Banking & Finance: Regulatory
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Singapore
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+65 6890 7188About
Provided by Allen & Gledhill LLP
Our Banking & Finance Practice is recognised as a leading banking and finance practice in Singapore, operating across the full spectrum of financing transactions ranging from straightforward bilateral facilities to the most complicated transactions. The breadth, depth and size of our practice, together with our multi-disciplinary approach to transactions, allow us to work on many of the highly complex, cutting-edge and significant transactions in leveraged and investment-grade acquisition financing, real estate financing, infrastructure project financing, asset financing, ship and aircraft leasing, tax structured financing, Islamic financing, cross-border financing and other highly structured financing in the region.
Serving both local and international clientele, our practice is consistently appointed by the largest financial institutions operating in the region. We also regularly act for many of the largest corporations in Singapore and the region in their financing exercises.
Chambers Review
Allen & Gledhill's heavyweight banking practice contains a deep bench of market-leading lawyers whose wide-ranging expertise spans acquisition financing, leveraged financing, syndicated loans, and project and real estate financing. The team frequently advises on major refinancings across a range of industries. The firm is especially well known for its work with major banks, private and listed companies, and private equity houses. The firm also represents major corporate borrowers ranging from regional property developers to multinational real estate players. The firm houses a talented regulatory team providing high-calibre advice to both domestic and international clients, including on financial regulatory compliance and disputes. The team regularly interacts with MAS on behalf of its impressive client roster, which includes names such as DBS, UOB and HSBC.
Work Highlights
- Allen & Gledhill advised DBS, OCBC and BNYM on the establishment of Mapletree China Logistics Investment Trust's USD5 billion multi-currency loan programme.
- Allen & Gledhill advised HSBC on regulatory issues relating to its acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of AXA Insurance.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Allen & Gledhill has strong, market-leading practitioners that are known to be involved in landmark transactions in the market, supported by good bench strength across a wide variety of practice areas."
"The team considers other related and ancillary issues beyond the questions we have posed, and the practical perspectives are balanced with the technical requirements."
"The team comprises the most experienced regulatory lawyers in Singapore. I wouldn't go to anyone else."
"Allen & Gledhill has strong, market-leading practitioners that are known to be involved in landmark transactions in the market, supported by good bench strength across a wide variety of practice areas."
"The team considers other related and ancillary issues beyond the questions we have posed, and the practical perspectives are balanced with the technical requirements."
"The team comprises the most experienced regulatory lawyers in Singapore. I wouldn't go to anyone else."
Notable Practitioners
Mark Hudspeth is a senior figure in the market and co-leads the banking and finance practice. He is experienced in advising on a variety of term and revolving loans and acting for large banking clients.
"Mark is a legendary name who has been in the market for a long time."
Francis Mok remains one of the most distinguished figures in the banking and finance market, renowned as an adviser on regulatory changes. He attracts market recognition for his close relationships with major banks in the region.
"Francis is regarded as a leader of the financial regulatory world in Singapore."
"He continues to work very closely with large banks and has been in the market a long time."
Kok Chee Wai maintains a powerful reputation in the market, with strong expertise in project and real estate finance. He regularly acts as lenders' counsel for major regional banks.
"Chee Wai is my go-to guy for more complex, higher-scale financings. He is a veteran in the industry and somebody who is very pragmatic."
"Chee Wai is very good at being able to understand client needs. His ability to understand how the banker's mind works and capture that in legal contractual documentation is very critical. He is strong in his ability to put thoughts into words and contractually bind it."
Karen Tiah is positioned at the forefront of the regulatory banking and finance market. She has a wide range of expertise, including in relation to financial technology and Islamic financing regulatory aspects.
"Karen is very strong in the regulatory space."
Lim Wei Ting is well placed to advise leading banks and corporates on a range of high-value financings, particularly in relation to real estate.
"A first-rate counsel with strong attributes, Lim Wei Ting provides steadfast support and gives you an edge. With his brilliant legal mind and acute commercial awareness, he consistently provides insightful advice which is valuable."
"He is our default, go-to partner when we need a transaction turned around quickly, with the experience and clarity of thought suited to complex and time-sensitive transactions."
Adrian Ang maintains his recognition as a fintech and regulatory expert. He is well placed to advise clients on the implications of the Payment Services Act.
"Adrian is always accessible and clued in with respect to industry issues."
Aaron Lee enjoys a strong reputation for work on investigations and white-collar crime mandates. He attracts market recognition for his expertise in contentious matters.
"He is a very patient and meticulous lawyer."
Aloysius Ng is well versed in advising banks and borrowers on loan facilities, with particular expertise in SORA issues. He has recently advised on term and revolving loans, including sustainability-linked facilities, and is especially well placed to advise on matters related to the real estate and energy sectors.
"Aloysius has the ability to think out of the box to meet the needs of all parties."
"Aloysius is a safe pair of hands with a good grasp of issues."
Jafe Ng is a well-established practitioner with notable expertise in project and real estate finance. He also regularly assists regional banks with syndicated and term loan financing.
"Jafe's ability to control the room in a tense situation is unparalleled."
"He is extremely strong and able to handle difficult issues."
Catherine Neo is an up-and-coming lawyer in the financial regulatory space. She is well placed to liaise with MAS in obtaining regulatory approvals and licences for banks and financial institutions.
"Catherine is my go-to person as she is considered, reasonable and provides practical solutions."
Kangxin Ong demonstrates strong expertise in advising regional banks on project finance mandates. She possesses further expertise in sustainability and green-linked facilities.
"Kangxin's knowledge across debt products is invaluable in any structuring discussions."
Ranked Lawyers at
Allen & Gledhill LLP
Singapore
Members
Provided by Allen & Gledhill LLP
Head of Department
Daselin Ang
Delwin Singh
Jafe Ng
Jie Ning Wong
Jonathan Choo
Julie Sim
Kangxin Ong
Lyn Wee
Head of Department
Teong Sit Lim
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