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Firms To Watch: Banking and finance

Bizlink Lawyers‘s banking and finance team is co-led by Do Trong Hai, Ha Thi Mai Anh, and Nguyen The Hung, who regularly advise banks, credit institutions, and investors on a range of financing transactions and have a strong focus on financial regulatory matters.

Firms in the Spotlight Banking and finance

DNA Vietnam LLC

DNA Vietnam LLC logo

DNA Vietnam LLC (“DNA”) is a boutique corporate law firm that provides legal services across various areas of law related to foreign investment and the operation of business entities in Vietnam.

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Banking and finance in Vietnam

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP is well-known for its expertise in cross-border matters and continues to be a market-leading firm that provides tailored advice on a wide variety of financial transactions, including bilateral loans, non-performing loans, and aircraft financings. Co-led by the highly respected Adam Moncrieff and Duc Tran, the team consists of lawyers that are qualified in Vietnam as well as English legal jurisdictions, making it well-suited to advise both local and international investment banks. Senior associate Thuy Huynh  specialises in giving advice to global financial institutions and has represented lenders, borrowers, and guarantors across a variety of sectors.

Practice head(s):

Adam Moncrieff; Duc Tran


Other key lawyers:

Thuy Huynh


Testimonials

‘A&O team is always responsive and solution-oriented.’

‘We highly appreciate partner Duc Tran and associate Thuy Huynh for their professionalism and local legal knowledge.’

Key clients

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation


International Finance Corporation


Malayan Banking Berhad


Gaw Capital Partners


LBBW


Asian Development Bank


Siam Commercial Bank


Please note that some of our most significant bank clients are not able to be mentioned in the list above due to our confidentiality commitments.


Work highlights


  • Advised the US International Development Finance Corporation on its $200m loan to Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank.
  • Advised the lender on a $100m loan to Be Group JSC, the owner and developer of the on-demand multi-service consumer platform Be.
  • Advised the MLAs and bookrunners on a $600m syndicated terms loan to Masan Group Corporation and its direct subsidiary The Sherpa Company Limited.

Frasers Law Company

With over 40 years of combined experience, Mark Fraser and Justin Gisz spearhead the ‘highly knowledgeable‘ team at Frasers Law Company . The banking and finance practice is particularly skilled in handling high-value project financings, especially within the energy sector, and has extensive expertise in guiding international financial institutions as well as borrower clients through refinancings of existing loans and debt restructurings. Another exceptional addition to the team is senior associate Ho Thuy Ngoc Tram, who is recommended for her capabilities in the areas of infrastructure and project finance.

Practice head(s):

Mark Fraser; Justin Gisz


Other key lawyers:

Ho Thuy Ngoc Tram


Testimonials

‘The team is unique because of the breadth and depth of expertise. The work produced by the team can quite often involve input from multiple members (drawing upon their expertise), who work well together to produce advice that is always of an impeccable standard.’

‘The team are very plugged into developments in Vietnam and are able to clearly guide clients through difficult issues both from a legal and practical point of view.’

‘The team is highly knowledgeable – they were able to provide detailed legal advice on various topics.’

‘Frasers Law Company team diversity offers the clients a much smoother experience when entering the Vietnamese market for the first time. The team’s expertise is also well-balanced and Frasers Law Company can offer an expert in each required field.’

‘Justin Gisz always provided us his extensive finance and banking knowledge in the dossiers he handled and in the documents he reviewed. Devotion in each advice and service he provided.’

‘Ho Thuy Ngoc Tram is a great lawyer who gave us her great support during the handling of our finance and banking dossier.’

‘Mark Fraser has a keen understanding of the requirements of different parties (including international lenders and sponsors) and so can provide sound advice based on local law.’

Key clients

Abn Amro Bank N.v.


A.f.t. Sea Pte Ltd


Asian Development Bank


Daimler Vietnam


G.u.d. Holdings Limited


Japan Bank for International Cooperation


Korean Exim Bank


Louis Dreyfus Company Asia Pte Ltd


Naga Markets Europe


Ptt Public Company Limited


Riot Games Limited


Sojitz Corporation


Skyx Solar Jsc


Stark Corporation Public Company Limited


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Hanoi Branch


Telio


Vinacapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited on its entry into a $40m revolving credit facility with an international bank.
  • Advised the senior lenders in connection with the project financing of the Monsoon Wind Power Project.
  • Acted for the lenders and the hedging bank on the $600m financing to Long Son Petrochemicals Company Limited.

VILAF

With extensive experience in cross-border transactions, VILAF regularly advises high-profile clients across a wide range of industries, including financial institutions, aviation, construction, and renewable energy. The team is led by Hung Nguyen and Duyen Vo, who are located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City respectively and handle a diverse array of complexly structured syndicated financing arrangements. As an expert in the field, partner Phong Tran is highly sought after to advise on infrastructure project financings. Partner Trung Vu and associate Tung Nguyen  also come highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Duyen Ha Vo; Hung Nguyen


Other key lawyers:

Phong Tran; Trung Vu; Tung Nguyen


Key clients

Goshawk Aviation


K-Sure


KEXIM


ANZ


HSBC


Apple Bank


Credit Suisse


KPCF Investments


No Va Land Investment Group Corporation


GLP – Vietnam Development Partners


Military Bank and Kasikornbank


BNP Paribas


E.Sun Commercial Bank


Far Eastern International


Fulbright University Vietnam USA, Inc


Fulbright University Vietnam Corporation


Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., Singapore Branch


Gia Lai Electricity Joint Stock Company


Keppel Land


OPEC Fund for International Development


Work highlights


  • Advised Goshawk Aviation on its $6.7bn sale to SMBC Aviation Capital.
  • Advised K-Sure, KEXIM, ANZ and HSBC on the $1bn financing of LG Display Vietnam’s plant expansion.

YKVN

Headed by the reputable Truong Nhat Quang, YKVN has extensive experience handling complex and high-value transactions in Vietnam. The team is well-equipped to advise on M&A in the banking sector, corporate finance, and regulatory matters. In the debt finance space, lender clients routinely instruct the practice to handle acquisition and project financings, particularly in connection with infrastructure and industrial undertakings. Partners Duong Thu Ha and Vu Dieu Huyen regularly advise state-owned banks, while partner Nguyen Van Hai is recommended for his expertise in capital markets and finance transactions. Other key members of the team include Nguyen Thu Hang, Vu Dzung, and Ho Anh Tuyet.

Practice head(s):

Truong Nhat Quang


Other key lawyers:

Vu Dzung; Duong Thu Ha; Nguyen Thu Hang; Vu Dieu Huyen; Nguyen Van Hai; Ho Anh Tuyet


Testimonials

‘They are always good – they are practical, timely and easy to use.’

‘Truong Nhat Quang provides accurate advice on any difficult situation and he has a business mind, so he can advise not only from a legal perspective but also from a business perspective.’

Key clients

Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank


Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited


Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited Ho Chi Minh Branch


Work highlights


  • Advised VPBank on a $1.5bn private placement to SMBC, allowing SMBC to acquire 15% of VPBank’s charter capital as a strategic investor.
  • Advised BBL and BBL HCM on providing a $76.2m syndicated loan to finance a 48MW Tra Vinh V1-2 Offshore Wind Power Plant Project.

Allens

The team at Allens is co-led by Giles Cooper, who is particularly skilled in advising on project financings in the energy space, alongside Linh Bui, who has extensive experience advising on international transactions. The firm regularly advises various stakeholders on banking and financing transactions, including loans, debt and equity hybrid issuances, and banking-related M&A, and it is also capable of handling regulatory matters. Partner Ngoc Anh Tran and associate Linh Chi Dang are also key members of the team.

Practice head(s):

Giles Cooper; Linh Bui


Other key lawyers:

Ngoc Anh Tran; Linh Chi Dang


Testimonials

‘Linh Chi Dang demonstrates care for her team while still delivering on client expectations and is a pleasure to work with.’

‘The Allens team is always very well prepared and highly professional. They have always demonstrated outstanding technical expertise and have always communicated thoughtfully, efficiently and effectively.’

Key clients

Deutsche Bank


Credit Suisse AG


International banks


International Finance Corporation


Lien Viet Post Bank


BDO UniBank


Corio Generation


BIM Renewable Energy Joint Stock Company


HSBC


Work highlights


  • Acted for Deutsche Bank as the arranger and facility agent in a $300m loan to Vinfast Singapore.
  • Acted for Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank as the lead arranger, facility agent and security agent on the implementation and operation of all term loan facilities to Vingroup and Vinfast.
  • Acted for international banks on their proposed loan to Masan Group and its subsidiaries.

Baker McKenzie

With ‘a deep bench of talented partners and associates that are extremely knowledgeable’, Baker McKenzie has experience dealing with a wide range of banking and finance matters with clients that include merchant and investment banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, among other financial institutions. The team is led by partner Oanh Nguyen, who has more than two decades of experience handling matters on project finance, IPOs, direct investment, and M&A. Special counsel Vo Phuong Chi  is particularly skilled in complex cross-border finance transactions and foreign direct investment across various sectors.

Practice head(s):

Oanh Nguyen


Other key lawyers:

Vo Phuong Chi; Pham Thuy Van; Ngo Thai Ninh


Testimonials

‘We know that the team’s expertise focuses on banking and financial sector and that they have deep legal knowledge in this area. During our work with the team, we also found that the team members also have knowledge on tax and customs matters and solved the matters quickly.’

‘For managing the effective, hard-working team like this, I recognize that Oanh Nguyen is an excellent partner.’ 

‘Baker McKenzie LLP has a deep bench of talented partners and associates that are extremely knowledgeable, proactive in identifying issues and excellent advocates/negotiators on our behalf in transactions. The firm invests considerable effort in keeping abreast of new industry developments that could impact our current and future transactions.’

Key clients

KEB Hana Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised KEB Hana Bank (Hanoi Branch) as MLAB and a syndicated lender on a syndicated loan in an amount of up to ₫1.505bn (approximately $52m) for financing of a solar project.

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown has an office in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and frequently leverages its experience advising on Vietnamese, English, and US law to handle cross-border matters. Deeply experienced practice head David Harrison possesses a comprehensive understanding of foreign investments into Vietnam and is capable of advising borrowers as well as lenders on project financings and asset-based loans spanning jurisdictions such as Vietnam, Singapore, US, and Germany. Associate Ursula Szotyory-Grove has experience advising on compliance matters within the banking and finance industry; she is also familiar with all aspects of investment and licensing in Vietnam.

Practice head(s):

David Harrison; Richard Stock


Other key lawyers:

Hai Thao Nguyen; Ursula Szotyory-Grove


Testimonials

‘Mayer Brown’s Vietnam team is simply the best. Their knowledge of the local laws and regulations is second to none.’

‘David is an excellent corporate banking and M&A lawyer. In addition to in-depth legal knowledge, he possess the ability to bring both sides to close a deal.’

Key clients

Asian Development Bank


Bank Export Finance Australia


Japan International Cooperation Agency


HSBC


Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited


International Finance Corporation


LeapFrog Investments


Norfund


Finnfund


Work highlights


  • Advised DEG-Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, ADB and JICA as lenders on the financing to Binh Duong Water Environment JSC for the construction of a composting plant and waste energy incinerator.
  • Advised ADB and DEG as lenders on the provision of financing to Vietnam incorporated Hayat Kimya Viet Nam Company Limited for the construction of a manufacturing facility for the production of baby diapers, wipes, and sanitary napkins.
  • Advised DEG on a preference share investment in Gia Lai Electricity JSC.

KPMG Law in Vietnam

KPMG Law in Vietnam has ample experience working with financiers as well as borrowers to advise on licensing services, loans, asset and project financings, regulatory concerns, and finance restructuring, among other matters. The team is headed by Nguyen Mai Phuong, a seasoned litigator that now leads the Hanoi team in arbitration matters, alongside Pham Thi Quynh Ngoc, who is especially knowledgeable on matters concerning market entry and regulatory licensing requirements for international banking clients. Associate Luu Thi Phuong Chi is also a key contact for market entry-related matters.

Other key lawyers:

Luu Thi Phuong Chi


Key clients

Far Eastern International Bank Ltd.


Woori Bank Vietnam


JCB International (Thailand) Company Limited


Bank of Taiwan


Work highlights


  • Assisted Bank of Taiwan with an application for the Certificate of Operation Registration for the Bank’s Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh.

LNT & Partners

LNT & Partners is routinely instructed by banking clients to advise on financing agreements and regulatory matters. Net Le, partner and co-founder of the firm, has extensive experience handling complex arbitration cases and co-leads the team alongside Minh Vu, who is recommended for her ability to advise on financing transactions and fintech regulations. Associate Ngo Thanh Hai offers extensive experience advising banks and companies within the energy sector on loan mandates and financing matters.

Practice head(s):

Net Le; Minh Vu


Other key lawyers:

Ngo Thanh Hai


Key clients

Vietcombank


Work highlights


  • Advised the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam on a loan agreement of $300m with Japan Bank for International Cooperation and other Japanese credit institutions.

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers

Headed by Nguyen Dinh Nha, the team at Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers  is particularly well-known for ist ability to handle transactions and regulatory matters for both borrowers and lenders. Further to this, the firm has been increasingly active in project financing within the energy and real estate sectors. Key names within the practice include Vu Thi Que, Trinh Minh Duc, and Huynh Thi Thu Thuy.

Practice head(s):

Nguyen Dinh Nha


Other key lawyers:

Vu Thi Que; Trinh Minh Duc; Huynh Thi Thu Thuy


Work highlights


Shin & Kim (Vietnam) LLC

Shin & Kim (Vietnam) LLC covers an extensive range of banking and finance-related matters, including debt issuances as well as secured and unsecured lending transactions. The firm also frequently handles licensing and compliance issues for banks and other financial institutions as well as fintech companies. The team is headed by Yeongmin Gil, who is especially skilled at handling high-value cross-border transactions. Other key contacts include Bryan Shin as well as associates Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc and Pham Quynh Trang, both of whom have extensive experience working with regulatory authorities in Vietnam.

Practice head(s):

Yeongmin Gil


Other key lawyers:

Bryan Shin; Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc; Pham Quynh Trang


Key clients

Woori Bank Hong Kong


Shinhan Securities Vietnam


Shinhan Bank Vietnam


Shinhan Bank Singapore


Korea Development Bank


Export-Import Bank of Korea


KEB Hana Bank HCMC branch


Work highlights


  • Advised Korea Development Bank and Export-Import Bank of Korea on a $200m secured term syndicated offshore loan to Hana Micron Vina Co., Ltd.
  • Advised Shinhan Bank Singapore on a multi-tranche financing of approximately $62m to VTK Hung Yen Industrial Park Investment and Development LLC.
  • Advised Shinhan Securities Vietnam in connection with Shinhan Bank Vietnam’s ₫2.8tn private bank bond issuances.

Duane Morris Vietnam LLC

Duane Morris Vietnam LLC works closely with its offices in Shanghai, Singapore, and Myanmar to advise on international syndicate loans, banking acquisitions, and bond issuances, among other financial matters. Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Lang chiefly handles foreign and local investments in Vietnam and co-leads the team alongside commercial and tax expert Oliver Massmann, who is also skilled as a litigator.

Practice head(s):

Nguyen Thi Lang; Oliver Massmann


Testimonials

‘The team is super professional in providing legal services to us.’

‘The Duane Morris Vietnam team has excellent jurisdiction awareness as well as industry sector knowledge, which really helps them to handle complex and sophisticated matters efficiently and smoothly.’

‘Dr Lang, who is the leader of the team with more than twenty years of practicing experiences under Vietnamese jurisdiction, will be able to provide the most feasible, efficient and thoughtful strategy to the client.’

‘In addition to her deep knowledge from both legal and commercial perspectives, we are really impressed with Dr Lang’s client management skills, including communication, deadline management and her excellent ability to propose strategies and solutions.’

‘We are extremely happy with services provided by Duane Morris’ Vietnam team and especially by Dr Lang.’

Work highlights


Hogan Lovells International LLP

Hogan Lovells International LLP regularly advises financial institutions on cross-border mandates. Managing partner Gaston Fernandez heads the team and has experience advising domestic and international banks on a wide array of financing arrangements and joint ventures. Counsel Duong Pham is another prominent member of team who serves as a key contact for energy and infrastructure project financings.

Practice head(s):

Gaston Fernandez


Other key lawyers:

Duong Pham


Key clients

International Finance Corporation


Asian Development Bank


Lendable SPC


Work highlights


  • Advised Lendable SPC on a secured loan of up to $10m to F88 Business JSC.

Lexcomm Vietnam LLC

Lexcomm Vietnam LLC counts sponsors, multilateral lending agencies international banks, and other financial institutions in its client roster and primarily advises on multicurrency syndicated loan facilities. Founding partner Pham Ba Linh has experience handling a broad range of transactions and is noted for his ability to advise lenders on energy and infrastructure project financings. Nguyen Ngoc Quy is no longer at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Pham Ba Linh


Key clients

Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC


Macquarie


HSBC


BNP Paribas


MUFG Bank


UBS


ING Bank


Bayerische Landesbank


ABN AMRO BANK


Standard Chartered Bank


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Natixis


Societe Generale


UniCredit Bank AG


Work highlights


  • Advised NSRP on highly complex project financing issues for a $9bn landmark Vietnam oil refinery project.
  • Advised BNP Paribas and a group of eight international banks on the domestic aspects of a refinancing of a $300m multi-tranche syndicated secured borrowing base facility.
  • Advised ING Bank on domestic legal matters in connection with structured trade and commodity finance involving the production, export, warehousing and sale and purchase of commodities.

MHM Vietnam Hanoi Office

With offices in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, MHM Vietnam Hanoi Office is well-placed to advise on a wide range of financing transactions for clients across the country, including energy companies and real estate developers, as well as for large international banks. Heading the team, Takuya Eguchi is especially skilled at handling cross-border transactions involving China. Nguyen Ngoc Phuc and Ha Thi Dung are also seasoned members of the team.

Practice head(s):

Takuya Eguchi


Other key lawyers:

Nguyen Ngoc Phuc; Ha Thi Dung


Key clients

Tien Phuoc Real Estate Joint Stock Company


Noritz Corporation


VEMC Land Joint Stock Company


Meidensha Corporation


Meiden Asia Pte.


Nomura Real Estate Development Co.


NTT Urban Development Corporation


ADK Holdings Inc.


Vietnam Industrial & Logistics Real Estate Fund


LTQ Group Joint Stock Company


Nha Dat Joint Stock Company


Tilleke & Gibbins

With its experience advising on mobile banking, blockchains, digital currencies, and e-payment services, Tilleke & Gibbins presents itself as a go-to firm for companies within the fintech industry. Headed by Nguyen Ngoc Bich Tram, the team also represents banks and other financial institutions on regulatory and licensing matters in relation to debt finance transactions. Associate Waewpen Piemwichai has experience working with banks and financial services providers and chiefly advises on matters surrounding new payment technologies.

Practice head(s):

Tram Ngoc Bich Nguyen


Other key lawyers:

Waewpen Piemwichai


Work highlights


  • Advised a leading cryptocurrency exchange on its proposed rollout of several crypto-related products/business models in Vietnam, including but not limited to spot and margin trading, crypto derivatives, and crypto loans.
  • Advised a Singapore-based global payment infrastructure company on the risks and legal implications of some alternative models for acquisition of payments.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Watson Farley & Williams LLP fields a ‘highly responsive team with excellent Vietnam and broader Asia Pacific experience’  that is particularly well-versed in advising syndicated lenders on cross-border project and acquisition financings. The team is led by is spearheaded by Linh Doan alongside Matt Lorimer and counts commercial banks and multi-lateral agencies in its client base.

Practice head(s):

Linh Doan; Matt Lorimer


Testimonials

‘A highly responsive team with excellent Vietnam and broader Asia Pacific experience. The team matches a strong awareness of the requirements of cross-border lenders with a pragmatic and commercial approach.’

‘Matt Lorimer is highly responsive and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.’

‘WFW is traditionally strong in asset financing – shipping and aviation finance. It also has experience in export credit agency backed financings. The team is responsive and takes a commercial approach when advising lenders of risks.’ 

Key clients

Toyo Ink Berhad


The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam


Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd.


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Group


Asian Development Bank


Work highlights