, and tax. With a diverse roster of clients on its books, the team is renowned for its extensive expertise advising on cross-border matters. Kenneth Oh has extensive experience advising on blockchain and DLT initiatives, including token offerings, DeFi, cryptocurrency, and the establishment and licensing of digital asset exchanges and service providers. Hsu Li Chuan's practice covers blockchain and DLT, while Jacqueline Loke is well-versed in compliance issues.

Practice head(s):

Kenneth Oh; Hsu Li Chuan; Jacqueline Loke


Testimonials

‘Very responsive, open to exploring novel business ideas.’

‘Hsu Li Chuan is fast, thoughtful, and overall fantastic to work with.’

Key clients

Validus Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd.


UNOAsia


DigiFT Tech (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


Kickstart Ventures, Inc.


Ripple Markets APAC Pte. Ltd.


GuavaPay Pte Ltd


Digital Treasures Center (DTC)


Sofi Singapore Pte Ltd


XFlow Payments Pte Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised and acted for Validus Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd. in its Series C extension fundraising round.
  • Acted for the Company in raising US$32 million pre-Series B funding round.
  • Advised and assisted in Ripple Markets APAC Pte. Ltd.’s successful application for the major payment institution licence under the Payment Services Act of Singapore, including initial application submission and assisting with responses to queries from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

OC Queen Street

Noted as a ‘creative firm that is able to navigate through tricky work’, OC Queen Street’s fintech and FSR practice is particularly renowned for its expertise in digital payments, decentralised protocols, digital platforms, and fundraising initiatives. At the helm sits Chia-Ling Koh, whose broad experience includes advising fast-growth companies and MNCs in the technology, media, communications, fintech, payments, and blockchain sectors on both regulatory and litigation matters. Managing associate Norvin Chan is noted for his specialism in TMT matters.

Practice head(s):

Chia Ling Koh


Other key lawyers:

Norvin Chan


Testimonials

‘A nimble and creative firm that is able to navigate through tricky work.’

‘Norvin Chan understands digital businesses, not just in traditional tech but also in newer industries such as crypto.’

‘OC Queen Street provided counsel in a very niche area of blockchain. The personnel had the correct understanding of regulations and were very professional in their delivery.’

Key clients

Shopify


Changi Airport Group


SHEIN


Tezos Blockchain


Travala


Omise Payments


Fastco Pte. Ltd.


Ingenico International (Singapore) Pte Ltd


AXS


DeNA


Drew & Napier LLC

Lauded for its ‘deep industry expertise’, the ‘very reliable and solution oriented’ team at Drew & Napier LLC excels in structuring payment solutions and managing regulatory issues for digital platforms, while also seeing a rise in instructions related to ICOs and cryptocurrency. Benjamin Gaw, a ‘ technically very sound lawyer’, is highly experienced in advising both emerging and established payment solutions providers, with a proven track record in fintech licensing and regulatory matters. Chua Tju Liang is frequently instructed by PE houses and funds on a range of complex cross-border transactions, Grace Chong has been described as a ‘legal powerhouse’ with a  ‘very strong reputation’.

Practice head(s):

Benjamin Gaw; Chua Tju Liang; Grace Chong


Testimonials

‘Grace Chong is a legal powerhouse, has a very strong reputation, and is the go-to lawyer in the industry for technology, AI and digital assets matters. She is clearly the best regulatory lawyer we have seen in the Singapore market, and she services most of the firms in the industry and is meticulous, strategic and exceptionally astute in her advice and implementation.’

‘Grace Chong is brilliant and continually making waves and supporting the industry with her advocacy work.’

‘Benjamin Gaw and his team are excellent. Very reliable and solution oriented.’

‘Benjamin Gaw is a technically very sound lawyer with a great commercial mindset. I would recommend him very highly.’

‘The team, led by Grace Chong, is extremely fast and efficient at delivering work. The level of attention we get from Grace and her team is unparalleled and this is the primary reason we stick with her despite her moving firms.’

‘Grace Chong is a gem of person. Not only does she have the most up-to-date insights from a regulatory perspective, she is able to grasp complex matters with ease over a simple phone call. She has helped us navigate sanctions and suspicious transactions with ease going above and beyond what was expected of her.’

‘Deep industry expertise.’

‘Grace Chong has deep knowledge of the fintech landscape in the region, and provides concise and actionable advice.’

Key clients

Druk Holding and Investments Limited


FQX AG


Work highlights


  • Assisting Druk Holding and Investments Limited on the establishment and operation of cryptocurrency mining farms in a South Asian jurisdiction.
  • Advised FQX AG on the Electronic Transactions Act 2010, the Securities and Futures Act2001, and the Payment Services Act 2019 in connection with the client’s core platform product and potential expansions of its product and service offerings.

Shook Lin & Bok LLP

With deep expertise in fintech, financial services regulation, and payment services, the team at Shook Lin & Bok LLP excels in areas such as business conduct requirements, licensing, and anti-money laundering and sanctions advice. The practice is jointly steered by Andrea Ng and Eric Chan. Ng focuses on trust, asset, and wealth management, particularly with REITs, where she brings extensive experience in handling transactions such as initial public offerings, while Chan overs all aspects of the financial services sector in Singapore, regularly collaborating with banks, financial advisers, insurers, brokers, fund managers, and other intermediaries.

Practice head(s):

Andrea Ng; Eric Chan


Work highlights


  • Acting for a Capital Market Services License holder in the establishment of a Fund, with the initial sub-fund, having the investment policy to invest primarily in SGD denominated bonds issued by the Singapore Government.
  • Acted for HSBC in relation to banking facilities extended to Carro Leasing Pte Ltd and its parent company.
  • Acted as Singapore counsel for Pismo Holdings in the acquisition by Credit card giant Visa for $1 billion in cash.