Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow > Singapore, Singapore > Firm Profile

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow > The Legal 500 Rankings

Singapore > Fintech and financial services regulatory: local firms Tier 1

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.

Singapore > Intellectual property: Local firms Tier 1

With an ‘unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results’, the team at Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow prides itself in possessing considerable industry knowledge, empowering it to provide clients with a full-service offering on both contentious and non-contentious matters across a variety of sectors, in particular, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and TMT. The bulk of the team’s work ranges from portfolio management, rights and maintenance, and patents, covering the entire lifecycle of a patent from drafting to due diligence. Additionally, the team is well-versed in the enforcement of rights and litigation. An ‘icon in the legal industry’, Andy Leck spearheads the team with considerable expertise in all aspects of commercial and advisory work and has been appointed as an IP adjudicator by the IPOS. Ren Jun Lim acts in civil and criminal litigation across all types of infringement, while Sanil Khatri specialises in trademark, copyright, and design protection, leading a well-regarded advisory service in this regard.

Singapore > Investment funds: foreign firms Tier 1

‘Always willing to go the extra mile’, Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow represents funds managers and institutional investors on the gamut of fund formation, structuring and regulatory mandates, showcasing demonstrable expertise in the formation of real estate funds, in addition to private equity and venture capital funds. Counting venture capital funds and corporate venture capital investors in Southeast Asia among his key roster of clients, Kelvin Poa jointly leads the team alongside ‘critical thinker’ Derek Kwan, who stands out for his experience in private real estate funds formation matters. Assisting clients with the establishment of closed-end funds and private investment vehicles, Jens Carle is another key contact in the group.

Singapore > Labour and employment: local firms Tier 1

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow combines its strong local expertise with exceptional international talent, along with its ability to tap into the resources of the global firm. The Singapore team represents a range of multinationals from multiple industries and is frequently engaged by clients to conduct investigations into alleged discrimination, breaches of internal policies and other matters. The group is also experienced in corporate restructurings and employee transfers, along with often representing clients in litigation before the Singapore courts. Celeste Ang is a leading name in the market, widely recognised for her expertise in investigations and large disputes. Kelvin Poa is another rounded practitioner with a background in advisory and transaction-related issues, including contracts, separation agreements, and non-solicitation and non-competition terms. Zhao Yang Ng is an emerging talent in employment investigations, trade union negotiations and immigration matters. Pradeep Nair was promoted to local principal in 2023.

Singapore > Private wealth and family law – local firms Tier 1

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow has a background in advising ultra-high-net worth, high-net-worth individuals and families on business, estate, and succession planning. It has earned a reputation for its expertise in launching family offices in Singapore along with the establishment of vehicles and trusts to hold substantial assets. Its wide ranging expertise covers trust law, tax planning, business and general succession planning, family governance, among other areas. It has extensive expertise in the tax and trust aspects in planning for trust structures that hold family assets. Dawn Quek heads the private wealth team in Singapore, specialising in tax planning, the creation of family offices along with onshore and offshore trust structures.

Singapore > Tax: local firms Tier 1

Fielding a ‘highly professional’ team, noted for its ability to ‘provide pragmatic solutions to address complex technical issues’, Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow handles the full scope of contentious and non-contentious matters. The group assists clients on tax planning and wealth management, tax controversies, tax litigation, and transfer pricing. At the helm of the practice is Allen Tan, whose extensive experience spans both international and local tax matters, with a distinct focus on the regional tax implications of the transactions he oversees. Dawn Quek advises multinationals and financial institutions on the tax issues arising from the set-up of their regional operations, while Jeremiah Soh represents clients in tax appeals before all levels of the Singapore courts.

Singapore > Antitrust and competition: local firms Tier 2

Maintaining its strong track record of representing large multinationals from the worlds of pharmaceutical, telecoms and financial services, Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow is well-versed in the gamut of competition law matters, ranging from merger clearances, responding to competition authorities and customising compliance programs, to enforcement investigations. The practice is helmed by Ken Chia, who is a key port of call for governments and multinational corporations seeking assistance on a variety of competition matters. Economics specialist Lip Hang Poh is lauded for his ‘exceptional ability to analyse complex competition issues and provide practical advice’. Former practice head Harikumar Sukumar Pillay left in January 2024.

Singapore > Banking and finance: foreign firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow has a highly-rated banking and finance practice in Singapore, which integrates Singapore and English law expertise. The Singapore group operates across Asia Pacific and remains noted for acquisition and leveraged finance, syndicated lending, real estate finance, fund finance, and ESG and sustainability-linked loans. It has close links to many of the major lenders that operate across the region, including CTBC Bank, Mizuho Bank and HSBC. Emmanuel Hadjidakis  is chair of the Asia Pacific banking and finance group, is global head of acquisition finance and has continued to advise leading lenders on big-ticket financings. Kah Chin Chu is further noted for syndicated and bilateral loans, though has developed a particular reputation for green facilities and sustainability-linked loans. Kenneth Chuah is a key figure for structured trade and commodity finance, while Ian Roebuck is further noted for fund finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, and general lending. James Huang, Weiling Lee and Kunal Katre are also key members of the team.

Singapore > Construction: Local firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow is prominent in contentious construction matters connected to energy, real estate, and infrastructure projects. Its grounding in construction disputes has brought it a growing array of non-contentious engagements, including experience in construction contracts, procurement models, and financings. It has a strong record in domestic matters, along with cases involving jurisdictions across Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. The firm has an extensive client base, notably, a number of South Korean employers and contractors. Nandakumar Ponniya heads the Asia Pacific dispute resolution practice and has a fine record in construction cases, as does Tjen Wee Wong. Former engineer Daniel Ho was promoted to local principal in 2023.

Singapore > Corporate and M&A: foreign firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow showcases demonstrable experience in handling big-ticket domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, in addition corporate reorganisations and restructurings. Shirin Tang, who joined from Morrison Foerster (Singapore) in September 2024, jointly leads the team alongside Boo Bee Chun, who acts for both buyers and sellers across the healthcare, energy, mining, industrial and technology sectors. Min-Tze Lean advises on M&A and joint ventures, in addition to corporate advisory and compliance mandates, and Andrew Martin stands out for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional M&A and joint ventures, including acquisition integration and restructuring. Other key contacts in the group include Xiao Hui Ting, who acts for corporates and private equity houses across the healthcare, real estate, consumer and technology industries, Sharon Foo and Theodore Heng.

Singapore > Corporate and M&A: local firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow showcases demonstrable experience in handling big-ticket domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, in addition corporate reorganisations and restructurings. Shirin Tang, who joined from Morrison Foerster (Singapore) in September 2024, jointly leads the team alongside Boo Bee Chun acts for both buyers and sellers across the healthcare, energy, mining, industrial and technology sectors, while Min-Tze Lean advises on M&A and joint ventures, in addition to corporate advisory and compliance mandates. Praised as ‘knowledgeable and commercial’, Andrew Martin stands out for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional M&A and joint ventures, including acquisition integration and restructuring. Other key contacts in the group include Xiao Hui Ting, who acts for corporates and private equity houses across the healthcare, real estate, consumer and technology industries, Sharon Foo and Theodore Heng.

Singapore > Data protection and cyber security: Local firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow provides an ‘effective and efficient service’ to its roster of clients on matters concerning data protection compliance and regulatory issues, privacy disputes and cross-border data transfers, in addition to data breaches. Splitting his time between the firm’s Singapore and Yangon offices, Andy Leck leads the team and handles a range of contentious and non-contentious data protection and cyber security mandates, often cross-border in nature. Ren Jun Lim is praised as a ‘problem solver who always stands ready to assist clients’ in the consumer goods and retail sectors, while ‘extremely knowledgeable and well respected’ Ken Chia is noted for his expertise in privacy and data breach cases in Singapore.

Singapore > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow boasts an esteemed team of highly regarded partners and is noted for its leading expertise in construction, employment and intellectual property cases, while consistently handling a steady diet of commercial litigation, anti-corruption, and fraud matters. The firm, noted for its strong global presence, excels in multi-jurisdictional disputes and caters to a diverse roster of local and international clients. Steering the practice is Nandakumar Ponniya, who is noted for his specialist expertise in commercial litigation, international arbitration, and corporate restructuring across the tech, energy, construction and financial services sectors. Celeste Ang’s practice encompasses commercial disputes, compliance and investigations, while Andy Leck stands out for his expertise on contentious IP matters.

Singapore > Energy: foreign firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow’s energy, mining and infrastructure projects team often advises clients on large regional energy and natural resources mandates. The firm acts across the entire lifecycle of a project, from finance, M&A and joint venture advice, through to complex and large-scale project development issues. It stands out for its handling of cross-border matters involving Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Kim Hock Ang focuses on the development and financing of greenfield infrastructure projects, as well as the acquisition and disposal of brownfield project assets. Sun Kyun Lim advises on infrastructure and resources projects, from the whole range of project documents throughout the value chain. Andrew Zaw has 20 years’ experience advising sponsors, lenders and governments in infrastructure projects internationally.

Singapore > Insurance: local firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow’s financial services and insurance team is well-versed in handling both disputes and advisory matters, standing out for its expertise in regulatory and corporate affairs, particularly in mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings, as well as risk management, crisis response, and cybercrime, including data privacy. The team is jointly led by Stephanie Magnus and Nandakumar Ponniya. Magnus has extensive experience in local and cross-border insurance matters, and Ponniya is noted for his focus on contentious insurance matters. Darren Yang is well-placed to assist all types of financial institutions, insurance companies, fintech companies and start-ups. Ying Yi Liew departed the practice in February 2025.

Singapore > International arbitration Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow acts for clients operating across a broad range of industries, including energy, construction and engineering, financial services, and aviation. Further to this, the team also has experience in advising on bilateral and multilateral investment treaties. Spearheading the practice, Nandakumar Ponniya regularly assists state-owned enterprises, large international companies, and governments with resolving disputes across the Asia-Pacific region. Ashish Chugh and Richard Allen are also prominent members of the team. Chugh has a broad range of experience navigating institutional arbitration rules under the ICC, SIAC, and UNCITRAL. Allen is recommended for his expertise in commercial and international investments disputes.

Singapore > Labour and employment: foreign firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow combines its strong local expertise with exceptional international talent, along with its ability to tap into the resources of the global firm. The Singapore team represents a range of multinationals from multiple industries and is frequently engaged by clients to conduct investigations into alleged discrimination, breaches of internal policies and other matters. The group is also experienced in corporate restructurings and employee transfers, along with often representing clients in litigation before the Singapore courts. Celeste Ang is a leading name in the market, widely recognised for her expertise in investigations and large disputes. Kelvin Poa is another rounded practitioner with a background in advisory and transaction-related issues, including contracts, separation agreements, and non-solicitation and non-competition terms. Zhao Yang Ng is an emerging talent in employment investigations, trade union negotiations and immigration matters. Pradeep Nair was promoted to local principal in 2023.

Singapore > Projects: foreign firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow’s team, which is led by Kim Hock Ang, often acts in project finance, project development, and EMI sector M&A mandates. The team stands out for its work with renewable and clean energy projects; across areas including wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, biomass, and waste to energy. Notably, Ang focuses on major infrastructure project development from the inception stage to project documentation, financing and sale. Andrew Zaw often represents sponsors, lenders, and governments in infrastructure projects in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Sun Kyun Lim often assists clients with the whole range of project documents throughout the value chain. Aaron Jones stands out for his expertise within the energy, renewables, and infrastructure sectors.

Singapore > Real estate: local firms Tier 2

‘Thorough, hard working and expert’, the team at Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow is highly regarded in Singapore’s real estate space, with a strong track record in advising on transactions, acquisitions, financings, and leasing. Serving clients across industrial, technology, and biopharmaceutical sectors, the team also handles multi-jurisdictional matters and has a notable focus on infrastructure projects. Practice head Geraldine Ong works regularly with property developers, including Chinese and Southeast Asian developers, REITs, global multinationals, Asian conglomerates, family offices and private equity. En Lai Tan is experienced in advising on complex real estate matters relating to industrial properties owned by JTC, while Michelle Koh acts for institutional and individual retail clients in a wide range of real estate transactions in Singapore.

Singapore > Restructuring and insolvency: foreign firms Tier 2

Tapping into the ‘knowledge and experience from other related areas’, the restructuring and insolvency team at Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow frequently has a seat at the table for key stakeholders in high-value, complex mandates across the construction, technology, energy and financial services sectors. Leading the team is Nandakumar Ponniya, who has specialist expertise in international arbitration, commercial litigation, and corporate restructuring and insolvency. Elsewhere in the team, Emmanuel Chua, praised for his ‘exceptional communication skills’, stands out for his work on cross-border and contentious matters, while Emmanuel Hadjidakis is a key port of call for financial institutions, borrowers, and private equity funds throughout Asia Pacific.

Singapore > TMT: local firms Tier 2

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow’s IP and technology practice has a background in TMT transactions, regulatory matters and disputes. The Singapore team represents a number of tech giants on commercial and regulatory matters, data protection and privacy policies, and transactional issues in Southeast Asia. It has a broad spectrum of expertise, from the data privacy specialism of Ken Chia to the commercial advisory work of department head Andy Leck.

Singapore > Capital markets: equity and debt: foreign firms Tier 3

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow has strong local and international teams in Singapore, covering a breadth of domestic and cross-border offerings. The Singapore team is equally strong in debt and equity, bringing further credibility in regulatory matters. It represents some of the biggest issuers in Southeast Asia, along with many of the leading banks and financial institutions in the region. The Singapore team has worked on a series of significant equity offerings in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, along with a pipeline of regional REIT-related issuances. Its cross-border capabilities are showcased in deals involving multiple Southeast Asia and South Asia jurisdictions, along with IPOs on Nasdaq. Ashok Lalwani is head of the international capital markets group and leads the India practice.

Singapore > Banking and finance: local firms

India > Foreign firms Tier 2

Providing a 'global perspective' for their clients, Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's multi-faceted offering enables the firm to operate for some notable client names including large-scale Indian corporations and multinationals, particularly with regard to tech mandates. The team is helmed by the very experienced Ashok Lalwani, who is capable on both inbound and outbound issues in India. Other key names to note include Kunal Katre, who excels at handling finance transactions such as syndicated loans and margin lending, and Kah Chin Chu, who is notably capable at assisting clients with external commercial borrowings involving Indian public sector units alongside other high-value transactions. Emmanuel Hadjidakis is immersed within the banking and finance industry, assisting clients with a litany of acquisition finance, property financing and Islamic finance issues.

Australia > IT and telecoms

Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration > Leading firms

Baker McKenzie ’s arbitration practice in the Asia-Pacific region is robust, supported by highly regarded teams across key jurisdictions. In Hong Kong, Gary Seib is a key contact in a team that also includes Philipp Hanusch , who combines work as counsel and as arbitrator. In Singapore, Nandakumar Ponniya  leads a dynamic team that includes Ashish Chugh , who has a particular track record in India-related disputes. In Jakarta, Andi Kadir, who heads the firm’s Indonesian disputes practice, frequently handles complex cross-border cases. Beomsu Kim  heads the South Korean team, which also includes  Sunyoung Kim and the Canadian-qualified David Kim. In Thailand, Wynn Pakdeejit and Pisut Attakamol manage substantial commercial arbitrations, while in Vietnam, Minh Tri Quach  and Frederick Burke  bring significant experience, and the firm also has a highly-rated contentious practice in Taiwan.

Australia > Data protection

Baker McKenzie is often engaged in cyber-incidents, data crisis management, as well as privacy complaints and investigations. In Sydney, Adrian Lawrence is skilled at digital and online compliance arrangements, while Anne Petterd and Simone Blackadder are experienced in data breach incidents. Working out of Melbourne, Toby Pattern is well-informed in healthtech, and Jarrod Bayliss-McCulloch  handles digital media matters.