Francis Xavier-77- Chosen (cropped).jpg

Francis Xavier, SC, PBM, FCIArb, C.Arb

Regional Head, Dispute Resolution Group

Practice Area:

International Arbitration
Treaty Arbitration
Commercial Litigation
Banking & Finance Disputes
Energy & Resources
Aviation

LLB (Hons), National University of Singapore
Senior Counsel, Supreme Court of Singapore
Solicitor, Supreme Court of England and Wales
Chartered Arbitrator, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK
Fellow, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators
Fellow, Singapore Academy of Law
Fellow, The Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators
Panel of Arbitrators, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators
Panel of Arbitrators, Asian International Arbitration Centre (formerly KLRCA)
Panel of International Arbitrators, Kigali International Arbitration Centre, Rwanda
Panel of Arbitrators, Russian Arbitration Centre of the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration, Moscow
Panel of Arbitrators, Vietnam International Arbitration Center
Panel of Arbitrators, Center for International Investment and Commercial Arbitration, Pakistan
Panel of Arbitrators, Thailand Arbitration Center
Panel of Arbitrators, Beihai Asia International Arbitration Centre
Panel of Arbitrators, Maldives International Arbitration Centre
Specialist Mediator of Singapore International Mediation Centre

T +65 6232 0551
E francis.xavier@rajahtann.com

Francis is Rajah & Tann Singapore's Regional Head of Dispute Resolution Group, and he practices international and treaty arbitration and cross-border commercial litigation.

A veteran in the field, Francis has 34 years of legal practice and is actively involved in cross-border commercial disputes in the areas of corporate, banking, property, financial and investment related claims. With his substantial experience in dispute resolution, Francis has a track record of being involved in novel and unprecedented cases.

Spotlighted as one of Singapore’s Top 100 Lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal (2022) and Asia’s Top 15 Litigators by Asian Legal Business (2021), Francis is also recognised as a leading disputes lawyer by renowned legal publications, including:

  • Chambers Global and Asia Pacific (2016-2024)
  • Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2009, 2017-2024)
  • Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2014-2019, 2021 - 2023)
  • Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific (2019 – 2023)
  • Best Lawyer Global and in Singapore (2013-2024)
  • Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration (2020 – 2023)
  • Who’s Who Legal: Commercial Litigation (2020 – 2023)
  • Who’s Who Legal: Labour, Employment & Benefits (2016, 2018 – 2023)
  • Who’s Who Legal: Southeast Asia (2020 – 2023)
  • Best Litigation Lawyers in Singapore (2013)
  • Global Arbitration Review (2010)

Francis was also the winner of a Business Excellence Award (2019) issued by Corporate Insider, the Gateway to the World of Business.

He has appeared as counsel and has acted as arbitrator (both party appointed and presiding) in a large number of arbitrations (both ad hoc and administered including by ICSID, ICC, SIAC, AIAC, ICA, HKIAC, BANI and the Permanent Court of Arbitration).

Francis is a Chartered Arbitrator and has acted for a number of parties in treaty disputes (including several Asian governments).  He is presently assisting several governments in setting up their international arbitration framework.

He is the immediate past global President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and also the immediate Past President of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association.   

He is the General Editor of two major publications - “Civil Litigation in Singapore” (Sweet & Maxwell, 2017) and “Arbitration in Singapore: A Practical Guide” (2nd Edition, Sweet & Maxwell, 2018). 

He is the Chairman of the Listings Appeals Committee, Singapore Stock Exchange.  He is also the Chairman of the Inquiry Panel of the Law Society of Singapore.

Other appointments
  • Referee, under Section 43 of The Industrial Relations Act for a further 2-year term (from April 2022), Industrial Arbitration Court, Singapore
  • Board member, Russian Arbitration Center at the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration, Moscow;  and Chair, International Arbitration Committee, RAC
  • Member, Asia Advisory Committee, American Arbitration Association, International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR)
  • Member, Advisory Committee of the Centre for International Alternative Dispute Resolution (CIAdr), Bangladesh
  • Member, Indian Council of Arbitration, New Delhi
  • Member, Advisory Board, Kovise Foundation Conflict Resolution International, Chennai
  • Member, Global Advisory Board, Hyderabad Arbitration Centre
  • Member, Users’ Council, Singapore International Arbitration Centre
  • Member, Council of Law Reporting, Singapore Academy of Law
  • Member, Professional Affairs Committee, Professional Values Chapter, Singapore Academy of Law
  • Regional Pathway Leader and Faculty member, Approved Faculty of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
  • Member, CIArb Global Professional Development Advisory Group
  • Member, Panel of Neutrals - Law Society Neutral Evaluation and Determination Scheme (Singapore)
  • Member, Panel of Arbitrators, Law Society Arbitration Scheme (Singapore)
  • Chairman, Junior College Law Conference Organising Committee, Singapore Academy of Law (since 2009)
  • Founder and Chairman, Persatuan Kebajikan dan Pendidikin Bumi Alam (NGO, Malaysia)
  • Patron – MyCulture (NGO, Malaysia)
Previous Appointments
  • He was appointed to the Singapore Appeal Advisory Panels (constituted under the Business Trusts Act, Financial Advisers Act, Insurance Act, Securities and Futures Act and Trust Companies Act) by then Deputy PM Tharman Shanmugaratnam for two consecutive 2-year terms (1 October 2017 to 30 September 2021)
  • Chairman, IPBA Committee promulgating guidelines to the arbitration community on Confidentiality and Privilege (2016-2020); released in 2019
  • Vice Chairman, Committee on Legal Education and Studies, Singapore Academy of Law (2015)
  • Member, International Promotion of Singapore Law Committee, Singapore Academy of Law
  • Member, Complaints Panel of the Singapore Pharmacy Council
  • Jurisdictional Council Member (Singapore), Inter Pacific Bar Association
  • Chairman, Entrapment Practice Review Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (2007 to 2009)
  • Appointed by the Minister for Law (pursuant to s 48 of the Legal Profession Act) to serve on the Council, Law Society of Singapore -January 2005 - December 2008
  • Member, Executive Committee of the Council of the Law Society (2008)
  • Chairman, Law Society Regulatory Oversight Committee (2008)
  • Member, Ad Hoc Committee to Review Rule 31, Legal Profession (Professional Conduct) Rules (PCR) (2008)
  • Member, Law Society Finance Committee (2008)
  • Law Society Council Representative, Civil Practice Committee (2008)
  • Chairman, Motor Insurance Practice Review Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (2006/2007)
  • Member, Sub-Committee to the Corporate Practice Committee of the Law Society to Review Proposed Legal Changes on Insider Dealing (2001)
  • Member, Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (1999 to 2001)
  • Member, Advocacy Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (1995 to 2006)
  • Member, Criminal Law Special Assignments Committee of the Law Society of Singapore (1989 to 2001)
  • Member, Independent Committee of Investigation, National Technological University (2004)
  • Member, Law Society Audit Committee (2009)
Awards
  • Amongst Asia’s Top 15 Litigators, Asian Legal Business (2021)
  • Aviation Lawyer of the Year – Global Awards 2020, 11 November 2020
  • Public Service Medal Award, National Day Awards, 23 November 2014 (for his role in the Singapore Academy of Law Committee on Legal Education and Studies)
  • Merit Award, Singapore Academy of Law, November 2013
  • Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, Volunteer Award, Law Society of Singapore (2007)
Notable Cases & Transactions

A. Reported Judgments

  • Esben Finance Limited v Neil Wong Hou-Lianq [2022] SGCA(I) 1
  • CLQ v CLR [2021] SGHC(I) 15
  • Esben Finance Limited V Neil Wong Hou-Lianq [2020] SGHC (1) 25
  • CBX and another v CBZ and others [2020] SGHC (I) 21.
  • CBX and another v CBZ and others [2020] SGHC(I) 17.
  • ST Group Co Ltd and others vs Sanum Investment Limited [2019] SGCA 65
  • BXY and others v BXX and others [2019] SGHC (I) 11.
  • PT Bayan Resources TBK and another v BCBC Singapore Ltd and another [2019] SGHC(I)[01].
  • Sanum Investments Limited v ST Group Co, Ltd and others [2018] SGHC 141.
  • PT Bayan Resources TBK and another v BCBC Singapore Pte Ltd and another [2018] SGCA (I) 6
  • PT Bayan Resources TBK and another v BCBC Singapore Pte Ltd and another [2018] SGCA(I) 6, Civil Appeal No 154 of 2017.
  • Shi Ka Yee v Nasraf Lucas Muzayyin & Anor (OS 682 of 2016) [2016] SGHC 138.
  • Marty Limited v Hualon Corporation (Malaysia)) Sdn Bhd (OS 501 of 2016) [2017] SGHC 127.
  • Abdul Rashid bin Abdul Manaf v Hii Yii Ann (Suit No. 930 of 2015) [2016] SGHCR 1.
  • Koh Heng Chew and ors. v Liew Kit Fah and ors (Suit No. 125 of 2014) [2016] SGHC 140.
  • Alliance Concrete Singapore Pte Ltd and Sato Kogyo (S) Pte Ltd [2014] SGCA 35.
  • TMTA Asia Limited v BHP Billiton Marketing AG (Singapore Branch) and BHP Billiton Marketing Asia Pte Ltd (Suit 580 of 2013) [2015] SGHC 21.
  • Law Society of Singapore v Udeh Kumar s/o Sethuraju [2013] SGHC 121.
  • Kraze Entertainment (S) Ptd Ltd v Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd [2013] SGHC 39.
  • Rafat Ali Rizvi v. The Republic of Indonesia (ICSID Case No. ARB/11/13).
  • Energenics Holdings Pte Ltd v Ronendra Nath Hazarika and 4 others (Suit No. 78 of 2012/G).
  • Teleoptik-Ziroskopi and others v Westacre Investments Inc and other appeals [2012] SGCA 8.
  • Griffin Travel Pte Ltd v Nagender Rao Chilkuri and 6 others (Suit No. 835 of 2011).
  • MDIS and MDIS Pte Ltd v Edith Cowan University and 2 others (Suit No. 158 of 2011).
  • Law Society of Singapore v Andre Ravindran Saravanapavan Arul [2011] SGHC 224.
  • Holcim (Singapore) Pte Ltd v Precise Development Pte Ltd [2011] SGCA 1.
  • Ng Swee Hua v Auston International Group Ltd and another [2010] SGHC 362.
  • Management Corporation Strata Title Plan No. 301 of Grange Heights v Lee Tat Development Pte Ltd [2010] SGCA 39.
  • The Law Society of Singapore v Jasmine Gowrimani d/o Daniel [2010] SGHC 143.
  • The Law Society of Singapore v Aqbal Singh s/o Kuldip Singh and Another [2009] SGDT5.
  • Sports Connection Private Limited v Deuter Sports GmbH [2009] SGCA 22.
  • Susilawati v American Express Bank Limited [2009] SGCA 8.
  • Susilawati v American Express Bank Ltd [2007] SGHC 179.
  • Ting Sing Ning (alias Malcolm Ding) v Ting Chek Swee (alias Ting Chik Sui) and others [2007] SGCA 49.
  • Ting Sing Ning (alias Malcolm Ding) v Ting Chek Swee (alias Ting Chik Sui) and others [2006] SGHC 192.
  • ECRC Land Pte Ltd (in liquidation) v 1. Christopher Wing On Ho 2. Shum Sze Keong 3. Lee Yen Kee Ruby 4. Paul Law Kwok Fai 5. E-Zone (Plaza) Pte Ltd 6. The Grande Group Limited 7. East Coast Works Pte Ltd 8. Hong Kong Aberdeen Seafood Restaurant Pte Ltd 9. Nakamichi Pte Ltd 10. Café A1 Fresco Pte Ltd [2006] SGCA 25.
  • CHS CPO GmbH and Another v Vikas Goel and Others [2006] SGHC 49.
  • CHS CPO GmbH (in bankruptcy) and Another v Vikas Goel and Others [2005] 3 SLR 202; [2005] SGHC 74.
  • ECRC Land Pte Ltd (in liquidation) v 1. Christopher Wing On Ho 2. Shum Sze Keong 3. Lee Yen Kee Ruby 4. Paul Law Kwok Fai 5. E-Zone (Plaza) Pte Ltd 6. The Grande Group Limited 7. East Coast Works Pte Ltd 8. Hong Kong Aberdeen Seafood Restaurant Pte Ltd 9. Nakamichi Pte Ltd 10. Café A1 Fresco Pte Ltd [2004] 1 SLR 105.
  • Westacre Investments Inc v The State-Owned Company Yugoimport SDPR and 5 others (OS No. 1311 of 2004).
  • Leow Tiak Cheow & Anor v Pan-United Industries Pte Ltd [2003] 1 SLR 569.
  • 1. Irawan Darsono 2. Arhawishanto International Holdings Pte Ltd v Ong Soon Kiat [2002] 4 SLR 84.
  • Flaris Technology Corporation Limited & Anor v Gan Huan Kee & Ors [2002] SGHC 116.
  • Sim Yew Thong v Ng Loy Nam Thomas and other appeals [2000] 4 SLR 193.
  • Chan Chim Yee v Public Prosecutor [2000] 2 SLR 1.
  • The Law Society of Singapore v Khushvinder Singh Chopra [1999] 4 SLR 775.
  • Niranjan M. Lilani v Devadas Naidu & Anor [1999] 4 SLR 418.
  • R. Mahendran & Anor v R. Arumuganathan [1999] 2 SLR 579.
  • Lau Song Seng & Ors v Public Prosecutor [1998] 1 SLR 663.
  • Mooka Pillai Rajagopal & Ors v Khushvinder Singh Chopra [1998] 1 SLR 186.
  • Sundara Moorthy Lankatharan v Public Prosecutor [1997] 3 SLR 464.
  • Sumitomo Bank Ltd v Kartika Ratna Thahir [1997] 1 SLR 690.
  • Essen System Builders (S) Pte Ltd & Anor v Chew Boon Hee [1997] 1 SLR 671.
  • Mookka Pillai Rajagopal & Ors v Khushvinder Singh Chopra [1996] 3 SLR 457.
  • Khushvinder Singh Chopra v Mookka Pillai Rajagopal & Ors [1996] 2 SLR 379.
  • Alrich Development Pte Ltd v Rafiq Jumabhoy [1995] 2 SLR 401.
  • Ramond Selva Clement v Public Prosecutor [1994] 3 SLR 515.
  • Kartika Ratna Thahir v PT Pertambangan Minyak dan Gas Bumi Negara (Pertamina) [1994] 3 SLR 257.
  • Public Prosecutor v Lee Twe Jeat [1994] 3 SLR 219.
  • Alrich Development Pte Ltd v Rafiq Jumabhoy [1994] 3 SLR 1.
  • Sumitomo Bank Ltd v Kartika Ratna Thahir & Ors and another matter [1993] 1 SLR 735.

B. Unreported Judgments

  • Gavin James Millar v 1. Lee Hsien Loong 2. Lee Kuan Yew, judgment dated 9 July 2007 in Civil Appeal No. 70 of 2007.
  • 1. Flairis Technology Corporation Limited 2. Flairis Advanced Manufacturing Pte Ltd v 1. Gan Huan Kee 2. Chan Tien Seng 3. Khong Soo Har @ Khong Fan Kee 4. Wong Kwok Ping, judgment dated 29 May 2002 of J Lai Siu Chiu in Suit No. 723 of 2001/A.
  • Sutjiawang Johanis Alias Tjia Eng Liong v Tjia Eng Soei, judgment dated 30 April 2002 of J Rubin in Suit No. 600025 of 2000.
  • Finnian Tseng Cheng Yao & anor v Tan Kah Imm, judgment dated 15 November 1999 of JC Amarjeet Singh in OS No. 735 of 1998.
  • Ismail Bin Sumali v Public Prosecutor, judgment dated 23 September 1994 of J Chao Hick Tin in CRA16 of 1994.
  • Re Arthur Leolin Price, QC, judgment dated 21 December 1994 of JC K S Rajah in OM 109 of 1994.
  • Boldward Enterprises Pte Ltd v Hitachi Zosen Singapore Limited, judgment dated 9 July 1997 of J Rubin in Suit No 865 of 1994.
  • Management Corporation Strata Title Plan No. 964 v Gordon Industrial Land Pte Ltd & Anor, judgment dated 19 April 1995 of J Goh Joon Seng in Suit No. 258 of 1994 (RA 222 of 1994).
  • Management Corporation Strata Title Plan No. 964 v Gordon Industrial Land Pte Ltd & Anor, judgment dated 19 April 1995 of J Goh Joon Seng in Suit No. 258 of 1994 (RA 222 of 1994).
  • Fritz Karl Schnell & Anor v Thomas Edward Dorn & Ors, judgment dated 30 May 1997 of J Lai Siu Chiu in Suit No 2140 of 1993.
  • Public Prosecutor v Supramaniam A/L P Palani And Anor, judgment dated 27 April 1994 of JC Amarjeet Singh in Criminal Case No. 19 of 1992.
  • Public Prosecutor v 1. Yacob S/O Rusmatullah 2. Mohamad Jaffar Bin Abidin, judgment dated 17 July 1993 of JC Amarjeet Singh in Criminal Case No. 15 of 1992.
  • Public Prosecutor v 1) Tan Chee Hwee 2) Soon Kin Liang Joseph @ Sun Jianliang Joseph, judgment dated 31 October 1992 of JC Rubin in Criminal Case No 12 of 1991.
Publications

Articles

  • “A Multilateral Investment Court – A Mirage in the Horizon”, IPBA Journal, June 2021
  • “A Presumption in the Implied Choice of Law Governing Arbitration Agreements? Sulamerica Reconsidered in Singapore” published in 2016 Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre 5th Anniversary book.
  • “When is recourse available to the Singapore Courts for an anti-arbitration injunction?” Thought Leadership Experts published on 30 September 2015 Expert Guides.
  • “The Issue of Extra-Territoriality in Securities Litigation: A Comparative View” published in 2011 Bloomberg Finance L.P. in the Vol. 4, No. 6 edition of the Bloomberg Law Reports – Asia Pacific.
  • “The Rome Convention Dealing with Damages Caused By Foreign Aircraft to Third Parties” published in Lawlines, (Volume 9, Issue 2), June 2007.
  • “The Impact of Free Trade Agreements on Labour Mobility”, published in the Law Gazette, December 2006.
  • “Workplace Influenza Pandemic – Legal Boundaries and Best Practice” published in Lawlines, (Volume 8 Issue 1), March 2006.
  • The Singapore perspective – “Pandemics and the Workplace, A Regional Analysis”, being part of an Asian-wide publication coordinated by Johnson Stokes and Masters, January 2006.
  • “Recent Developments In the Garnishment of Retention Monies” published in Lawlines, (Volume 7 Issue 3), September 2005.
  • “Drafting of Charges in Disciplinary Proceedings” published in Lawlines, (Volume 4 Issue 2), May 2002.
  • “The Domestic and International Arbitration Regimes in Singapore”’ published in Lawlines, (Volume 3 Issue 3), September 2001.
  • “An Overview of Arbitration Internationally and in Singapore” published in the Singapore Law Gazette, August 2001.
  • “Arbitration as a Method of Dispute Resolution” published in Lawlines (Vol 3, Issue 1), December 2000.
  • “Disciplinary Proceedings in the Medical Profession” published in the Singapore Law Gazette, May 2000.
  • Author, article on “Disciplinary Proceedings in the Medical Profession” published in the Singapore Law Gazette, May 2000.

Books

  • Contributor on the Chapter on “The Rise of International Commercial Courts” in Legal Research on Investment and Financing of Chinese Enterprises in the Singapore, Switzerland and Germany, the fifth series of Legal Research on overseas Investment and Financing for Chinese Enterprises (2019).
  • General Editor, “Civil Litigation in Singapore” Sweet & Maxwell (2018).
  • General Editor, “Arbitration in Singapore: A Practical Guide” (2nd Edition, Sweet & Maxwell, 2018).
  • Contributor on the Chapter on Advocacy in the SICC in “Modern Advocacy – More Perspectives from Singapore” SAL Academy Publishing (2019).
  • Contributor, report on “Women, Business and the Law 2018” (published by the World Bank Group).
  • The Singapore Chapter, Women, Business and the Law 2014 and 2015: Removing Restrictions to Enhance Gender Equality (published by World Bank, IFC).
  • The Singapore Chapter, the International Comparative Legal Guide: Enforcement of Foreign Judgments, Global Legal Group (2016).
  • “Perspectives on Preserving Electronic Evidence when Litigation is Contemplated or has Commenced” published in “International Conference on Electronic Litigation” (2012).
  • 2nd Edition of the report entitled Women, Business and the Law 2012: Removing Barriers to Economic Inclusion (World Bank).
  • Contributor, Singapore Precedents of Pleadings (Sweet & Maxwell Asia, 2006 Edition).
  • Contributor, Business Torts and Business Crimes in the Law of Rights and Obligations of Business in Singapore, Singapore Business Development Series (1996 Edition, Addison –Wesley).
  • 25th Anniversary Publication on the Historical Development of the Law Society of Singapore, 1995.
  • Specialist Editor – Mallal’s Digest of Malaysian and Singapore Case Law (Fourth Edition – 1991) – Volume 5 (Criminal Procedure).
Talks Delivered
  • Speaker, “Effective Submissions in the Age of Virtual Hearings”, webinar hosted by The Law Society of Singapore, 11 November 2021.
  • Panelist, Public International Law Webinar Series – “New Horizons for Investor – States Disputes, Singapore, 13 October 2021.
  • Speaker, “Spanish Arbitration Day In Beijing – Sixth Edition : ESG and Arbitration. A Global Perspective”, webinar hosted by Club Espanol del Arbitraje and China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, 16 September 2021.
  • Panelist, “Arbitration in Litigation: First Hand Experience at the Singapore International Commercial Court”, Singapore Convention Week 2021), webinar hosted by SICC, 6 September 2021.
  • Speaker, “ADR goes online! Changes and Innovations demanded by the new global situation”, webinar hosted by Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) and ADR ODR International, 4 August 2021.
  • Speaker, “Rethinking Dispute Resolution amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic”, ICC event, Singapore, 23 July 2021.
  • Moderator, “Turbulence in the Airlines Industry – Issues in Debt Restructuring”, Singapore, 9 June 2021.
  • Speaker, “The SIAC Advantage for Russia-related Projects and Transactions”, webinar hosted by SIAC, 6 August 2021.
  • Speaker, “International co-operation and government guidelines on dispute resolution during the COVID-19 pandemic”, London International Disputes Week, United Kingdom, 13 May 2021.
  • Plenary Address on (Webinar) ‘Treaty Arbitration and the Future of ISDS’, IPBA Annual Conference, Shanghai, 19 April 2021.
  • Lead Trainer, “Treaty Arbitration – Substantive Obligations and Key Developments” in Partnership with SIAC, Jakarta, 9 April 2021.
  • Speaker, “The Sphere of Justice”, conference hosted by Moscow State Law Academy, 7-8 April 2021.
  • Lead Trainer, “Time and Cost Savers at SIAC : Emergency Arbitration, Expedited Procedure and Early Dismissal (Virtual Edition)”, SIAC Academy for the Middle-East, 7-8 April 2021
  • Panelist, “CIArb Student Open Day on Career Choices” webinar hosted by CIArb UK, 18 February 2021.
  • Keynote Speaker, “Role of CiArb in Tackling Key Challenges faced by ADR Practitioners Globally”, Ecuador Arbitration Day, Quito, 10 February 2021.
  • Panelist, “Roundtable Discussion on Singapore’s implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement,”, hosted by ASEAN Law Association, Singapore, 9 February 2021.
  • Speaker, “Arbitrability of Disputes – a cornerstone for Arbitration”, webinar hosted by Maadhyam International Council for Conflict Resolution, India, 19 December 2020.
  • Moderator, “2020 Annual Summit on Commercial Dispute Resolution in China” webinar hosted by CIARB & Beijing International Arbitration Center, Beijing, 27 November 2020.
Career Accolades
  • “Francis Xavier SC has been recognised by Who’s Who Legal Arbitration 2020 for his expertise in resolving complect international disputes and excellence across a wide range of matters. Through nomination from peers and clients, he has been highlighted as a leading name in the field.” - Whos’ Who Legal Arbitration 2020
  • Named as part of India Business Law Journal’s International A-List – the top 100 India-focused legal experts 2019, 2020
  • Named as Who’s Who Legal: Thought leaders – Labour & Employment 2019.
  • Named as Dispute Resolution Star for Commercial Disputes International in Leading Lawyers in Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific 2019 Edition.
  • “Francis Xavier SC is “tenacious, innovative and has a well-prepared team,” say market commentators. Another source praises his “fair-minded, honourable way of presenting the case.” He is best known for representing clients on banking, property and investment disputes”.
    - Chambers Global, 2019
  • Francis Xavier SC is “very experienced and well regarded.”
    - The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2019
  • “The “excellent” Francis Xavier SC provides clients with expert advice on a broad range of commercial litigation matters in sectors including banking and real estate. Lately this has included acting for the majority shareholders of the Samwoh Group against claims brought by minority shareholders seeking an order to buy out their shares, valued at approximately S$300 million”
    - Chambers Global, 2018
  • Named as Singapore’s top 100 lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal 17 September 2018
    “John Fellas, a partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed in the US, has this to say about Francis Xavier, senior counsel at Rajah & Tann in Singapore: “I have worked directly with Francis and he is a brilliant strategist in international litigation.”
  • Named as Dispute Resolution Star for Commercial Disputes International in Leading Lawyers in Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific, 2018
  • Dispute Resolution - “Francis Xavier SC has a ‘strong legal mind’ and ‘a good rapport with the bench’.
    - The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2018
  • Rajah & Tann acts for clients such as Hewlett – Packard and Procter & Gamble. The sizable team includes Francis Xavier SC, who heads the contentious side of the practice, and Desmond Wee, who leads in non-contentious work.
    - The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2018
  • “Market-leading lawyer Francis Xavier, regional leader of the dispute resolution Practice, is defending several majority shareholders of Samwoh, a construction and infrastructure company, against minority shareholders in an important minority oppression case.”
    - Asialaw Profiles, 2018
  • “Francis Xavier SC handles a range of commercial disputes, regularly instructed to appear on banking, real estate and financial cases. Peers acknowledged him as ‘a good lawyer who is well liked by clients’.”
    - Chambers Asia Pacific, 2017
  • “Head of the regional disputes practice, Francis Xavier SC is recognised as an "excellent lawyer." He recently represented the original claimants in an Indonesian coal upgrading plant dispute with multi-jurisdictional elements, including concurrent Australian litigation”. 
    - Chambers Asia Pacific, 2015
  • “Francis Xavier SC heads the dispute resolution team and is particularly well honed where banking and finance matters are concerned. He recently acted for Standard Chartered Bank, defending it against claims of alleged misrepresentation brought by customers whose money had been invested in funds associated with disgraced financier Bernie Madoff. Clients extol him as "savvy, charismatic and a superb problem solver. He understands the roots of problems, sees our objectives and figures out a way to reach them". 
    - Chambers Asia Pacific, 2014
  • “Head of the dispute practice Francis Xavier SC focuses on issues arising in the corporate, banking and finance, investment and property spheres and is praised by clients for his "excellent relationship with the bench." He recently acted for White Energy and its subsidiary BCBC Singapore in a dispute with Bayan Resources and Bayan International, relating to a joint venture for processing coal in Indonesia”. 
    - Chambers Global, 2014
  • [Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP] - “ a ‘high level of expertise’, and is noted for its ‘depth and work ethic’. Its very busy practice acts not only for a range of multinationals, but also across sectors from shipping to telecommunications. Andre Yeap SC leads the department and Francis Xavier SC ‘speaks with authority’.”
    - The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2014