Banking & Finance: International
Global Guide 2024 : Singapore
Band 2
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Provided by Baker McKenzie
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Chambers Review
Baker McKenzie is recognised for its capacity to handle cross-border acquisition and real estate financings for various heavyweight lenders in the market. Its lawyers handle a varied slate of work across South-East Asia, including activity in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The team comes highly recommended for its extensive experience in both conventional and Islamic financing. It is additionally experienced in acting for major corporate borrowers and advises on lending into the power and real estate sectors, among others. The firm also handles a large volume of high-value syndicated loan arrangements as well as trade finance mandates. Among its key clients are Bank of America, Aurelius and ANZ Bank.
The team is regularly involved in lending transactions in the Indian market, especially in the natural resources and energy sectors. It represents both Indian and foreign banks on bilateral and syndicated loans, as well as acquisition finance. Baker McKenzie advised the mandated lead arrangers, joint social loan coordinators and lenders on a USD1.1 billion syndicated social loan facility to Housing Development Finance. Chu Kah Chin is a key contact.
Work Highlights
- Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow acted as lead counsel to the MLAs, including MUFG Bank, on a USD1.1 billion syndicated green loan facility provided to Indian Railway Finance Corporation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Baker McKenzie can handle anything. The team are always able to come up with innovative and bespoke solutions to complicated and unique issues."
"The team have good commercial knowledge, and turnaround times are very fast; we do not have a single instance of delay from their side."
"The team has sufficient depth and breadth to cover simple and complex transactions. The Baker McKenzie network is also very wide and connected, which is useful for multi-jurisdictional transactions."
"Baker McKenzie can handle anything. The team are always able to come up with innovative and bespoke solutions to complicated and unique issues."
"The team have good commercial knowledge, and turnaround times are very fast; we do not have a single instance of delay from their side."
"The team has sufficient depth and breadth to cover simple and complex transactions. The Baker McKenzie network is also very wide and connected, which is useful for multi-jurisdictional transactions."
Notable Practitioners
Emmanuel Hadjidakis has significant experience on a wide range of deals, including both conventional and Shari'a-compliant facilities. He is an expert in India-related matters.
"Emmanuel is a good lawyer to work with. He is commercially focused and has good gravitas on calls."
"Emmanuel is technically strong."
Stephanie Magnus maintains a reputation for regulatory practice and is head of the firm's financial services regulatory department. She is well versed in advising clients on their risk management, especially when it comes to the Payment Services Act.
"Stephanie communicates complexities in a clear and concise manner and is able to offer optimal risk-versus-reward solutions for the problems at hand."
"She is a seasoned legal professional with strong regulatory knowledge and a commercial mindset. Her advice is always prompt and practical."
Ian Roebuck's practice focuses on acquisition and leveraged finance. He handles work for lenders, portfolio companies and private equity funds on transactions in the region, including recent financings relating to Vietnam and Africa.
"Ian is very supportive with in-depth fund finance expertise."
James Huang is head of the firm's Singapore finance and projects team. He has longstanding expertise as lenders' counsel, having acted on a wide range of financing transactions across South-East Asia.
Kenneth Chuah is a local principal at Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow active on acquisition and asset finance. He has additional expertise in handling real estate financings, as well as bilateral credit facilities and prepayment financings, among others.
"Kenneth has been very professional, patient and responsive, especially while working with us on various documentation projects."
"Kenneth was very helpful in providing valid legal views and tailor-made solutions. Without Kenneth's involvement, we would have been unable to close the deal and meet the deadline."
Kunal Katre often advises international banks on acquisition finance, as well as sustainability-linked loans and refinancing transactions.
"Kunal is a very sharp, considered and professional attorney. He has deep knowledge of market precedent and alternative structures so he always knows how to approach any work stream or particular issue."
Liew Ying Yi is well recognised by sources for her knowledge of the regulatory landscape, demonstrating particular expertise in the fintech regulatory space.
"Ying Yi is responsive and genuinely cares about her clients and their business goals. She is very well connected and tuned into the latest regulatory developments, especially in the fintech, digital payments and blockchain space."
Chu Kah Chin is a principal in Baker McKenzie's Singapore office who advises both Indian and foreign banks on a variety of financing matters.
"Kah Chin is well experienced and recognised for cross-border India deals. She has keen understanding of market dynamics and is able to provide holistic solutions."
"She is very diligent, responsive and sophisticated, and is very calm and collected, even in tense negotiations with finance parties."
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