The Legal 500 - Asia Pacific (2021)

Antitrust and Competition - Tier 1
Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration - Tier 3
Banking and Finance - Tier 2
Capital Markets: Equity and Debt - Tier 2
Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Derivatives and Securitisation - Tier 1
Construction - Tier 1
Corporate and M&A - Tier 2
Dispute Resolution - Tier 1
Financial Services Regulatory - Tier 1
Insurance - Tier 1
Intellectual Property - Tier 2
International Arbitration - Tier 2
Investment Funds - Tier 1
Labour and Employment - Tier 1
Private Wealth - Tier 1
Projects and Energy - Tier 1
Real Estate - Tier 1
Restructuring and Insolvency - Tier 1
Shipping - Tier 1
Tax - Tier 2
TMT - Tier 1
White-Collar Crime - Tier 1

Hall of Fame:
Andre Yeap SC - International Arbitration

Leading Lawyers:
Angela Lim - Banking and Finance
Anne Yeo - Investment Funds
Arnold Tan - Investment Funds
Chia Kim Huat - Capital Markets: Equity and Debt
Desmond Wee - Labour and Employment
Elaine Tay - Insurance
Francis Xavier - Dispute Resolution
Hamidul Haq - White-collar Crime
Murali Pillai SC - Labour and Employment
Kala Anandarajah - Antitrust and Competition
Lau Kok Keng - Intellectual Property
Lee Eng Beng SC - Dispute Resolution, Restructuring and Insolvency
Leong Kah Wah - Shipping
Norman Ho - Real Estate
Patrick Ang - Restructuring and Insolvency
Rajesh Sreenivasan - TMT
Regina Liew - Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Derivatives and Securitisation, Financial Services Regulatory
Sandy Foo - Corporate and M&A
Shemane Chan - Construction, Projects and Energy
Simon Goh - Insurance
Steve Tan - TMT
Thong Chee Kun - White-collar Crime
Toh Kian Sing SC - Shipping
Vikna Rajah - Private Wealth, Tax

Next Generation Lawyers
Jasmine Chew - Investment Funds

Antitrust and Competition
Led by Kala Anandarajah, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP advises on mergers and acquisitions, Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) investigations, and the lodging of complaints with CCCS. Anandarajah has a broad knowledge of antitrust law. Tanya Tang is both a partner and chief economic and policy advisor in the team; her clients include private companies involved in mergers and investigations, as well as sectoral regulators.

Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Derivatives and Securitisation
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a formidable reputation in the regulatory field. It has extensive experience with listed and unlisted derivatives and other structured products. The firm has worked closely on changes to the OTC derivatives regime in Singapore and frequently advises clients on structuring their derivatives transactions. Regina Liew is a prominent regulatory specialist in derivatives, securitisation and other structured products. Larry Lim is also highly rated in this sector.

Construction
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has top-tier experience advising on construction matters for project sponsors, developers, and contractors, ranging from project feasibility, financing to contract drafting across a range of large scale projects in the region, such as its involvement with 'One Bangkok' the largest private sector development in Thailand. The Andre Yeap and Soh Lip San led group is also routinely advised on real estate redevelopments and EPC contracts for energy and infrastructure projects. San is sought after for his broad contentious and non-contentious expertise. Ng Kim Beng for disputes, Shemane Chan and Chee Siong Sim for procurement are also of note.

Dispute Resolution
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP 'offers diverse and practical solutions' led by industry specialists in company law, shipping, real estate, and criminal investigations representing at all levels of the Singapore courts. In banking disputes, Lee Eng Beng SC successfully persuaded the Court of Appeal in a landmark case to recognize the Brickenden rule as part of Singapore law and to affirm the scope of its application for equitable claims involving breaches of fiduciary duties. Department head Francis Xavier specialises in international arbitration and cross-border commercial litigation and is supported by 'a skilled and synergetic team' comprising of Andre Yeap, Kelvin Poon and Adrian Wong. Danny Ong is highlighted for his experience in fintech and financial sector disputes.

Financial Services Regulatory
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a longstanding specialist team with extensive experience in listed and unlisted derivatives, and other financial products. The firm, which is highly credible in both transactions and advisory matters, has also successfully targeted new economy areas such as digital tokens, initial coin offerings (ICOs), payment systems, and digital banking licences. Moreover, it has a long track record in regulatory advice linked to the establishment and operation of exchanges. Regina Liew is very experienced in this area, notably in the regulation of derivatives and securitisation. Larry Lim is further noted for fintech-related matters, including cryptocurrencies.

Insurance
Reputable local firm, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP prides itself as Singapore's full licence firm with a dedicated insurance department, led by Simon Goh. The team is equally at well versed in transactional, regulatory, and contentious aspects and is particularly known for its handling of employment and insurance intermediary issues. The firm also undertakes work relating to fraud, asset recovery, investigations, and crisis management. Other key partner Elaine Tay advises insurers and brokers on licensing, restructuring, transfers, and compliance issues.

Investment Funds
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has 'extensive experience and in-depth understanding of the hedge fund space from a legal, regulatory and operational perspective' and is a renowned practice for the establishment and management of private funds. Aside from the core aspects, the team is distinguished for its expertise in corporate reorganisation and M&A transactions involving Singapore-based managers and investment funds and the fund related aspects of M&A deals. Arnold Tan is a renowned figure in the private investment funds space. Anne Yeo has a strong relationship with fund managers in the formation, restructuring, and advisory arrangements for hedge, private equity, venture capital, and real estate funds. Jasmine Chew specialises in the formation of onshore and offshore investment vehicles. Carmen Lee joined from a leading global mutual funds group in March 2020.

Labour and Employment
Top tier firm, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP displays strong depth in contentious employment matters, with further expertise in non-contentious work such as employment contracts and restructuring and retrenchment exercises, handled primarily by Desmond Wee. Jonathan Yuen and Murali Pillai SC specialise in litigation, regularly representing banks, public health institutions, technology, and insurance companies in matters such as unfair dismissal, breach of duty, enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants, and preserving confidentiality.

Private Wealth
Tax lawyer and accountant Vikna Rajah is the key partner in Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's private client practice, where he is sought after for his expertise in estate planning, particularly in structuring tax-efficient cross-border multi-generational family trusts.

Projects and Energy
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is known for the broad reach of its projects and energy practice, as it advises on projects in Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar. In addition to handling energy projects, the team also advises on real estate, waste management, data centres, and transportation projects. As well as advising on financing and development, the team also advises master developers on procurement. Practice head Soh Lip San has experience in both contentious and non-contentious projects and energy work, while Shemane Chan is noted for her work on procurement. Larry Lim is known for his experience in energy markets.

Real Estate
The full-service real estate team at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is 'knowledgeable about their work and go the extra mile' in acquisition and disposition of commercial and residential properties, as well as handling innovative share sale arrangement and REIT mergers. Norman Ho spearheads the practice and routinely advises property developers, investment fund trustees, and financial institutions on all real estate aspects. For conveyancing, Elsa Chai is the go-to contact and for collective sales, Gazalle Mok is recommended.

Restructuring and Insolvency
The top-tier restructuring group at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP 'are commercial, responsive, and very effective' with a stellar track record acting on the largest and most complex mandates in Singapore and the region. The practice is particularly dominant in offshore, shipping, and energy sectors, and is currently working on the $1.2bn restructuring of Ezion Holdings involving multiple Asia-Pacific jurisdictions. 'Leading restructuring lawyer' Sim Kwan Kiat heads the department and is assisted by litigators Lee Eng Beng SC, Patrick Ang, Danny Ong, and Mark Cheng.

Shipping
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's market-leading shipping department is renowned for its strong reputation handling the most significant maritime disputes, for example, representing China-Base Group in Singapore's first case where a permanent anti-suit injunction was granted against ST Marine. Practice head Kian Sing Toh, SC, and Leong Kah Wah are leading advocates in shipping and commodities disputes. Wet shipping specialist Kendall Tan has 'a strong grasp of strategy and determination'. Winston Kwek is recommended for marine insurance and ship construction, as is Chua Choon King, who heads the corporate shipping and finance side.

TMT
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is a highly regarded practice for local, regional, and international TMT mandates. Known for his expertise in cybersecurity and data protection, Rajesh Sreenivasan recently worked with the World Bank’s engagement with Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Nigeria in the strengthening of their respective national digital identification systems. Steve Tan, 'a leading expert in data privacy', is frequently engaged by blue-chip clients to assist on data misuse issues, data storage, and data protection drafting. Lionel Tan advises on contentious issues involving internet fraud and breaches of confidential information. Benjamin Cheong and Tanya Tang are also highly sought after for their experience in a broad range of advisory and transactional mandates.

White-Collar Crime
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has an outstanding reputation in the white-collar crime field, noted for its expertise in money laundering, market misconduct, data breaches, and fraud investigations, along with sanction violation investigations. The department features a number of former prosecutors. Hamidul Haq is widely regarded as the leading figure in the market amongst Singapore law firms, having previously completed stints at the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Commercial Affairs Department. Thong Chee Kun has an extensive record in compliance breaches, corruption offences, fraud, cybercrime, and securities fraud.

Banking and Finance
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP continues to be recognised for cross-border deals, including financings that involve Southeast Asia jurisdictions where the firm has a presence. Key fortes range from real estate to energy and acquisition finance. Project finance, green loans, and hospitality sector financings are also areas of strength. It advised on the first green loan in ASEAN for a portfolio of rooftop solar projects, compliant with the Green Loan Principles issued in 2018 by the Loan Market Association and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association. The firm continues to make an impression in financial services regulatory matters, notably in fintech and digital currencies. Regina Liew is a leader in financial services regulatory matters, while Angela Lim is noted for cross-border finance, including acquisition and leveraged finance, project finance, and structured financings.

Capital Markets: Equity and Debt
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has an extensive record in Singapore equity and debt offerings, while its international outlook has brought it a considerable share of cross-border deals. It has advised a long list of foreign issuers on their offerings in Singapore, and has assisted a series of Singapore clients on Hong Kong capital markets deals; among a number of transactions, it provided Singapore counsel to Edvance International Holdings on its HK$691m transfer from GEM to the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. In addition, the firm is at the forefront of burgeoning areas such as catastrophe bonds and continues to be part of the REIT and business trust market. Chia Kim Huat leads the corporate practice and is noted for capital markets deals, while Evelyn Wee heads the capital markets team. Lee Xin Mei and Eugene Lee have become key figures in the team, advising on a series of high-profile deals; Lee has extensive international capital markets experience.

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is a major player in Singapore takeovers, while its dynamic regional and international profile has enabled it to land a high market share of cross-border deals, particularly in Southeast Asia; Myanmar is one particular jurisdiction where the firm has advised on a series of headline transactions. The firm has achieved further prominence in REITs and trusts M&A. Healthcare, banking, and insurance M&A are also fortes for the Singapore team. The firm has an outstanding record in public M&A and competing takeovers. Sandy Foo is rated for high-value M&A and private equity transactions.

Intellectual Property
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's intellectual property practice handles the full gamet of matters in this area, including IP registration, protection, and commercialisation. The team's client base includes government entities as well as companies in the energy, food and beverage, media, and technology sectors. The team is led by the highly experienced Lau Kok Keng, whose practice particularly focuses on the sports, media, and gaming industries. Elsewhere, Nicholas Lauw is noted for his work on IP matters in the technology sector.

International Arbitration
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's international arbitration team fields 'an excellent team with strength in depth at all levels of seniority'. It assists corporates in commercial disputes, with particular experience in the oil and gas sector and is also well-adept at acting for governments in arbitrations. The 'experienced, clever and very commercially attuned' practice head Andre Yeap SC and Chuan Thye Tan SC both have broad experience, while Kelvin Poon is noted for India-related arbitration and Ng Kim Beng specialises in project disputes. The group is also praised for its 'extensive off-shore offices in Asia', with affiliate offices in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, which it can rely on in multijurisdictional issues - including in parallel litigation.

Tax
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's 'experienced and pragmatic tax lawyers' are very visible in tax litigation and building a strong transactional tax offering, strengthened by multidisciplinary expertise in the insurance, capital markets, banking, and technology sectors. The practice is led by Vikna Rajah who is 'well versed with the GST legislation in Singapore'. He also has a good track record in disputes against the tax authorities.

Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP’s international arbitration team is headquartered in Singapore and excels in commercial and construction disputes. Andre Yeap SC, Francis Xavier SC and infrastructure-disputes expert Ng Kim Beng remain key contacts. The group also benefits from several affiliated offices in the region, at which Chau Huy Quang in Vietnam, aviation expert Eri Hertiawan in Indonesia and Han Li Meng in Malaysia are other names to note.