Ashurst ADTLaw’s strong links to banks, alternative lenders and financial investors, provides a platform for a thriving banking and finance practice. It continues to earn accolades for trade and commodity finance, acquisition finance, ESG and sustainability-linked loans, and asset-backed loans and securitisation. The firm remains active in fund finance, real estate finance and corporate loans. The Singapore office primarily operates in the middle market, though is equally capable in high-value financings. Jean Woo (‘an exceptional adviser’) is the Singapore office managing partner and an established figure in the banking and finance arena, covering a wide range of structures. Chin Chuan Chen provides further connections to Chinese lenders, particularly in the project finance segment. Alfred Ng provides additional project finance expertise, alongside Jean-Louis Neves Mandelli and Scott Baggett, who joined from Shearman & Sterling (now A&O Shearman) in 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Jean Woo is an exceptional adviser, who provides commercially balanced solutions.’
‘Ashurst is one of the rare firms in Asia that have a strong onshore Australian expertise.’
‘Jean Woo and Jake Sng are stand outs. They are easy to negotiate with and understand what is important for their client. This creates a collegiate environment where both sides are focused on getting the deal done with minimal drama and maximum efficiency.’
‘The Ashurst banking and finance team are the go-to firm for complex corporate and finance matters. They are unique because they collaborate very well across different offices and offer services as a single firm not individual office. They will make it a point to coordinate and liaise with each other before reverting to clients.’
‘Jean Woo and Chen Chin Chuan lead the banking and finance team in Singapore. They lead an intelligent, agile and collaborative team for Ashurst.’
‘The Ashurst APAC team is prompt and accommodating. Their wide reach across various areas makes them even more attractive.’
‘Patrick Phua is practical and accessible. He will be there when you need Ashurst.’
Key clients
- HSBC Bank plc
- Deutsche Bank AG
- DBS Bank plc
- Goldman Sachs
- SMBC
- MUFG
- ANZ
- Investec Bank plc
- Victory Park Capital
- United Overseas Bank (UOB)
Work highlights
Advised Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation on the first commodity-backed warehouse finance loan jointly provided by IFC and SMBC to Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company.
Advised the lenders on the $280m million green loan credit agreement to SK Battery America, to finance capital expenditure in relation to an electric vehicle battery plant in the US.
Advised Community Investment Manager, a US based institutional impact-focused debt-capital provider, on its asset-backed $100m social loan to PT Amartha Mikro Fintek, Indonesia's rising microfinancing fintech platform.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jean Woo; Chen Chin Chuan
Other key lawyers
Alfred Ng; Jean-Louis Neves Mandelli; Scott Baggett; Patrick Phua; Jake Sng