IFLR 1000 (2023)
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners
Banking - Tier 1
Capital markets: Debt - Tier 1
Capital markets: Equity - Tier 1
Mergers and acquisitions - Tier 1
Project development - Tier 2
Project finance - Tier 1
Restructuring and insolvency - Tier 1
Leading Lawyers:
Bono Daru Adji (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets, Banking, M&A
Fikri Assegaf (Market Leader) – Capital markets, Banking, Project finance, M&A
Ibrahim Sjarief Assegaf (Highly Regarded) – Banking, M&A
Kanya Satwika (Highly Regarded) – Project development, Project finance, Islamic finance
Mohammad Renaldi Zulkarnain (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets, Islamic finance
Tunnggul Purusa Utomo (Notable Practitioner) – Capital markets, Banking, Project finance, M&A
Yanu Wiriasmoko (Notable Practitioner) – Restructuring and insolvency, Banking
Founded in 2001, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has established itself as one of the leading firms in the Indonesian legal market. The firm is headquartered in South Jakarta and has extended its presence throughout the region with its membership of the Rajah & Tann Asia network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm excels in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, and restructuring and insolvency work and has a formidable projects practice. In addition to advising across a spectrum of traditional capital markets and banking and finance transactions, the firm has a special focus on the fintech sector and Shariah-compliant investment and financing transactions.
In M&A, the firm has experience across the banking and financial services, energy, resources, aviation, automotive, retail, media, and technology and telecommunication sectors. The firm also has a strong track record in representing private equity investors.
The projects team has significant experience in matters such as PPPs, production sharing agreements, power purchase agreements, oil and gas supply agreements and oil and gas supply agreements.
Key clients
The firm’s extensive client list includes Bangkok Bank, China Development Bank, DBS Bank, Haji Financial Management Agency, The Government of the Republic of Indonesia and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).
Research period review: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
During the research period, the firm was active in capital markets, M&A, project development and restructuring and insolvency work.
The capital markets team actively acted for issuers on high-yield bonds, note offerings and rights issues. The firm also acted for investors on a range of transactions.
In M&A, the firm was mostly active on strategic deals on the sell side. In a landmark mandate, the firm advised on one of the largest rights issues ever done on the Indonesian Stock Exchange to date.
Projects highlights include advising the first Indonesian port development under a PPP scheme.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm acted for creditors, debtors, rescuers and guarantors in the financial services, industrials and manufacturing and retail sectors.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
• Chandra Asri Petrochemical $1.1 billion rights issue
• Supreme Energy divestment of equity
• Garuda Indonesia (Persero) restructuring
• Sri Rejeki Isman debt restructuring
• The Haji Financial Management Agency acquisition of Bank Muamalat Indonesia
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
Capital markets
"They are very thorough with their work and take a very conservative view on matters, which makes them a great firm to partner with for better risk management on deals. "
M&A
"The firm provides reliable advice and practical recommendations. It offered assistance throughout the deal, even though the deal was dragged on for over a year, and still managed to keep its enthusiasm and active participation. "
Project development
"The firm has the in-depth knowledge and experience necessary in providing the services that we required. They also have an expert team within their firm which allow them to provide comprehensive advice. "
Project finance
"They produce a high-quality legal product. They are very knowledgeable and responsive. They are also a pleasure to work with."
Carol Lim
"She has great analytical skills and attention to the drafting. She is very valuable as team lead, particularly in negotiations. She also has a pleasant personality. "
M. Insan Pratama
"Good knowledge and has the necessary experience in oil & gas sector."
Kanya Satwika
"Very user friendly.
Amien Sunaryadi
"Attentive to details, understands his client's current needs and challenges."
Putu Suryastuti
"She is very responsible and is always available when I need her. Very friendly and nice to deal with. Great for managing Indonesian clients. "
Christopher & Lee Ong
Banking and finance - Tier 2
Capital markets: Debt - Tier 3
Capital markets: Equity - Tier 3
Mergers and acquisitions - Tier 2
Project development: Energy - Tier 1
Project development: Infrastructure - Tier 1
Leading Lawyers:
Chor Jack (Highly Regarded) – Project development, Banking
Christopher Lee (Market Leader) – Banking, Project finance, M&A
Kuok Yew Chen (Highly Regarded) – Corporate and M&A
Law Jun Chin (Rising Star Partner) - Corporate and M&A
Shemane Chan (Highly Regarded) – Project development
Siaw Wan Lim (Rising Star Partner) – Project development
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
Banking and finance - Tier 2
Capital markets: Debt - Tier 2
Capital markets: Equity - Tier 2
Mergers and acquisitions - Tier 2
Investment funds - Tier 2
Project development - Tier 1
Restructuring and insolvency - Tier 1
Leading Lawyers:
Anne Yeo (Highly Regarded) – Investment funds
Angela Lim (Highly Regarded) – Banking, Project finance
Brian Ng (Highly Regarded) - Banking, M&A
Chia Kim Huat (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets
Chua Beng Chye (Highly Regarded) – Restructuring and insolvency
Danny Lim (Notable Practitioner) – Capital markets: Equity, M&A
Danny Ong (Highly Regarded) – Restructuring and insolvency
Evelyn Wee (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets, M&A
Ho Mei Shi (Notable Practitioner) – Banking and finance
Hoon Chi Tern (Notable Practitioner) – Capital markets, M&A
Howard Cheam (Notable Practitioner) – Capital markets: Debt, Capital markets: Equity, M&A
Lawrence Tan (Notable Practitioner) – M&A
Lee Eng Beng (Highly Regarded) – Restructuring and insolvency
Lee Xin Mei (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets
Lim Wee Hann (Highly Regarded) – M&A
Lee Weilin (Highly Regarded) - Banking
Mark Cheng (Highly Regarded) – Restructuring and insolvency
Ng Kim Beng (Highly Regarded) – Project development
Ng Sey Ming (Highly Regarded) – Banking, Capital markets: Debt
Patrick Ang (Market Leader) – Restructuring and insolvency
Raelene Pereira (Rising Star Partner) – Restructuring and insolvency
Raymond Tong (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets, Corporate and M&A
Regina Liew (Highly Regarded) – Banking and finance
Sandy Foo (Highly Regarded) – Project development, Banking, Project finance, M&A
Shemane Chan (Highly Regarded) – Project development
Sim Chee Siong (Highly Regarded) – Project development
Sim Kwan Kiat (Highly Regarded) – Restructuring and insolvency
Soh Lip San (Highly Regarded) – Project development
Tan Chuan Thye (Highly Regarded) – Restructuring and insolvency
Tan Mui Hui (Notable Practitioner) – Capital markets: Debt, Capital markets: Equity, M&A
Rajah & Tann Singapore is one of the largest full-service firms in Singapore founded in 1976. The firm is regarded as one of the jurisdiction’s elite firms, dubbed the “big four”. The firm,led by managing partner Patrick Ang and deputy managing partner Rebecca Chew, extends its presence throughout the region with Rajah & Tann Asia, the largest Southeast Asian network of law firms.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm provides quality advice in banking and finance, project development and restructuring and insolvency and has formidable capital markets and M&A practices.
The banking team acts for domestic and international banks, financial institutions, and corporates on a wide variety of instruments and cross border transactions such as real estate finance, project finance, acquisition finance, Islamic finance and structured finance transactions.
The firm has experience acting for issuers, issue managers, underwriters, and originators on deals from across the spectrum of capital markets transactions, while tThe corporate team is experienced in acting for both acquirers and sellers across a variety of sectors.
The firm’s restructuring team was the first dedicated restructuring and insolvency practice group in Singapore and has acted for a wide range of clients, including creditors, debtors, liquidators, judicial managers, receivers, and financial advisors.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, DBS Bank, United Overseas Bank, Bank of China, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, BNP Paribas, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, CIMB Group, ING Group, Bridgetown 2 Holdings, and Hong Leong Group.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
During the research cycle, the banking team was active in advising high profile cross border financing and financial regulatory mandates including acquisition finance, project finance, and real estate finance.
The firm was also active in sustainability and green financing and advised a borrower on an S$86.8 million green loan from DBS Bank and United Overseas Bank for the largest clean energy project in Singapore.
The capital markets team was very active in SPAC transactions including restructuring, merger, and regulatory issues. The team also kept busy with IPO transactions, bond issuances, REITs, and trusts for issuers and underwriters.
In the investment funds area, the team regularly acts for a diversified range of major global funds groups including hedge funds, private equity, fund of funds, and real estate strategies.
The private equity and venture capital team were busy advising financing and fundraising in fields such as foodtech, fintech, deeptech, legaltech and medtech, gaming, and e-commerce.
Last year, the M&A team was preoccupied with disposal activities involving private companies.
In the project space, the firm notably advised cross-border transactions for both local and international clients in green and sustainability projects, waste and water treatment, data centers, and power plants.
Partner Sun Zixiang joined the firm’s funds and investment management practice from Simmons & Simmons in February 2022.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
• BPH Propco and ACRE Angsana S$633.8 million green loan financing
• OUE Commercial REIT S$540 million sustainability-linked loan
• Keppel DC REIT S$204.3 million private placementof 81,000,000 new units
• PropertyGuru and Bridgetown 2 Holdings$1.78 billion merger and proposed NYSE listing
• EDP Renewables S$1.1 billion 91% stake acquisitionin Sunseap Group
• WeCommerce $110 million acquisition of Stamped.io
• Mitsubishi Group commercial-scale hydrogen value chain projects in Singapore
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
Asset finance
"Exceptionally diligent and detailed."
Bank lending: Lender side
"Able to provide solutions-based advice which meets the lender’s requirements."
Banking and finance
"Delivers prompt response. Able to work to a tight timeline with high quality of work. Able to understand the bank’s positions and considerations and to advise the bank on legal positions to adopt."
"100% professional, practical and reasonable."
Capital markets: Equity
"Deep experience. Commercially minded but detailed. Committed to investing time and resources for clients. Ahead of other Singapore local firms in terms of developing services/capabilities in digital/tech law services."
"Good turnaround time. Generally thorough review."
"Offers strong legal and technical advice. Quick and responsive. Commercially sensitive."
"Responsible and responsive. Confident and knowledgeable. "
"The team was very commercial and practical in their advice. Turnaround time was very quick. The team even worked through the night negotiating documents, as the transaction had to be announced before the market opened the next day."
"Technically sound and alive to the client’s needs. Very experienced and very responsive."
Capital markets: Debt
"Understands our business needs and requirements."
"The partners and associates on the file acted professionally. They are knowledgeable and they are patient in explaining the mechanics and structure of the transaction. They are technically strong in problem solving, and deliver a fast turnaround time. They were a great help for the transaction."
Capital markets: Structured finance and securitisation
"The launch of the programme was conducted under a very compressed timeframe (about three months), including preparation, negotiation and execution of the transaction documents, senior management approval and board approval. The team provided professional and solid advice, fast turnaround time and they worked well with the banks’ counsels."
Financial restructuring
"Commercially minded. Extensive regional reach."
Financial services regulatory
"Lawyers are prompt and responsive, business oriented and pragmatic."
Insolvency
"Regionally very strong, with a strong team."
"Timely and comprehensive feedback."
"Very commercial and proactive."
"They have given appropriate legal advice and they are more than willing to provide feedback on follow-up actions."
Investment funds
"Knowledgeable and prompt."
"Offers commercially viable advice."
"The team members possess in-depth experience and knowledge of the fund management services and hedge fund space. They often provide sound and timely advice, which is critical in our business."
"The partners are extremely experienced and knowledgeable and have a great relationship with their clients. They work with their clients to provide commercial solutions."
Leveraged finance
"Our go-to firm for highly complex and sophisticated acquisition and leveraged financing transactions. The team has demonstrated impressive in-depth knowledge and structuring expertise across legal and commercial matters in these deals. The team is highly responsive and will take the time to understand the transaction and provide well thought-through solutions and astute legal advice."
M&A
"The team I work with are very responsive and provide commercial advice promptly. They understand the clients' needs. Highly competent. "
"Deep experience. Commercially minded but detailed. Committed to investing time and resources for clients. Ahead of other Singapore local firms in terms of developing services/capabilities in digital/tech law services."
"Excellent understanding of regulatory and corporate law."
"Led the transaction on the Singapore side. Very competent. Hands-on and proactive."
"Proactively advises on key risk areas and ways to address them."
"Sound and speedy advice."
"Subject matter expertise. Speed of response."
"Superior expertise. Practical, business-oriented solutions. Client-focused. Value for money."
"The team is highly competent and the rates provided are competitive. They add value at every possible opportunity and are always on standby to provide legal advice."
"They are extremely hands-on and commercial. Very good value for money."
"Value for money. Offers value-added service."
"Lawyers at the firm are approachable, friendly, commercially-minded, innovative and knowledgeable."
"Very experienced in M&A work. I can rely on their expertise to get the deal structuring right."
"An impressive firm in ASEAN with a remarkable geographical footprint in the region."
"Their advice was practical and prompt. They also went out of their way to facilitate negotiations between the parties."
Private equity
"Good technical knowledge, responsive and commercial."
"Client focused. Offers practical business-oriented solutions. Value for money."
"Experienced, responsive, practical."
"Good technical knowledge. Responsive and commercial."
"Quick, reliable response and turnaround."
"The firm has been helping us with private equity funds investment work for quite a while now. They know our needs well, are commercially minded and are fast in turning matters around."
"The partners and associates on the file acted professionally. They are knowledgeable and they are patient in explaining the mechanics and structure of the transaction. They are technically strong in problem solving, and deliver a fast turnaround time. They were a great help for the transaction."
"They provide commercial solutions, which are tailored to their clients’ business."
Project development
"Experienced team providing quality advice and legal support."
"Firm picks up quickly on issues and offers practical considerations and solutions."
Project finance
"Sound technical advice and prompt follow-up work."
"They think outside the box. Good digital, biotech and finance expertise."
Restructuring
"Strong branding and presence in the market. Sound legal advice, with extensive restructuring experience. They have led many major restructuring projects in Singapore in the past few years, and so they have a strong reputation as a leader in restructuring advisory."
"Always contactable. Professional. Quick response time."
Lawyer Feedback: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
Anne Yeo
"Exceptionally responsive, diligent, hardworking and trustworthy. Always a supportive partner – for more than a decade now."
"She is very knowledgeable and experienced and has a great relationship with her clients. She is also a pleasure to work with."
Arnold Tan
"Always approaches matters with both a legal and a commercial lens to provide practical advice."
"Very knowledgeable and solutions-minded. Gives balanced advice."
Beng Chye Chua
"Technically very strong."
"Friendly and approachable."
Brian Ng
"Always available and responsive. Provides tailored and win-win solutions. Very capable team for ASEAN cross-border matters and attuned to new ways of financing digital transformation topics and ESG."
Cynthia Goh
"Thorough and detailed. Strong commitment and responsive."
Cheryl Tan
"Very responsive."
Enoch Long
"Very patient. Reliable on timing of responses."
"Knowledgeable, patient in explaining the mechanics and structure of the transaction. Technically strong in solving problems. Fast turnaround time."
Elizabeth Teo
"Always timely and very responsive. Provides comprehensive and understandable solutions."
"Always contactable. Prepared to listen to problems of different natures and work out solutions."
Evelyn Wee
"She has been with us for almost six projects – and counting. She has been a valuable accessory to the PSA M&A team and we owe our successful M&A deal to her. She is patient, understanding and goes the extra mile for us."
"Senior lawyer who is smart but humble. Very approachable."
"She is hands-on and contactable. She is experienced and, at the same time, humble."
Favian Tan
"Experienced and well versed in many areas"
"Very good responsiveness. Able to understand our business objectives quickly and give good advice."
"Responsive and knowledgeable."
"Has patience and strong conflict-resolving skills."
"He is an excellent listener and is very sharp. He is able to grasp the issues very quickly and advise on what the next steps should be."
Hoon Chi Tern
"Experienced, sharp, efficient."
Jasmine Chew
"In-depth knowledge of our business and challenges and therefore able to provide commercial advice at all times."
Kwan Kiat Sim
"In-depth restructuring and insolvency experience. Knowledge of local and regional legal frameworks."
Lip San Soh
"Good bedside manner. Practical and has depth of experience."
Mui HuiTan
"Responsive and knowledgeable. Also able to explain concepts to clients very well."
Mark Cheng
"Very knowledgeable, proactive and commercial."
Mei Shi Ho
"Has sound knowledge and is patient. Good response time."
Philip Yeo
"Commercial, knowledgeable and responsible."
Raymond Tong
"Proactive and responsive lawyer who provides commercially viable and technically strong legal advice."
"Deep technical experience. Skilled at managing clients, leading negotiations and addressing clients’ business and risk needs."
Sey Ming Ng
"Sey Ming is responsible for overseeing the work of his associates and will not hesitate to step in to resolve issues as and when they arise."
"Has the ability to understand our business needs."
Sandy Foo
"She is able to provide practical and commercial advice and is very solutions-oriented."
"Hands on. Very competent. Great work ethic. Client focused."
"Client-focused. A top lawyer. Good to have her leading the team."
Shemane Chan
"Very experienced in the practice area and able to provide good advice."
Sheila Ng
"Very sound legal knowledge. Despite her age, she has extensive restructuring experience and is capable of providing commercially sensible solutions backed by legal opinion."
Tracy Ang
"Responsive, experienced, pragmatic."
Terence Quek
"Very approachable and pays close attention to clients’ needs."
Wee Hann Lim
"He has superior expertise and offers practical, business-oriented solutions. Client-focused and good value for money."
"He is very client focused and offers practical business-oriented solutions."
"A top lawyer who goes the extra mile for his clients."
"An exceptional lawyer with an impressive corporate/M&A track record."
"A fantastic corporate/M&A lawyer who handles the most complex transactions."
Weilin Lee
"Delivers according to the tight timeline set and is able to work under pressure. Has the ability to understand the bank’s requirements and to negotiate effectively on the bank’s behalf."
Xin Mei Lee
"Professional, knowledgeable."
"A very competent lawyer with good knowledge of the law. She is prompt and responsive and pragmatic in finding the solutions required for the business."
"A highly sought-after lawyer and our go-to partner for complex and sophisticated acquisition and leveraged financing transactions. She is able to easily grasp the nuances of the transactions, delivering expert advice tailored to our needs. She is a high-calibre talent who is the perfect embodiment of a well-rounded professional with a brilliant and astute mind coupled with a great personality. She is highly versatile in dealing with various legal and commercial considerations and demonstrates leadership abilities and a willingness to accommodate."
"Knowledgeable, patient in explaining the mechanics and structure of the transaction, technically strong in providing solutions. Fast turnaround time."
"Always professional, practical and reasonable."
Yoke Ping Cheng
"Very experienced. Goes all out to understand and try to address the client’s needs. Technically sound. We know we are in a safe pair of hands."
Zixiang Sun
"He is very affable and gives our work the utmost attention. He is also well versed in funds investment and gives practical advice. We are very happy with his work for us."
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)
Banking - Tier 4
Capital markets: Debt - Other notable
Mergers and acquisitions - Tier 3
Project development - Tier 3
Project finance - Tier 3
Leading Lawyers:
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan (Highly Regarded) – Project finance, M&A
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers
Banking and finance - Tier 3
Mergers and acquisitions - Tier 3
Project development - Tier 3
Leading Lawyers:
Huy Qiang Chau (Highly Regarded) – Energy, Food and beverage, Real estate
Vu Thi Que (Highly Regarded) – Project development, M&A
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited
Banking and finance - Tier 4
Capital markets: Equity - Other notable
Mergers and acquisitions - Other notable
Project development - Tier 3
Restructuring and insolvency - Tier 3
Rajah & Tann Myanmar
Financial and corporate - Tier 2
Project development - Tier 2
Leading Lawyers:
Alroy Chan (Rising Star Partner) – Financial and corporate
Chester Toh (Highly Regarded) - Banking
Hiroyuki Ota (Highly Regarded) – M&A
Rajah & Tann Myanmar is a leading full-service law firm based in Yangon Myanmar. It is part of Singapore-headquartered Rajah & Tann Asia, the largest network of lawyers in Southeast Asia.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm performs consistently well in a diverse and complex portfolio of projects across numerous sectors including energy, construction, real estate development, shipping, healthcare, education, logistics, FMCG and financial services.
Its strength is in representing foreign banks and investors on financings, investments and acquisitions in Myanmar, as well as managing disputes and enforcement of rights and claims.
Key clients
Notable clients include Myanmar Distribution Group, KHG Holdings, Zaykabar, Max Myanmar Group, Forever Group, Myanma Awba Group, Eden Group, Shwe Taung Group and Dagon Group.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
In financial and corporate practice areas, the firm acted for another of high-value financing deals including for a foreign bank as an onshore security agent in Myanmar, and worked several investment and acquisition mandates across a wide range of sectors including agriculture.
On the project financing front, the firm acted for investors involved in infrastructure projects in the oil and gas and transport sectors.
In staffing changes, partner Kyaw Swa Myint departed the firm in October 2021.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
• Overseas Chinese Banking (Yangon Branch) $40 million financing
• Denko Trading / Denko Petrochemical LPG plant joint development
• Eden Agritech Company $3.84 million 40% stake acquisition in Agri First
• Yangon Central Railway Station project
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
Project development
"Very responsive, gives commercially sensible legal advice, walks through various scenarios and possibilities with us in detail and takes our inputs to reach the best possible action based on the probability of success."
Lawyer Feedback: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
Alroy Chan
"Very responsive, understands our business very well, able to give us innovative solutions to difficult problems and always able to find a good solution for the best possible outcome."
Rajah & Tann (Laos) Co., Ltd
Financial and corporate – Tier 3
Project development – Tier 3
Leading Lawyers:
Lee Hock Chye (Highly Regarded) – Banking and finance, Corporate and M&A
R&T Sok & Heng Law Office
Financial and corporate – Tier 1
Project development – Tier 2
Leading Lawyers:
Chhay Heng (Highly Regarded) – Banking, Project Finance, M&A
Sieng Deline (Highly Regarded) – Banking and finance
Sok Khavan (Highly Regarded) – Banking, Project Finance, M&A
Tiv Sophonnora (Notable Practitioner) – Banking, M&A
Founded in 2010, R&T Sok & Heng is a member of the Rajah & Tann Asia network and maintains an office in Phnom Penh.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is a strong player in the Cambodian legal market and performs consistently well across the financial and corporate and project development areas.
The firm advises on banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, and project development transactions across a variety of industries, including energy, retail, banking and financial services, insurance, consumer products, technology and telecommunications, and healthcare.