Chambers Global (2022)
Banking & Finance - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Angela Lim (Band 2), Ng Sey Ming (Band 3, Foreign Expert for Indonesia)
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore's lawyers are sought after by major banks and corporate borrowers, with an excellent track record in both large and mid-sized work, from traditional banking and syndicated lending to project and real estate finance. Capable of handling Shari'a-compliant financings and green financing. Additionally offers notable regulatory expertise regarding fintech issues and digital licence application mandates. Well placed to handle cross-border instructions due to its network of offices across the region, including in Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and China. Key clients of the department include Maybank and OUE Commercial REIT Management.
Foreign desks
Rajah & Tann Singapore is well placed to assist foreign and local entities with banking matters in Indonesia, including acquisition finance. It often advises on deals in the energy sector. Ng Sey Ming is a key contact.
Notable practitioners
Angela Lim is a well-respected banking and finance lawyer in Singapore, offering specific infrastructure expertise. She also regularly advises on term and bridge loan facilities.
Ng Sey Ming has built a strong reputation for cross-border transactions and acts for major banks and companies. His areas of expertise include real estate finance and sustainability-linked facilities. He has experience advising clients on deals in Indonesia.
Banking & Finance: Regulatory - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Regina Liew (Band 1)
Regina Liew has a market-leading regulatory practice in Singapore. She has expertise across a wide range of issues, including digital banking and bank restructuring.
Banking & Finance (Foreign Expertise) - Spotlight Table (Indonesia)
Capital Markets - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Chia Kim Huat (Eminent Practitioner and Foreign expert for China), Danny Lim (Band 4), Evelyn Wee (Band 3), Raymond Tong (Band 1 and Foreign expert for Malaysia)
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore offers legal expertise across both debt and equity capital markets and is recognised for being involved in many complex transactions in the market. Highly regarded for advising on IPOs and listings and rights offerings, alongside multicurrency debt issuances and convertible notes. Its client roster includes issuers as well as underwriters, with key names such as Credit Suisse and SMRT. A network of offices across ASEAN and beyond adds to the team's ability to handle cross-border work. Often assists clients with overseas listings, especially in Hong Kong.
Notable practitioners
Danny Lim regularly advises clients including Singaporean and foreign listed companies on rights issues and share placements. A market source reports that "he is very commercial and attuned to clients' needs."
Evelyn Wee is well placed to assist clients with IPOs, follow-on offerings and other equity issuances. She has experience of handling deals in the life sciences and agribusiness sectors.
Chia Kim Huat is deeply experienced in capital markets transactions related to domestic listings and secondary issuances. He is also well versed in assisting Chinese clients with a wide range of listings and offerings.
Raymond Tong of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is deeply experienced in equity issuances in particular, as well as handling debt deals, and has strong expertise in Malaysian matters. "His knowledge of deal structuring is very useful, especially when it comes to cross-border transactions," says a source.
Capital Markets: International
Ranked Lawyer: Raymond Tong (Band 4)
Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Danny Lim (Band 5), Sandy Foo (Band 3)
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore has a highly regarded team of lawyers, leveraging the strength of its network of Asian offices to handle complex cross-border M&A mandates. Active in a range of sectors, including property, manufacturing, education and healthcare, acting for major banks and corporate clients on public and private M&A transactions, including privatisations, as well as private equity deals. Further expertise handling REIT-related transactions. Effectively leverages the firm's wider practice areas on related issues, including capital markets, finance and real estate. Clients include Perennial Real Estate and Japfa.
Foreign desks
The Singapore team has significant experience of advising domestic and international companies on acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures in Myanmar, acting in collaboration with its Yangon office. It has expertise regarding transactions across different sectors, including retail, insurance and TMT. The team advised Ascent Myanmar Growth Fund on its acquisition of an additional minority stake in Frontiir from Beauty Noble. Chester Toh leads the Myanmar-focused team.
Notable practitioners
Danny Lim is recognised for his capabilities in both public and private M&A transactions, with particular expertise in corporate restructuring and exit offers. He is experienced in advising multinational companies, as well as Singaporean entities.
Sandy Foo is a lawyer in Singapore who regularly advises corporate clients from a wide variety of sectors on sophisticated commercial transactions, including real estate and healthcare. She is additionally experienced in supporting private equity funds with investments, including REITs. One client praises her advice as "clear and concise."
Corporate/M&A (Foreign Expertise) - Spotlight Table (Myanmar)
Ranked Lawyer: Chester Toh
Chester Toh in Singapore is highly praised by market sources for his expertise on corporate legal matters in Myanmar. He regularly acts on cross-border M&A and private equity investments, joint ventures and real estate development matters.
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Andre Yeap SC (Band 3), Francis Xavier SC (Band 5), Tan Chuan Thye SC (Band 4)
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann boasts an impressive line-up of experienced arbitration lawyers with deep connections throughout the Singapore and Asian markets. Very good slate of work in energy and shipping disputes, and recent involvement in BIT arbitration. Involved in UNCITRAL arbitrations in Singapore, as well as matters before the ICC and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Clients include companies, states and government-linked organisations. Firm's strong reputation for court litigation also makes the team a popular choice for arbitration-related litigation. Well placed to provide specialist advice on construction-related disputes. Vedanta and Oxley are clients.
Foreign desks
Rajah & Tann Singapore often handles international arbitration relating to Indian entities, including SIAC and UNCITRAL proceedings. The team represented Vedanta in two matters under UNCITRAL rules against the Republic of India, concerning the latter's retrospective usage of legislation to impose capital gains taxes and interest in relation to certain sale proceeds. Kelvin Poon is a key contact for clients in relation to India.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is recognised as "a very good lawyer" and is "one of the leaders at the firm," according to sources. He has defended breach of contract arbitrations for sovereign states and also sits as an arbitrator.
Tan Chuan Thye SC is "a go-to lawyer if we have any complex cases," says one client, adding that he is "very sharp, astute and a fantastic strategist with excellent judgement." He has worked on ICC and SIAC arbitrations.
Francis Xavier SC is a well-respected lawyer who acts in commercial and investor-state arbitrations. He is well versed in shareholder and construction disputes.
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Foreign Expertise) - Spotlight Table (India)
Dispute Resolution: Litigation - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Andre Yeap SC (Band 3), Danny Ong (Band 4), Francis Xavier SC (Band 2), Lee Eng Beng SC (Band 1)
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann's prolific litigation team offers plentiful expertise in big-ticket domestic and cross-border disputes. Represents clients at all levels of the Singapore courts. Has particular experience in financial disputes, including those relating to cryptocurrencies, while it also possesses expertise in contentious joint venture, shareholder and insolvency matters. Well placed to act on multi-jurisdictional matters due to its network of offices and alliances in the wider region. Members of the team have notable expertise handling cases connected to the Indonesia, India and China markets. OUE Lippo Healthcare, Vedanta and Prudential Assurance are notable clients.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC has acted on cross-border issues before the High Court, including arbitral enforcement relating to investment treaties and against sovereign states. A market source says he "has a very good reputation" and also notes his activity in the construction space.
Danny Ong is someone clients turn to for advice on fraud litigation and breach of contract. He is particularly sought out by companies in the finance sector. One market source notes him as "strong and well regarded in recent years," while another commentator says he is a "very good lawyer."
Lee Eng Beng SC has long been an esteemed figure in the market. He is active on complex business law disputes before the Court of Appeal.
Francis Xavier SC has experience before the SICC and the Court of Appeal, acting on cross-border disputes concerning alleged breach of obligations. One market source attests to his well-honed skills in court: "He is an excellent litigator and brilliant cross-examiner and has good market reputation."
International & Cross-Border Capabilities (Singapore & South East Asian Firms) - Band 1
What the team is known for
Widely regarded as one of the foremost independent practices in Singapore and South-East Asia, Rajah & Tann performs highly on an international stage. As a member of the elite network Lex Mundi, the law firm is closely aligned to leading practices worldwide, and also offers clients a comprehensive network of its own offices which spans ASEAN. The firm operates a full-service model from Singapore, and is often engaged to act as lead counsel on cross-border issues, but also frequently works in conjunction with international firms on multi-jurisdictional matters.
Rajah & Tann is regarded as having one of the strongest contentious teams in the region, which excels in both cross-border litigation and arbitration proceedings, as well as antitrust disputes and corporate investigations. Equally, the team is held in high regard for its transactional work, offering both international investors into Asian jurisdictions and local entities extensive support on financing, M&A and capital markets deals. The firm also provides clients with strong sector-specific guidance, with leading specialists offering cross-border advice in relation to the shipping, TMT, construction and insurance industries.
Strengths
A client attests: "Rajah & Tann provides high-quality advice at very reasonable rates. They are extremely responsive and nothing ever falls through the gaps. They also manage their South-East Asian offices and partners extremely well, so I get the same quality of advice and value for money whichever country they are assisting me in."They really seek to value-add by providing commercial, sensible advice which is practical and realistic to implement," says another source, adding: "Another notable strength is that they are able to coordinate and obtain advice from their regional South-East Asia offices, which is extremely helpful."
Projects & Energy - Band 2
Ranked Lawyer: Shemane Chan (Band 1)
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore is well known for its comprehensive regional legal network, with an established presence in Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia. Highly sought after for its expertise in power and strong experience on PPP infrastructure projects. Also experienced in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. Noted for its focus on the construction and development aspects of projects, with additional expertise regarding project finance.
Notable practitioners
Shemane Chan specialises in energy, utilities and infrastructure project development and SPAs, including on renewable energy mandates. An interviewee notes: "She is always very attentive and responsive and has been influential in getting our deal over the line. She demonstrates attention to detail and vast knowledge."
Shipping - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Shipping: Domestic: Finance - Chua Choon King (Band 2), Shipping: Domestic: Litigation - Jainil Bhandari (Band 3, also ranked in Shipping (Foreign Expertise) - Malaysia), Kendall Tan (Band 2), Leong Kah Wah (Band 1), Toh Kian Sing (Band 1), V Bala (Band 4), Winston Kwek (Band 3)
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore's pre-eminent shipping law practice is renowned for the size and strength of its litigation team. Covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. Offers additional strength in ship financing as well as shipping-related restructuring, with clients benefiting from its regional network of offices in South-East Asia. Frequently advises international banks and commodity houses, as well as shipowners and judicial managers. Counts Hin Leong Trading, DBS Bank and Di Matteo among its clientele.
Notable practitioners
Chua Choon King has well-established experience in the area of shipping finance in Singapore, regularly acting for notable banks. He offers clients knowledge of ship sale and purchase agreements as well as leasing work. Market commentators note that "he has built a strong practice and formidable reputation in the Singapore market."
Jainil Bhandari is a distinguished lawyer in Singapore, and also has expertise in Malaysian shipping matters. He has substantial experience in shipping disputes, assisting clients with ship safety and cargo damage matters.
Leong Kah Wah is widely viewed as a prominent shipping litigator in Singapore. He assists clients with complex liability and salvage matters arising out of ship collisions and groundings. A source says: "He is a top-flight litigator who has shown a real zeal in understanding what drives his clients."
Kendall Tan has a wealth of experience in shipping disputes in Singapore, regularly advising clients on wet matters including shipping arrests and damages claims. He is praised by an interviewee for "going out of his way to help in every way he can."
Toh Kian Sing SC offers significant expertise in the full range of shipping disputes in Singapore, from charter party and enforcement cases to claims arising out of ship casualties and collisions. A client describes him as "a real expert in his field who cuts to the chase and grabs the key issues very quickly."
V Bala is praised by a source for having "vast experience" in shipping litigation and arbitration matters in Singapore. He is well versed in wet and dry shipping litigation, including restructuring and charter party disputes as well as ship arrests and collisions.
Winston Kwek offers clients a wealth of experience across a range of different matters in Singapore, including major restructuring-related litigation and fraud disputes. He regularly assists international banks and corporate clients in the shipping industry and also offers knowledge of tax matters. One source praises him for offering "practical and effective advice that works."
Asia-Pacific Region: Arbitration (International) - Band 3
What the team is known for
A leading Singapore firm, Rajah & Tann is highlighted for its specialist arbitration practice and impressive regional range, extending to the Middle East, including especially notable coverage of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam and maintaining an acknowledged profile in Philippines-related matters. Particularly noted for handling investor-state and energy cases, regularly instructed in matters involving the operations of Chinese companies in other Asian jurisdictions and highly active in disputes generated by regional construction projects. Additionally well placed to act on arbitration-related litigation in the Singapore courts, where it often provides assistance to international firms.
Strengths
An industry commentator admires how Rajah & Tann "prepare thoroughly and in detail."
A client finds the advice is "very coherent," explaining: "You don't get different voices - it's one advice and one team from them."
Work highlights
Rajah & Tann represented the Republic of the Philippines before the ICC in a breach of contract dispute brought by Shell and Chevron regarding the payment of income tax. The matter is valued at approximately USD15 billion.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is head of the firm's international arbitration department.
Asia-Pacific Region: International Trade/WTO - Band 3
Asia-Pacific Region: Gaming & Gambling - Lau Kok Keng (Band 1)
Lau Kok Keng of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP in Singapore is variously described by gaming and gambling sector interviewees as "a revered individual in this industry,” "the guy we go to for Singapore matters," and a "thorough and responsive lawyer" who "knows what he is talking about and can identify the core legal issues very quickly." Bringing more than two decades' experience in the space to his work, he handles a comprehensive range of commercial, contractual and regulatory issues for clients from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and is particularly skilled at advising on compliance matters in the online mobile gaming sphere.
Asia-Pacific Region: Shipping: Finance - Band 3
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann has a pre-eminent shipping law practice in Singapore which is renowned for the size and strength of its litigation team. Covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. Offers additional strength in ship financing as well as shipping-related restructuring, with clients benefiting from its regional network of offices in South-East Asia. Frequently advises major banks and commodity houses as well as shipowners and judicial managers.
Strengths
One source praises Rajah & Tann Singapore for "advising us with innovative strategies." This source also commends its cross-border resources, adding: "Rajah & Tann is able to quickly engage and coordinate its network of firms."
Another interviewee agrees, commenting: "Rajah & Tann has been outstanding in its advancement of complex and novel issues, and is well-versed in handling cross-border issues."
Work highlights
Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for Hin Leong Trading and Ocean Tankers on their debt restructuring process.
Notable practitioners
Leong Kah Wah and Kian Sing Toh SC are key contacts for the firm.
Asia-Pacific Region: Shipping: Litigation - Band 3
India: Dispute Resolution (Expertise Based Abroad) - Band 4
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann is a longstanding presence in both Singapore and regional South-East and South Asian disputes, handling both arbitration and litigation, with additional capabilities acting as arbitrator, securing interim measures and challenging or enforcing arbitral awards. Also well equipped to handle investment treaty arbitrations. Often acts for clients in the energy, tech and logistics sectors.
Notable practitioners
Singapore-based Kelvin Poon is a key contact.
Indonesia: Corporate & Finance (International Firms) (Desk based Abroad) - Band 4
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore leverages its network of law offices across the Asia-Pacific region to advise on a significant volume of cross-border mandates. Provides Indonesia law advice through its associate firm, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners. Expertise covers banking and finance, dispute resolution, M&A and projects. Possesses notable language capabilities in the group's Singapore office, including Indonesian.
Notable practitioners
Ng Sey Ming is an active banking lawyer in Singapore. He is noted by market sources for having a "good Indonesian client following."
South-East Asia: International Trade/WTO – Asia Pacific Region - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Kala Anandarajah (Spotlight Table), Melisa Uremovic (Spotlight Table)
What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann offers in-depth legal expertise in trade matters concerning South-East Asian countries. Excels in a range of areas, including anti-dumping, export controls, safeguards and the structuring of trade flows, as well as handling customs regulatory compliance for international companies operating across a number of sectors, with particular expertise in the technology, consumer goods and finance spaces. Also works on matters involving free trade agreements and tariffs. Maintains a strong reputation for its handling of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia-related matters.
Notable practitioners
Kala Anandarajah leads the competition and trade law department at Rajah & Tann Singapore. She advises extensively on customs issues and trade remedies across the region.
Melisa Uremovic demonstrates a strong South-East Asia-focused trade practice from her base in Thailand. Her recent work spans anti-dumping and customs issues as well as WTO proceedings.