IFLR 1000 (2023 - 2024)
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
Hout Sotheary (Highly Regarded, Women Leaders) – Financial & Corporate
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, as well as startups and social media platforms.
Key clients
Notable clients include Meta, Google, YouTube, TikTok, Alibaba, Amazon, Visa, Coca Cola, Starbucks, The Body Shop, Zurich, AXA, Airbnb, Changi Airport, Etiqa and Qatar Airways.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
The firm has been active in banking, capital markets and M&A work during the research cycle.
The firm’s banking work was primarily corporate finance – predominantly asset financing – transactions where its clients were the lenders.
In the capital markets area, the firm advised on both debt and equity transactions. On the debt side it acted for issuers on bond issues. On the equity side it worked for issuers on IPOs.
In M&A, the firm was mostly active in private acquisition and joint venture work, with several cross-border transactions acted for acquirers related to agriculture, healthcare and the financial services sector.
The firm was highly visible in project development work and the team was active in the real estate and technology and telecommunications sector.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Macau Legend Development’s $90 million acquisition of a Cambodian company holding an interest over 1,200 hectares of lands in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.
JS Land’s CSX IPO
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
Intan Paramita (Rising Star Partner) – Capital Markets
Kanya Satwika (Highly Regarded, Women Leaders) – Project development, Project finance, Islamic finance
Putu Suryastuti (Highly Refarded, Women Leaders) – Capital Markets
Mohammad Renaldi Zulkarnain (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets, Islamic finance
Tunnggul Purusa Utomo (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets, Banking, Project finance, M&A
Valerie Ngooi (Notable Practitioner) – 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: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking, capital markets, M&A, project development and restructuring and insolvency work.
The banking team was active for a mix of lenders and borrowers on domestic and cross-border financing. It also advised on financial services regulatory matters.
In the capital markets area, the firm advised on debt and equity transactions. On the debt side, it mainly acted for issuers on high-yield bonds, note offerings and rights issues. On the equity side it worked for issuers on IPOs.
In M&A, the firm was mostly active on strategic deals on both buy and sell side. The deals were in the banking and energy sectors.
Projects highlights include advising the BPLJSKB Proving Ground PPP project, which was expected to be the first international standard proving ground in Indonesia.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm acted for creditors and receivers in construction and materials sectors.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Bukalapak and Growtheum Capital Partners’ joint venture.
GoTo Gojek Tokopedia’s IPO.
Government of the Republic of Indonesia’s $3.25 billion Sukuk offering.
Satelit Nusantara Lima’s $110 million asset finance.
Sinarmas LDA Usaha Pelabuhan’s $19.25 million acquisition finance.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets
“Assegaf Hamzah & Partners always provide their excellent deliverables in a timely manner. They deploy an adequate number of lawyers on our project, in which such lawyers are very expert in the respective area and can be reached almost at any time.”
“They provide careful and thoughtful advice.”
M&A
“Very knowledgeable. Very responsive. Provide solution not just outlining regulations.”
Ahmad Fikri Assegaf
“Very responsive and attentive to client's needs.”
Wildan Lukman
“Wildan provides timely response and is easy to access. He has good coverage on the Indonesia legal system and regulation as well as its correlation for the banking industry.”
Putu Suryastuti
“She is conservative and provides solid advice.”
“Very good knowledge to attend client's needs.”
Tunggul Utomo
“Very knowledgeable. Very hard-working.”
Rajah & Tann (Laos) Co., Ltd
Financial and corporate – Tier 3
Project development – Tier 3
Leading Lawyers:
Lee Hock Chye (Notable Practitioner) – Banking and finance, Corporate and M&A
Headquartered in Vientiane, Rajah & Tann established its Laos office in 2010 and is helmed by managing partner Lee Hock Chye.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its financial and corporate and project development work. The firm’s experience covers advisory on matters related to mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, project finance and regulatory compliance.
Its sectors of focus include energy, power, infrastructure, construction and technology.
Key clients
Key clients include EDL-Generation Public, Visa Worldwide, Alipay, SC Johnson, Facebook, Phongsavanh Bank and DKSH.
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
Emily Cheah (Rising Star) – M&A
Fiona Sequerah (Notable Practitioner, Women Leaders) – Banking & Finance
George Anthony David Dass (Expert Consultant) – M&A
Kelvin Kho (Notable Practitioner) - M&A
Kuok Yew Chen (Highly Regarded) – Corporate and M&A
See Ting Yon (Highly Regarded, Women Leaders) – Capital Markets: Equity
Shemane Chan (Highly Regarded, Women Leaders) – Project development
Siaw Wan Lim (Rising Star Partner) – Project development
Founded in 2013, Christopher & Lee Ong is a member of the Rajah & Tann Asia network and is located in Kuala Lumpur. Key figures include partners Christopher Lee, Chor Jack, Eileen Yeoh and Shemane Chan.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is known for its market-leading projects practice and has strong offerings in banking and finance, capital markets and corporate and M&A.
The banking team is experienced in advising on a range of financing transactions such as acquisition financing, project financing, and real estate financing and also takes on financial services regulatory work.
The corporate team advises a diverse array of clients including domestic and multinational companies, government-linked corporations, private equity clients, and SMEs from various sectors such as energy, retail, logistics, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology and telecommunications.
The firm has a track record of advising on landmark transactions in the projects space and is experienced in advising on matters including EPC contracts, power purchase agreements, OAM agreements, concession agreements and construction contracts.
Key clients
Key clients include Edenor Technology, Khoo Kah Pheng and Lim Kooi Fui, Creador IV LP, AirAsia, Maxis Broadbandand One Rock Capital Partners.
Client feedback: 32ndedition (2022/2023)
M&A
"Understands client needs and tailors accordingly."
Private equity
"Professionalism, attention to detail, trustworthiness, timeliness and going above and beyond."
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
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
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:
Andrea Katipunan (Rising Star Partner) – Project Development, M&A
Annalisa J. Carlota (Rising Star Partner) – Project Development
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan (Highly Regarded) – Project finance, M&A
Established in 2007, Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is a full-service law firm located in Makati. It is a member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia, southeast Asia’s largest legal network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm specialises in corporate and commercial transactions, litigation and arbitration, taxation, as well as labour and employment. It is particularly active in the energy, real estate and technology industries.
Key clients
Key clients include Ayala Land, Aboitiz group and Lopez/First Gen.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
The banking team was active for a mix of lenders and borrowers on domestic and cross-border structuring, closing lending, securities and other financing transactions.
In M&A, the firm was active on strategic deals on both the buy and sell side. The deals were in the real estate, aviation, energy, manufacturing, logistics, technology and BPO industries.
In projects, the firm is well versed in a variety of both public and private construction and infrastructure work and especially in the energy sector.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Export-Import Bank of China concessional loan.
Lendable SPC/Lendable Asset Management $20 million term loan facility
Liquefied natural gas infrastructure development project.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“Excellent in their advice, responsive and pragmatic.”
Andrea Katipunan
“Extremely responsive.”
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
Banking and finance - Tier 2
Capital markets: Debt - Tier 2
Capital markets: Equity - Tier 2
Mergers and acquisitions - Tier 1
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, Women Leaders) – 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
Cynthia Wu (Rising Star Partner) – Capital Markets
Danny Lim (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets : Equity, M&A
Eugene Lee (Highly Regarded) – Capital Markets: Debt, Capital Markets: Equity
Evelyn Wee (Highly Regarded) – Capital markets, M&A
Favian Tan (Notable Practitioner) – M&A
Hiroyuki Ota (Highly Regarded) – 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
Jasmine Chew (Notable Practitioner) – Investment Funds
Kimberly Tho (Rising Star) – Project Development
Lawrence Tan (Notable Practitioner) – M&A
Lee Eng Beng – 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
Philip Yeo (Highly Regarded) – Investment Funds
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, Women Leaders) – Project development, Banking, Project finance, M&A
Shemane Chan (Highly Regarded, Women Leaders) – 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 the 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 advisers.
Key clients
Key clients include SAM Trade group, Shanghai Huaxin Group (Hong Kong), H&C S Holdings, Agritrade International, Vauld group, Hajime Shinji, REXLot Holdings, Eagle Hospitality REIT, Hyflux Group, Hontop Energy (Singapore), Cosco Shipping (Qidong) Offshore, Ezion Holdings and Swissco Group.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
In the capital markets area, the firm advised on debt and equity transactions. On the debt side, it acted for issuer in bond issues. In a landmark mandate, the firm advised the issuer on a fixed rate note, which is the first bond in Singapore with a coupon step-down upon re-rating to investment grade. On the equity side it worked for issuers on IPOs.
The corporate team was very active in cross-border mergers, takeover offers, divestment and asset acquisition. The firm covered clients from different sectors including investment management, financial services, real estate, technology and telecommunications and logistics.
In the project space, the firm notably advised clients in energy, transport, technology and telecommunications, construction and materials, and industrials and manufacturing.
The firm promoted four partners in the capital markets team, including Janice Pui, Jasselyn Seet, Enoch Long and Dodo Lim, while partner Cheng Yoke Ping retired.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
AustAsia Group’s IPO.
Cuscaden Peak’s S$6.6 billion ($4.9 billion) competing takeover acquisition offer.
GLL IHT’s S$3 billion multicurrency medium term note programme.
Lendlease Global Commercial REIT’s equity fund raising.
OUE CT Treasury’s S$100 million 4.20% fixed rate notes issuance.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Asset finance
“They are responsive, thoughtful but able to remain pragmatic to adapt to business constraints.”
Banking and finance
“Detailed and prompt. Good understanding of the limited partnership structure and the intricacies involved.”
“Experienced and very ‘market’. Speed of reply and strong team is helpful.”
“Practical, solutions-oriented and customer centric.”
Financial services regulatory
“Client-first approach. Very responsive.”
“Very responsive when timing was critical. Very knowledgeable with regards to our regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore.”
Insolvency
“Market leaders, client-oriented, well regarded in Singapore.”
“Strong construction claim case knowledge.”
“Very knowledgeable, commercial and pragmatic.”
Investment funds
“Experienced, commercial.”
“Helpful, business oriented.”
“Responsive when necessary and providing good-quality work.”
Private equity
“Experienced, knowledgeable, commercial, prompt.”
“Our partnership with R&T has lasted for several years thus far. They are very aware of our needs/interests and take these to heart when providing recommendations during the review process. Their standard of work and deliverables are high and yet they do not charge exorbitantly.”
Project development
“They are very knowledgeable about the contract clauses and provided invaluable advice, including the drafting and proposed clauses, to close the issues with the counterparties.”
Restructuring
“R&T partners are highly competent, multi-disciplinary, responsive, fun to work with and provide commercially sensible advice and solutions to problems and situations.”
Adzfar Alami
“Adzfar is extremely dedicated, highly responsive and always goes the extra mile for clients. He is always kind and patient in taking the time to explain concepts to clients. His strong personal skills help him to connect well with clients. Adzfar is also very knowledgeable and able to deliver expert and tailored legal advice to help address legal and commercial issues. He is highly reliable and can always be counted on to deliver high-quality work even under compressed timelines.”
Patrick Ang
“Highly competent, responsive, knowledgeable and provides commercially sensible and practical advice.”
Shemane Chan
“Always ready to support us during the entire contracting phase.”
Mark Cheng
“Extremely knowledgeable, commercial and responsive.”
Jasmine Chew
“Clear, concise, able to provide customised insightful solutions to clients.”
“She is amongst the most knowledgeable lawyer we have worked with that has a strong understanding of Singapore's regulations and licensing. She is able to honestly project to us the possible risks that we may encounter and areas that we should focus on and recommends mitigation of those risks.”
Beng Chye Chua
“Great communication skills, extremely client-focused, technically strong, able to generate creative solutions.”
Chi Tern Hoon
“Practicable, patient, knowledgeable.”
Jasmine Thng
“She’s a very dedicated, hard-working and brilliant young lawyer.”
Weilin Lee
“Experienced and very market oriented. Speedy reply and strong leader.”
“Good appreciation of my business and our considerations. Able to recommend solutions and negotiate best terms on my behalf.”
Xin Mei Lee
“Practical, quick and solutions oriented.”
“Xin Mei is our go-to lawyer for highly structured and complex leveraged and acquisition financing. She is always able to quickly grasp the nuances in highly complex transactions and is extremely knowledgeable in both legal and commercial issues. She is extremely dedicated, always responsive and highly reliable – you can always count on her to deliver high-quality work even under compressed deadlines. She is also highly personable, connects well with her clients and demonstrates great leadership. She is solution-oriented and is always patient in taking the time to explain concepts to clients.”
Angela Lim
“Dedicated.”
Raelene Pereira
“Very approachable and diligent.”
Avinash Pradhan
“He has deep knowledge in construction and is a very talented lawyer. In a very short time, he studied my legal case, cracked the high court judgment and won in appeal.”
Zixiang Sun
“Zixiang is very attentive and responsive to his clients’ needs. He's also very knowledgeable about fund investments, and his exposure and experience allow him to give a fair and balanced take on every scenario that comes up. He adopts a client-first approach and would actively advise clients on spotted issues even if unprompted.”
Arnold Tan
“Arnold is very responsive when the timing of advice is critical. Arnold is very knowledgeable when it comes to matters related to our regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore.”
“Very knowledgeable.”
Anne Yeo
“Experienced and patient.”
“Responsive, deep industry knowledge, willing to listen.”
“Very responsive, easily accessible. In-depth knowledge of regulatory matters. Provides innovative solutions.”
Philip Yeo
“Knowledgeable, hard-working, commercial, responsive.”
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
R&T Asia (Thailand) is a member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia. The Bangkok office has grown to almost 60 lawyers. The team is made up of leading individuals and is led by renowned managing partner Surasak Vajasit, a former judge, recognised as a legal heavyweight in Thailand.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has in-depth experience in banking and finance matters, including high-profile transactions and complex cross-border matters.
The firm is also well known for structuring foreign investment approvals, corporate commercial matters for investors, and providing wide-ranging assistance in regulatory and licensing issues.
Key clients
Key clients include Krungthai Bank, Mitsubishi Corporation and Fujifilm Business Innovation.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the review period, the firm was responsible for several confidential banking, M&A and restructuring and insolvency mandates.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Krungthai Bank’s committed credit facility agreement.
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers
Banking and finance - Tier 3
Mergers and acquisitions - Tier 3
Project development - Tier 3
Leading Lawyers:
Logan Leung (Rising Star Partner) – M&A
Huy Qiang Chau (Highly Regarded) – Energy, Food and beverage, Real estate
Huynh Thi Thu Thuy (Rising Star Partner) – Banking & Finance
Nguyen Dinh Nha (Notable Practitioner) – Banking & Finance, M&A
Vu Thi Que (Highly Regarded) – Project development, M&A
Full-service law firm Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and is a member of the Rajah & Tann Asia network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is a consistent performer in banking and finance, M&A and project development.
The banking team is experienced, advising both lenders and borrowers, and often acts for financial institutions.
The corporate team acts on M&A matters and is also experienced advising venture capital funds and seed companies.