Banking & Finance: Domestic - Singapore
What the team is known for
WongPartnership maintains its reputation as a leading banking legal team in Singapore, advising an impressive cohort of major financial institutions, such as UOB, as well as blue-chip companies. The team frequently acts for large property groups. The banking and finance practice is known for its deft handling of bank lending and corporate borrowing matters, and additionally active in acquisition and project financing. It offers impressive financial services regulatory expertise, advising clients on the full suite of regulatory mandates from licensing applications and fintech-related advice to regulatory investigations. The firm counts Keppel Infrastructure and Bain Capital among its clientele.
Strengths
"There is an excellent bench of talent in WongPartnership's banking and finance team who provide exceptional advice and service for reasonable fees."
"WongPartnership has a good team of very knowledgeable partners who are very good and proactive at following up if there are aspects that my team need to complete to keep moving."
"The team has deep understanding of financial services regulations in Singapore and the undercurrents governing the implementation of such regulations."
Work highlights
WongPartnership assisted Pacific International Lines as borrower with its rescue financing of USD400 million through investment by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings.
The firm advised Coinhako on compliance work relating to its position as a holder of a major payment institution licence under the PSA for digital payment token services.
Notable practitioners
Susan Wong heads the banking and finance practice, and is renowned for her banking expertise in areas including acquisition and real estate financing. She further assists clients with matters related to interest rate benchmark transitions. "Her experience and network throughout the entire banking sector are extremely valuable to clients." "Susan is a very good lawyer. She has a very good presence and gravitas about herself; she can command a room well."
Elaine Chan remains a market leader in banking and finance regulatory matters, with expertise in fintech regulation. Her expertise includes advising on bank licensing requirements and compliance. "Elaine has been very responsive and helpful. She is able to deliver clear and useful advice."
Alvin Chia enjoys a robust property financing practice, including in relation to data centres. He often assists clients with the restructuring of existing facilities. "Alvin Chia has exceptionally strong technical abilities and is incredibly helpful and competent."
Christy Lim has experience of financing, including property mandates. She represents both borrowers and lenders, as well as security trustees. Lim often advises her clients on large-term and syndicated loans and is active in the area of sustainability-linked financings. "Christy is my go-to banking and finance practitioner. She is seasoned, practical and commercial. With Christy, I always know quality is assured as well as responsiveness, all within the agreed cap."
Tian Sion Yoong is specialised in banking regulatory matters as they pertain to fintech, as well as structured finance. Tian is also well versed in matters concerning carbon regulations. "Sion Yoong is a commercially driven lawyer and has the ability to transform complex legal issues into client-oriented advice."
Bernadette Tan is a well-regarded partner in WongPartnership's banking and finance team. She has a growing reputation for real estate finance mandates, particularly those with sustainability-linked facets. "One of the best young banking lawyers in the country. She is efficient, cuts through the fluff and already has a great breadth of experience." "Bernadette is an excellent lawyer who provides effective and concise advice on banking matters."