Chambers Asia Pacific (2023)

Banking & Finance - Band 1
Banking & Finance: Regulatory - Band 2
Capital Markets - Band 2
Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives - Band 1
Competition/Antitrust - Band 1
Construction - Band 1
Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption - Band 1
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration: Elite - Band 2
Dispute Resolution: Litigation - Band 1
Employment - Band 1
Insurance - Band 1
Intellectual Property - Band 3
Investment Funds - Band 1
Projects & Energy - Band 2
Real Estate - Band 1
Restructuring/Insolvency - Band 1
Shipping - Band 1
Startups & Emerging Companies - Band 2
Tax - Band 2
TMT - Band 1
India - Dispute Resolution (International Firms) - Desk Abroad - Band 4
Indonesia - Corporate & Finance (International Firms) - Desk Abroad - Band 4
South-East Asia - International Trade/WTO - Band 1
Asia Pacific Region - Arbitration (International) - Band 3
Asia Pacific Region - International Trade/WTO - Band 3
Asia-Pacific Region - Shipping: Finance - Band 3
Asia-Pacific Region - Shipping: Litigation - Band 3

Ranked Lawyers:
Andre Yeap SC - Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 3), Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 3)
Angela Lim – Banking & Finance (Band 2)
Ang Tracy-Anne - Startups & Emerging Companies (Band 5)
Anne Yeo - Investment Funds (Band 1)
Arnold Tan - Investment Funds (Band 1)
Brian Ng - Startups & Emerging Companies (Band 2)
Chua Choon King) – Shipping: Domestic: Finance (Band 2)
Danny Lim - Capital Markets (Band 4), Corporate/M&A (Band 5)
Danny Ong - Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (Band 3), Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 4), Restructuring &
Insolvency (Band 3)
Desmond Wee - Employment (Band 2)
Elaine Tay – Insurance (Band 2)
Evelyn Wee - Capital Markets (Band 4)
Francis Xavier SC - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 2), Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 5)
Hamidul Haq - Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (Band 1)
Jainil Bhandari – Shipping (Band 3)
Jasmine Chew - Investment Funds (Band 4)
Jonathan Yuen - Employment (Band 2)
Kala Anandarajah - Employment (Band 3), Competition/Antitrust (Band 1), South-East Asia – International Trade/WTO
(Leading Individuals)
Kendall Tan – Shipping (Band 2)
Lau Kok Keng – Asia-Pacific Region Gaming & Gambling (Band 1), Intellectual Property: Domestic: Litigation (Band 2)
Lee Eng Beng SC - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 1), Restructuring & Insolvency (Band 1)
Lee Weilin - Banking & Finance (Band 4)
Leong Kah Wah – Shipping (Band 1)
Liew Benjamin - Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives (Up-and-coming individuals)
Lionel Tan – TMT (Band 4)
Lionel Tay – Restructuring & Insolvency (Band 4)
Murali Pillai - Employment (Band 2)
Ng Kim Beng - Construction (Band 3)
Ng Sey Ming - Banking & Finance (Band 3), Banking & Finance (International Firms) (Expertise Based Abroad- Indonesia)
(Band 4)
Norman Ho – Real Estate (Band 1)
Patrick Ang – Restructuring & Insolvency (Band 1)
Philip Yeo - Investment Funds (Band 4)
Rajesh Sreenivasan -TMT (Band 1)
Raymond Tong - Capital Markets (Band 1)
Regina Liew - Banking & Finance: Regulatory (Band 1), Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives (Band 2)
Sandy Foo - Corporate/M&A (Band 2)
Shemane Chan – Project & Energy (Band 1), Construction (Band 3)
Simon Goh – Insurance (Band 1)
Sim Kwan Kiat – Restructuring & Insolvency (Band 1)
Soh Lip San - Construction (Band 2)
Steve Tan – TMT (Band 2)
Tan Chuan Thye SC - Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 4)
Terence Quek - Startups & Emerging Companies (Band 5)
Thong Chee Kun - Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (Band 3)
Toh Kian Sing SC – Shipping (Band 1)
V Bala – Shipping (Band 4)
Vikna Rajah – Tax (Band 3)
Wang Ying Shuang – Insurance (Up-and-coming individuals)
Winston Kwek – Shipping (Band 3)

 

Banking & Finance

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. The team is capable of handling hari’a-compliant financings and green financing. It additionally offers notable regulatory expertise regarding fintech issues and digital licence application mandates. The regional offering is 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 DBS Group and Citigroup Global Markets.

Strengths

“The team at Rajah & Tann have always been able to find solutions even when dealing with counter parties across multiple jurisdictions.”

“Rajah & Tann has a well-equipped and experienced team. It is always on hand to hear our constraints and provide valuable advice.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann advised a special purpose vehicle whose ultimate parent is Sunseap Group on its SGD86.8 million green loan from DBS Bank and United Overseas Bank. The proceeds of the facility will be for the construction and installation of solar photovolatic systems across more than 1200housing blocks and government sites. Rajah & Tann advised Pace on its payment services licence application with the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Notable practitioners

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.

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 is also well placed to advise clients on syndicated loan financings and capital call facilities.

Weilin Lee is a strong transactional practitioner who is well placed to advise lenders on both on shore and offshore financings.

 

Capital Markets

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. The firm is highly regarded for advising on IPOs, SPACs and rights offerings, alongside multicurrency debt issuances and convertible notes. The client roster includes issuers as well as underwriters, with key names such as Japfa Comfeed, DBS Bank and Nanyang Technological University. Rajah & Tann has a network of offices across ASEAN and beyond, which adds to the team’s ability to handle cross-borderwork. Lawyers at the firm in Singapore often assist clients with overseas listings.

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann provides comprehensive advice and executes deals well. The team is very responsive to both client and the counterparty turns and requests.”

“They possess in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations. The team demonstrates professionalism in all situations, showing the patience and willingness to achieve the optimum outcome for the client.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore advised Bridgetown 2 Holdings, a special purpose acquisition company, on its merger with Property Guru and the combined company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Notable practitioners

Raymond Tong possesses over two decades of experience in the capital markets field. He regularly advises major financial services clients on ECM deals in particular, including IPOs, secondary listings and private placements.

Danny Lim regularly advises clients including Singaporean and foreign listed companies on rights issues and share placements.

Evelyn Wee is well placed to assist clients with IPOs, follow-on offerings and other equity issuances. She has experience of handling deals in thereal estate sector.

 

Competition / Antitrust

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore has a highly regarded team with in-depth experience advising international and local clients on merger control issues, cartel investigations and abuse of dominance matters. The team handles multi-jurisdictional merger control cases, in particular those relating to the ASEAN region. The firm boasts an impressive client list which includes major multinational corporates in the technology, manufacturing, financial services and insurance sectors. DBS Bank, Emeritus Institute of Management and SK hynix are some of its clients.

Strengths

“The team at Rajah & Tann is top-notch. I can always rely on them to be fully up-to-date with the law and trends. Service levels are above expectations.”

“They are very engaged as we explain the situation and the help needed from their end. In very complex situations their guidance, advice and recommendations are very helpful.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore advised Japfa on the competition law aspects of its sale of80% of its shareholding in Greenfields Dairy Singapore.

Notable practitioners

Kala Anandarajah is a highly regarded antitrustlawyer based in Singapore who primarily represents clients facing cartel investigations, as wellas advising on transactional issues. Her clientsinclude household names in the manufacturing,transportation and insurance sectors, among others.

 

Corporate /M&A

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. The firm is active in a range of sectors, including property, manufacturing and healthcare, acting for major banks, funds and corporate clients on public and private M&A transactions, including privatisations, as well as private equity deals. The group offers further expertise handling REIT-related transactions. The corporate team effectively leverages the firm’s wider practice areas on related issues, including capital markets, finance and real estate. Clients advised include Startree Investments, Hi-P International and Sunseap.

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann provides innovative solutions.”

“They have a good bench and lawyers with the appropriate skill and experience level.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore advised Cuscaden Peak on its takeover offer for the acquisition of issued ordinary shares of Singapore Press Holdings for approximately SGD3.9 billion.

Notable practitioners

Sandy Foo is a lawyer in Singapore who regularly advises corporate clients from a wide variety of sectors on sophisticated commercial transactions, with significant experience in public M&A and take over deals. She is additionally experienced in supporting private equity funds with investments, including REITs.

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.

 

Corporate Investigations / Anti - Corruption

What the team is known for

A prominent team known for handling investigations in the energy and financial sectors, Rajah & Tann frequently assists with high-profile cases relating to fraud, bribery, asset recovery and market manipulation. Several members of the team offer the benefit of their former experience as government prosecutors. The team is involved in a wide range of cross-border investigations, drawing upon the support of the firm’s network across South-East Asia. The office is increasingly involved in matters related to cryptocurrencies. Wire card, Eagle Hospitality REIT and Grant Thornton appear on the firm’s clientele roster.

Strengths

“The team has been able to tap into the very senior resources if and when needed in a timely and efficient manner.”

“They strike a good balance between robust and aggressive approaches. They have good professional courage, they’re not risk-takers but have strong courage in the sense of what can and can’t be done.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann assisted AIM with obtaining freezing orders in Singapore and Switzerland.

Notable practitioners

Hamidul Haq is considered an authority on white-collar criminal cases and anti-corruption mandates, frequently acting for both multinationals and private clients in litigation and investigation. He is often singled out for his prior experience at the AGC and the CAD.

Danny Ong has a successful practice spanning white-collar crime investigations, restructuring and insolvency and litigation, with a particular focus on matters involving fraud and asset tracing in the crypto space.

Thong Chee Kun is especially knowledgeable in money laundering, fraud and financial investigation.

 

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann’s legal practice in Singapore harbours an impressive line-up of experienced arbitration lawyers with deep connections throughout the Singapore and Asian markets. The firm often handles energy and shipping disputes, and BIT arbitration. The practice is involved in UNCITRAL arbitrations in Singapore, as well as matters before the ICC. The department is well placed to provide specialist advice on construction-related disputes. The Republic of the Philippines, Hilton and Vedanta feature amongst the firm’s client roster.

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann has insight into commercial aspects and can dissect the problem and come up with a clear, consistent and workable strategy.”

“They are adept in terms of how the industry operates and are very focused on delivering results – even if it calls for unconventional strategies.” 

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann represented Vedanta in matters related to Singapore-seated treaty arbitration under UNCITRAL Rules again the Republic of India, concerning India’s retrospective usage of legislation to impose capital gains taxes and interest for sale proceeds.

Notable practitioners

Andre Yeap SC in Singapore has defended breach of contract arbitrations for sovereign states and also sits as an arbitrator.

Tan Chuan Thye SC has worked on ICC and SIAC arbitrations with recent experience advising on disputes within the hospitality sector.

Francis Xavier SC is a well-respected lawyer who acts in commercial and investor-state arbitrations. He is well versed in shareholder and land disputes.

 

Dispute Resolution: Litigation

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann’s prolific litigation team offers plentiful expertise in big-ticket domestic and cross-border disputes. The firm represents clients at all levels of the Singapore courts. The firm has particular experience in financial disputes, including those relating to cryptocurrencies, while it also possesses expertise in contentious joint venture, shareholder and insolvency matters. The team is 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 South-East Asia, India and China markets. Siemens, Eagle Hospitality Trust and Keppel Fels are notable clients of the firm.

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann’s work is always incredibly well done and sophisticated, with a quick turnaround and good understanding of business needs.”

“They strike a good balance between robust and aggressive approaches.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann represented Senda International Capital in minority oppression claims brought in the SICC by its joint venture partner Kiri Industries relating to the affairs of Dystar Global Holdings.

Notable practitioners

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 breaches of obligations

Andre Yeap SC has acted on cross-border issues before the High Court, including arbitral enforcement relating to investment treaties and against sovereign states.

Danny Ong is someone clients turn to for advice on fraud litigation and breach of contract. He has experience in the cryptocurrency and finance spaces.

 

Employment

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore has a market-leading reputation for contentious employment law matters, with further expertise in non-contentious work. The large team is able to provide a full-service offering, with notable expertise in handling company and internal investigations, trade union issues and workplace harassment cases. The lawyers are well placed to assist with regional work due to the firm’s network of offices throughout Asia. The firm acts for multinational corporations from a range of sectors, including technology, insurance, finance and manufacturing and also advises clients on employment policies and contracts. Mandiri Investment Management is a notable client of the firm.

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann team is outstanding. Their quality is consistently top-notch; responsiveness and strategic thinking are strengths. They are always driving for the client’s commercial goal and focused on recovery.”

“They are able to see the big picture in rendering advice.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for Prudential Assurance Company in a High Court suit against its former senior agency leader and PTO Management and Consultancy for allegedly soliciting over 240 agents originally tied to Prudential to competitors in breach of contract.

Notable practitioners

Murali Pillai SC possesses a wealth of experience handling employment law disputes in Singapore, representing corporate clients from various industries.

Desmond Wee has a well-regarded practice handling non-contentious employment work in Singapore, with experience in multi-jurisdictional retrenchment exercises as well as formulating and implementing employment policies.

Jonathan Yuen is a contentious employment law specialist who represents corporate clients.

Kala Anandarajah is well known for the breadth of her practice, including employment law as well as competition and trade.

 

Insurance

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann is a long-standing local firm with strength in both contentious and non-contentious insurance matters. The insurance and reinsurance team regularly acts for major international general and life insurers as well as domestic companies, and is especially active assisting clients with regulatory and corporate insurance work. Local law capability and rights of audience before Singapore courts allows the firm to provide a full-service offering. AIG Insurance, Hannover Reinsurance and Swiss Reinsurance are amongst the key clients that the firm advises.

Strengths

“The team has the ability to quickly understand the issues and provide commercial and practical solutions.”

“They understand the regulatory framework in Singapore very well, including the historical aspects of it. The senior and junior partners work well together.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann defended the National Parks Board against claims for injuries suffered by members of the public due to wild boar attacks in Singapore.

Notable practitioners

Simon Goh is head of the insurance and reinsurance practice group at Rajah & Tann. An influential senior adviser, he sits atop the Singapore insurance market with a broad practice encompassing claims work and insurance-related corporate matters. He is lauded for his robust sector-wide contributions by clients.

Elaine Tay is able to assist global insurers with a range of contentious matters, including financial lines and professional indemnity claims, and can also offer transactional and regulatory advice.

Wang Ying Shuang is an up-and-coming insurance practitioner who is well versed at handling cross-border mandates, often acting as local counsel and advising clients on the regulatory implications of the matters. She is also engages on contentious insurance issues.

 

Intellectual Property

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore’s established IP law department is involved with contentious and non-contentious cases concerning patents, trade marks and copyrights. The team is well known for advising clients on IP licensing and brand protection, and advises on transactional deals in relation to the transfer and licensing of IP rights. The firm is active across a wide range of sectors, such as manufacturing, media, technology and insurance. The examples of clients include Singapore National Olympic Council, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Alila Hotels & Resorts.

Strengths

“They are able to quickly understand situational context and propose various options for consideration.”

“Their depth of knowledge and experience in handling complex and sophisticated matters is demonstrated by their holistic, practical and effective solutions and advice provided for such matters.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann advised Sony and carried out authentication work on Sony-branded counterfeit goods seized by the police during a raid.

Notable practitioners

Lau Kok Keng leads Rajah & Tann Singapore’s IP department. His work includes trade mark infringement proceedings and enforcement.

 

Investment Funds

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore frequently provides advice to a variety of leading global funds groups that encompass a broad spectrum of strategies including hedge, venture capital, private equity and real estate funds. The team is adept in offering advice to major investment groups on corporate reorganisation and M&A. It is particularly distinguished for its work on the creation and management of private funds. The team is well placed to advise institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds. It regularly assists clients with Singapore-domiciled funds.

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann provides practical and useful advice through the entire process, and the support provided has been instrumental to the successful conclusion of the deal. It is one of the most commercially-aware and mindful legal teams in Singapore that we’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

“The lawyers all display in-depth knowledge and expertise, with high levels of commercial awareness.”

Notable practitioners

Arnold Tan is a pre-eminent investment funds lawyer who is particularly well placed to advise on the formation of major offshore funds as well as Singapore-an-domiciled funds.

Anne Yeo has a leading reputation in the investment funds space with a broad practice, often acting for sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors.

Jasmine Chew has a strong practice and regularly offers regulatory advice relating to MAS applications and listing funds under the VCC scheme.

Philip Yeo has a broad funds practice with particular strength in venture capital mandates. He also has experience advising on private equity, real estate and private debt vehicles.

 

Projects & Energy

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore is a well-known law firm in the market, recognised for its comprehensive regional legal network, with an established presence in Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia. The team is highly sought after for its expertise in power and strong experience on PPP infrastructure projects. The practice is also experienced in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. The firm is further noted for its focus on the construction and development aspects of projects, with additional expertise regarding project finance. Rajah & Tann’s clientele includes Land Transport Authority of Singapore, M1 and Energy Market Authority of Singapore.

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann’s lawyers are very commercial and problem solvers for complex deals and issues.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore advised Land Transport Authority of Singapore on its appointment of two separate private train operators for the Jurong Regional Line and Cross Island Line.

Notable practitioners

Shemane Chan specialises in energy, utilities and infrastructure project development and SPAs, ncluding on renewable energy mandates. She has strong expertise advising public bodies on regulatory developments in Singapore.

 

Real Estate

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore’s corporate real estate team is noted for its deft handling of legal work for major developers, financial institutions and REITs. The firm covers the full suite of real estate issues, the team is adept at handling acquisitions, lease agreements and conveyancing issues for both domestic and foreign clients. Rajah & Tann is active on collective real estate sales and advice relating to data centre projects, and has experience in real estate financing. The team counts Boustead Industrial Fund Management and Golden Paramount among its clientele.

Strengths

“The lawyers at Rajah & Tann have relevant real estate experience and are able to provide valuable comments during negotiation.”

“The team worked hard in the deal, responded immediately to queries and turned around the paper working a quick efficient way. They were sophisticated and knowledgeable in handling a complex situation and able to provide a commercial solution to the client.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann acted for Kheng Leong Company in the SGD213 million acquisition of a group of companies from Far East Consortium International.

Notable practitioners

Norman Ho is well regarded for his experience handling a range of real estate transactions. He advises property developers, investors and institutions.

 

Restructuring / Insolvency

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore has a stellar legal practice based in Singapore, noted for its deep bench of lawyers. The team assists clients involved in high-value judicial management and insolvency matters, including debtors, creditors, committees of noteholders and liquidators. The practice is also well placed to advise on the enforcement of creditors’ rights. Rajah & Tann draws on its regional network to advise on cross-border matters, and offers specialist expertise from within the firm in areas such as shipping, construction and energy. Hin Leong, Hyflux and Ezion are the among the firm’s clientele.

Strengths

“They have a big bench and give really solid and timely advice, which is commercial as well. If it’s big ticket, you go to Rajah & Tann.”

“Their strength is that they have a lot of depth in terms of various people within the firm, and the breadth.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann advised a large coalition of banks in opposition to the restructuring application of Agritrade International.

Notable practitioners

Patrick Ang is a pre-eminent lawyer in Singapore with extensive experience acting for major banks and judicial managers on restructuring mandates. He is a highly regarded figure in the market.

Lee Eng Beng SC remains a market-leading figure with notable expertise in restructuring and insolvency matters in Singapore. He has particularly notable experience on restructuring litigation and arbitration mandates. He often works on behalf of creditors, as well as judicial managers and debtors.

Sim Kwan Kiat is a highly esteemed lawyer in Singapore, who is renowned for working on high-value restructurings. He acts on behalf of lenders, noteholders, judicial managers and liquidators.

Danny Ong has a robust practice in Singapore, with experience advising debtors and liquidators on contentious insolvency mandates.

Lionel Tay is an experienced lawyer in Singapore with a well-established contentious practice. He acts for steering committees of noteholders, judicial managers and lenders on insolvency proceedings.

 

Shipping

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. The firm covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. The team 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. The firm frequently advises international banks and commodity houses, as well as shipowners and judicial managers. Counts Hin Leong Trading, DBS Bank and ING Bank among its clientele.

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann’s strength is that they have a lot of depthand breadth in terms of various people within the firm.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore acted forNatixis in a breach of contract of carriage and cargomisdelivery claim against the owners of the ‘MiracleHope’ vessel.

Notable practitioners

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.

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.

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.

Kendall Tan has a wealth of experience in shipping disputes in Singapore, regularly advising clients on wet matters including cargo and damages claims.

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.

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.

V Bala is well versed in wet and dry shipping litigation in Singapore, including restructuringand charter party disputes, as well as fraud cases.

 

Startups & Emerging Companies

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore is a full-service law firm, well known for its activity in the startup space. The firm represents a range of VC funds and private equity investors in startup financing matters, with further capabilities acting for growth-stage companies on early-stage fund raising rounds. The team has particular expertise in technology-sector mandates, such as e-commerce, whilst clients also benefit from the firm’s M&A, TMT and intellectual property practices as well as its extensive network of regional offices. Clients include iCart, Doctor Anywhere and Trusting Social. 

Strengths

“At Rajah & Tann, you can get high-quality advice from the partner, and excellent transaction support, with attention to detail, from the associates. They are able to focus on the end game and closing an effective transaction, instead of winning irrelevant negotiating points.”

“They are very responsive over different communication channels.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for Pluang Technologies on its Series A, B and C fund-raising rounds respectively, worth an aggregate total of USD110 million.

Notable practitioners

Brian Ng is Singapore law qualified and well versed in advising investors and VC funds on startup financing. He also has further experience acting for emerging companies on financing rounds.

Tracy-Anne Ang in Singapore has notable experience handling venture capital and private equity transactions. She acts for startups, corporate investors and funds.

Terence Quek is noted by market commentators as an up-and-coming lawyer in Singapore’s startup space. He has experience acting for both investors and emerging companies on investment and financing mandates.

 

Tax

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore has a well established tax group, providing assistance with tax elements of cross-border transactions, inbound and outbound investments and tax disputes. The firm offers wide sector expertise, having experience in tax issues in the financial services, insurance and technology sectors. The team is also able to execute tax-efficient capital markets transactions and assists with exchange of information requests from tax authorities. 

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann’s team provide very commercial advice, not overly theoretical input. They are pragmatic and appreciate the bigger picture. They are also responsive and thorough. Responses to our queries are very well researched and they are very much up-to-date with issues that are relevant.”

“The team is well versed in their area of knowledge and each team member is able to contribute positively.”

Notable practitioners

Vikna Rajah is the lead partner in Rajah & Tann’s tax and private client team, with a significant tax litigation practice. He is also active on transactional tax matters.

 

Technology, Media, Telecoms(TMT)

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann Singapore fields a team of seasoned lawyers who are well placed to provide expertise on telecoms and technology regulatory matters as well as licensing, data protection and data centre projects. It acts for an impressive roster of high-end domestic and multinational social media, electronics and telecoms companies. It often provides advice in relation to cybersecurity issues, including drafting of cyber-breach readiness and response plans, and in ensuring compliance with the provisions of Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act. It is well placed to handle cross-border mandates and offers clients support in the wider region through the firm’s extensive network of offices and associated firms. Key clients include Splunk, American Express and DBS Bank. 

Strengths

“They are very responsive and have a very strong ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters.”

“Rajah & Tann have strong business acumen and are solution-oriented.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann assisted ByteDance and its subsidiaries TikTok and Lark with the regulatory, commercial and licensing issues of their growing South-East Asia operations.

Notable practitioners

Rajesh Sreenivasan is a pre-eminent TMT lawyer who is particularly adept at handling complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. He is best known for his work on cybersecurity and data protection.

Steve Tan is a well-reputed lawyer who advises on data breaches, conducting investigations and internal audits of compliance with data protection law.

Lionel Tan is a well-regarded litigator with a solid TMT practice, often representing clients in data and IT disputes. He also advises clients on non-contentious fintech and cybersecurity issues.

 

India - Dispute Resolution (International Firms) - Desk Abroad

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann is a long-standing presence in both Singapore and regional South-East and South Asian disputes, handling both arbitration and litigation, with additional capabilities for acting as arbitrator, securing interim measures and challenging or enforcing arbitral awards. The team is also well equipped to handle investment treaty arbitrations and often acts for clients in the energy, tech and logistics sectors. 

Strengths

“They are able to balance business imperatives and legal constraints extremely well.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann represented Indian businessman Shantanu Prakash in connection with a conspiracy claim involving a joint venture in which he was a major shareholder. The matter raised novel issues concerning the extent to which directors can be personally held liable for breaches committed by their company.

Notable practitioners

Singapore-based Kelvin Poon is a key contact.

 

Indonesia - Corporate & Finance (Expertise Based Abroad)

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. The team provides Indonesia law advice through its associate firm, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners. The group’s expertise covers banking and finance, dispute resolution, M&A and projects. The firm possesses notable language capabilities in the group’s Singapore office, including Indonesian. 

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann is an excellent business partner.”

“They are always within reach and respond quickly to our queries.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore advised Japfa Comfeed on its USD350 million sustainability-linked bond issuance. 

Notable practitioners

Ng Sey Ming is an active banking lawyer in Singapore who often handles Indonesia-related financing transactions, including term and revolving credit loans.

 

South - East Asia - International Trade / WTO

What the team is known for

Rajah & Tann offers in-depth legal expertise in trade matters concerning South-East Asian countries. The team 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 metal, energy, technology, consumer goods and finance spaces. The firm also works on matters involving free trade agreements and tariffs. Rajah &Tann 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. 

 

Asia Pacific Region - Arbitration (International)

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. The firm is 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. It is additionally well placed to act on arbitration-related litigation in the Singapore courts, where it often provides assistance to international firms. The Republic of the Philippines, Hilton and Vedanta feature amongst the firm’s client roster. 

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann has insight into commercial aspects and can dissect the problem and come up with a clear, consistent and workable strategy.”

“They are always within reach and respond quickly to our queries.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann represented Vedanta in matters related to Singapore-seated treaty arbitration under UNCITRAL Rules against the Republic of India, concerning India’s retrospective usage of legislation to impose capital gains taxes and interest for sale proceeds.

Notable practitioners

Kelvin Poon is head of the firm’s international arbitration department.

 

Asia Pacific Region - Shipping: Litigation

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. The firm covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. The team 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. The firm frequently advises international banks and commodity houses, as well as shipowners and judicial managers. 

Strengths

“Rajah & Tann’s strength is that they have a lot of depth and breadth in terms of various people within the firm.”

Work highlights

Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for Natixis in a breach of contract of carriage and cargo misdelivery claim against the owners of the ‘Miracle Hope’ vessel.

 

Notable practitioners

Leong Kah Wah and Kian Sing Toh SC are key contacts for the firm.