Matthew Buchanan

Clifford Chance has a formidable reputation in both project development and project finance. It has been at the forefront of offshore wind projects across Asia Pacific over recent years and is now increasingly active in digital infrastructure, including project development, finance and investment. It has also landed a series of mining projects, for nickel and other minerals crucial to clean energy technologies and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. LNG continues to be another key sector, including regasification and supply chain projects. Split evenly between lender and developer engagements, the team has a strong focus on ECA and development bank engagements. Geographically, it has landed numerous large-scale projects in North Asia, including Japan and Taiwan, along with matters in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Bangladesh, among other jurisdictions. The group features Matthew Buchanan, head of the Asia Pacific construction practice, who has an extensive record in construction and procurement contracts in the project development and project finance arenas. Ross Howard is another key partner in the team with an extensive record in power, oil and gas, infrastructure and renewable energy project financings, and is further known for his experience in key jurisdictions such as Vietnam. Mel Chan was promoted to partner in May 2025 and is noted for energy and infrastructure financings, including in the oil and gas, refining and petrochemicals, LNG and power sectors. Counsel Thomas Capel is another key team member.