Asset finance: foreign firms Tier 2

Watson Farley & Williams LLP's Singapore office fields a strong team of asset finance partners headed by industry expert Goh Mei Lin and including Charles Viggers, Mehraab Nazir, and Andrew Nimmo who are all well experienced in finance, transactions, and restructuring exercises in the shipping and aviation sectors. Viggers relocation from the Paris office has brought in new mandates for major multinational lenders and lessors; he recently advised a syndicate of lenders including Commerzbank, MUFG, and Bank of China on JOLCO asset financing of two A320 NEO aircraft for SAS Airlines. Nazir's practice covers finance and leasing all types of maritime assets. Nimmo specialises in the offshore oil and gas and maritime sectors.

Restructuring and insolvency: foreign firms Tier 2

Goh Mei Lin heads the restructuring practice at Watson Farley & Williams LLP, whose 'expertise is deep-seated and long-established' in the areas of maritime, offshore oil and gas, and aviation. The firm advises banks and borrowers on the restructuring of debt, bond, and leasing facilities in its sectors of focus. Lin has a strong following among Korean and East Asian clients.  

Shipping: foreign firms Tier 2

Focusing predominantly on the ship finance arena, Watson Farley & Williams LLP incorporates a strong team of finance experts who are well placed to advise on sale and leaseback transactions and restructuring and offshore transactions. Andrew Nimmo demonstrates niche expertise in the offshore oil and gas industry, including FPSOs and LNG carriers, in both finance work and commercial contracts. Practice head Goh Mei Lin is a top advisor for international banks in regard to ship financing and refinancing matters. Simon Petch advises ship owners and banks on all aspects of financing and security structures, ship construction and conversion, and sale and purchase.

Banking and finance: foreign firms Tier 3

Watson Farley & Williams LLP's broader finance practice largely centres on aviation, maritime, and energy (including oil and gas). The Singapore office represents a range of financial institutions, ECAs, and corporate borrowers. While there remains a major component of asset financings, the team frequently advises on wider in-sector financings, including heavily structured facilities. Moreover, its lender clients also engage the firm for financings in other areas such as commodities-related loans. Head of the Singapore office Mei Lin Goh has extensive experience in energy and maritime financings, Charles Viggers has transferred to Singapore from Paris to reinforce the firm's standing in aviation finance. Mehraab Nazir is noted for asset and project finance, particularly in the transportation and offshore oil and gas segments. Former partner Shawn Er joined Air Products in 2020.

Corporate and M&A: foreign firms Tier 4

Watson Farley & Williams LLP has a strong focus on energy and transport transactions, along with a fast-developing venture capital practice. The venture capital piece is principally driven by Damian Adams, who returned to the firm from Simmons & Simmons in February 2020. His work centres on fintech, healthtech, medtech, and proptech, while moving into the firm's forte areas, notably energy and transport (this includes sustainable shipping). Ivy Liu joined the team from the Bangkok office of DFDL Legal & Tax in November 2019 bringing additional expertise in China inbound investment; she is PRC qualified and a Mandarin speaker. Nick Dingemans has moved to Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP.

Projects: foreign firms Tier 4

Watson Farley & Williams LLP is active across the field of energy projects, including advising on off-shore wind, solar power, and oil and gas infrastructure. In addition to advising on the financing of projects, the team also provides advice on contracts related to tendering and construction. Nick Dingemans leads the Singapore-based team; a corporate lawyer, he focuses on joint ventures, contractual advice, and M&A deals related to energy projects. Andrew Nimmo is known for his work in oil and gas, particularly off-shore projects, while Jon Thursby advises on project financing.