Banking & Finance: International - Singapore
What the team is known for
Herbert Smith Freehills' banking and finance team is active in various markets across South Asia and South-East Asia, and noted for its cross-border capabilities in the region, with particular strength in Indonesia. Its lawyers demonstrate a strong focus on the energy, infrastructure and natural resources sectors, where it frequently advises regional and international lenders and borrowers on a range of issues including syndicated loans and acquisition financing. The firm also regularly advises clients on refinancing and restructuring mandates. Société Générale, the Indonesia Investment Authority and APG Asset Management are among the team's clients.
Foreign desks
Herbert Smith Freehills works in conjunction with Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung, its Jakarta-based associated law firm, to advise on a range of financings in Indonesia. Led by Adrian Cheng in Singapore, the department is well placed to advise international banks on loans in the energy sector. Herbert Smith Freehills advised a consortium of investors on financing of an investment with Waskita Karya for two sections of the Trans Java Toll Road.
Strengths
"HSF provides deep understanding and technical excellence which is leveraged to innovative, pragmatic and succinct advice."
"The team are great. They're extremely responsive, I got nice clear answers for all questions and I liked their well-considered documentation as well."
Work highlights
Herbert Smith Freehills advised the syndicate of lenders, including DBS and Standard Chartered, on the financing to a subsidiary of PT Medco Energi to fund the acquisition of 54% interest of ConocoPhillips Indonesia in Corridor block.
Notable practitioners
Adrian Cheng leads the department and enjoys a strong reputation for work in projects, infrastructure and natural resources financing. He regularly advises banks and other financial institutions on cross-border financing, and is known for his expertise in reserve-based lending. He often handles matters in the Indonesian market. "Adrian is knowledgeable, he understands the commercials of the transaction and he is not overly technical. He is really patient and very focused on resolving the points."
