Banking
& Finance

Singapore | Drew & Napier LLC

Chambers Asia Pacific and Global
Banking & Finance 2024 – Leading firm for 19 consecutive years
Banking & Finance (International Firms): Indonesia 2024

Pauline Chong - Band 4 Lawyer for 3 consecutive years
Julian Kwek - Singapore expertise based abroad

• "They are highly responsive; their turnaround is one of the fastest I have met. They are also very well versed with the key legal terms in any facility.”
• "Drew & Napier has an excellent team that has strong knowledge and is very dependable on tight closing deadlines.”
• "The team produces excellent work and is able to explain to those less knowledgeable. Their knowledge is excellent and there is always someone to help, from very high level to more specific matters."
• "The partners are attentive, smart, willing to go the extra mile."
• "The team produces excellent work and is able to explain to those less knowledgeable. Their knowledge is excellent and there is always someone to help, from very high level to more specific matters."
• "The partners are attentive, smart, willing to go the extra mile."
• One interviewee praises Drew & Napier's "very good quality of service, and ability to deliver and understand our needs."
• Another source describes the team as "meticulous" in its approach.
• "It's a formidable firm with a strong resource base," a client says, adding: "The lawyers are responsive, diligent and detailed". Another praises the lawyers, calling them "very professional, reliable and target-oriented".
• Clients report that the firm is a "very well-established and recognised name in Singapore; they're responsive and clearly a leader in this industry."
• "Their work and turnaround time were exceptional. They far exceeded our expectations compared to our dealings with other firms in the past."
• “Over the years, Drew & Napier has provided us with first class legal services. We have tried several international law firms operating out of Singapore but have not found one as good as Drew & Napier.”
• “Very responsive and quick to deliver. Always ready to attend to questions and a pleasure to deal with. Solution oriented and practical in approach. Extremely reliable in terms of the research that is done to back up advice.”
• “Clients describe the outfit as ‘an approachable and dedicated team’.”
• “Definitely one of the best full-service firms in Singapore,” says one interviewee, adding: “Their advice is relevant and uncluttered, because they take the time to understand each deal with its specific needs.”
• “They have knowledge and professionalism.”
• Sources say: "An excellent practice, which is extremely pragmatic and responsive".
• “Many high-profile firms give good technical advice but sometimes it's not very commercial – we want proactive, problem-solving solutions and this is something you get from Drew & Napier.”
• “Clients praise the team’s ‘diligent and responsive approach – you know they’ll have everything covered’.”

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Banking & Finance 2024 – Leading firm for 13 consecutive years

Pauline Chong - Recommended Lawyer
Renu Menon - Recommended Lawyer
Lau Sok Hiang - Recommended Lawyer

• “The team is able to explain complex issues is commercial terms making it easy to understand.”
• “Drew & Napier LLC – Banking and Finance strength lies in their profound expertise demonstrated through their dealing of the transaction. They possess a deep understanding of the industry landscape, allowing them to provide insightful solutions and legal advice. Compared to other firms, this practice comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a ranger of perspectives that enhance problem-solving.”
• “Renu Menon promptly addresses and answers queries raised regarding the various transaction documents. She pays careful attention to specifics and embraces a customer-focused methodology. Unlike other competitors, Renu Menon ensures that every aspect of the transaction is thoroughly attended to, fostering a level of care and engagement that sets her apart in the field.”
• “The team is known to adopt a no-nonsense approach. No stone too big or too small to look under, and they will try their utmost to find a solution to the matter. They offer service pro bono with no lack or reduction of their service.”
• “Despite being a legal powerhouse and requires little or no introduction in Singapore, no deal or enquiry is too small for Drew. This is what that sets Drew apart and makes Drew relatable to both institutions and retailers alike.”
• “Pauline Chong provides “gold” standard of service and unparalleled strategic depth and speed with her high-level advice on exacting legal and commercial difficulties posed to her.”
• “Drew & Napier is a firm that is in the bank’s panel. We have worked with them as lenders counsel in transactions and they have consistently delivered.”
• “Pauline Chong is very approachable, highly professional, and responsive.” “In a firm of so many stars, one can sometimes overlook lawyers, but Ben is one that should not be missed. He is extremely effective, and that is what you need in a litigator – someone who just gets results. He is also a good communicator, respectful in billing, and very bright.”
• “In a firm of so many stars, one can sometimes overlook lawyers but Ben is one that should not be missed. He is extremely effective, and that is what you need in a litigator – someone who just gets results. He is also a good communicator, respectful in billing, and very bright.”
• “Good technical knowledge and up-to-date with latest developments.”
• “Pauline Chong – Responsive and able to understand client’s needs.”
• “Benedict Teo has a good team of lawyers who provide commercially driven legal advice.”
• “A leading corporate law firm; experienced with in-depth knowledge; highly professional in their dealings. The firm provides a full suite of services and is able to meet the diverse needs of their clients.”
• “Pauline Chong is well experienced, efficient and knowledgeable. She provides sound advice in the context of complex situations. A highly responsive and responsible individual.”
• “I worked with the Banking Litigation team. Good points: Knowledge, experience, client management, case handling and strategy, detailed and meticulous work.”
• “The team is collaborative and well coordinated across different departments. Experienced, responsive and gives good advice”
• “Committed, good technical knowledge, commercial and good communication skills.”
• “The diversity of skills and knowledge of the legal eagles at Drew Napier is astounding and exudes confidence. They have the resources at hand to afford excellent service”
• “Renu Menon has been most helpful and provides quick responses despite her punishing schedule. Advice is practical and wholesome.”
• “Client engagement – understanding of customers’ needs and prompt replies.”
• “Outstanding knowledge of the area of expertise.”
• “Responsive and professional”
• “Pauline Chong is professional, efficient, knowledgeable and helpful.”
• “The team is highly professional in their dealings and advice. They are responsive and approachable in meeting timeline and providing solutions and alternatives to protect the interest of the bank.”
• The firm is an “active force in acquisition finance, refinancings, project finance and receivables financing.”
• The team is ‘excellent’, ‘very professional’ and ‘runs transactions seamlessly’.
• Drew & Napier LLC’s banking team is rated for its ‘very commercial’ approach and the ‘accessibility’ of lead partners.”
• “Drew & Napier LLC demonstrates ‘particularly good industry and country knowledge’.”
• Clients of Drew & Napier LLC have a "high level of confidence in the team", and note that the lawyers display "considerable business acumen".
• “Pauline Chong is highly recommended.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Banking & Finance 2023 – Leading firm for 11 consecutive years

• "Professional. Takes care of most angles of the deal to protect the bank."
• "The partners are very smart. They adopted a 360-degree approach to the issue and to finding solutions that are implementable."
• "Prompt, solutions-oriented, pragmatic."
• "Responsive, sound technical knowledge and has the ability to deliver good advice."
• “Drew & Napier is one of the best law firms that I have the privilege to work with especially in relation to complicated financial transactions. Not only can they identify the key issues arising from the transactions, but [they] also provide the clients with innovative solutions to address those issues".
• “We have been using Drew & Napier as our main legal counsel for more than 10 years now and have always found the firm to be thoroughly professional and the staff members assigned to us knowledgeable both in the legal aspects as well as able to advise on the commercial impact and ramifications.”
• “Solid knowledge of local and international laws and regulations. Solid legal advice on commercial considerations from banking and legal perspectives. Solid advice on market standards from a banking perspective.”
• “Quality advice, quick turnaround time, reasonable rates and flexible charges. Offering to teach my banking staff in legal matters and update them on the latest developments in the legal area.”
• “Responsive, sound technical knowledge and has the ability to deliver good advice.”
  “Highly accessible, easy to work, and possesses in-depth knowledge.”
• “Over the years, Drew & Napier has provided us with first class legal services. We have tried several international law firms operating out of Singapore but have not found one as good as Drew & Napier.”
• “Very responsive and quick to deliver. Always ready to attend to questions and a pleasure to deal with. Solution oriented and practical in approach. Extremely reliable in terms of the research that is done to back up advice.”
• The firm’s lawyers are praised for our “good knowledge and acumen”. Pauline Chong is commended for being “Diligent, knowledgeable and responsive.”
• “Highly professional, responsive and knowledgeable.”
• “Excellent legal and commercial advice on banking matters which is current and practical for business purposes.”
• “Strong in corporate banking matters, understands trade and treasury products very well, always giving ideas for better ways of structuring financing lines, innovative in helping the find suitable solutions, and willing to walk the extra mile, clocking extra hours to rush out urgent cases.“
• “One of the better legal professionals around, she is helpful, knowledgeable and professional in her dealings.”
• “She is quick to respond with precise input. Use of associates for routines is very helpful in reducing the cost without compromising the quality. I could not see any weakness during our interaction.”
• “Pauline is very detailed when she reviews documents. She brings in a local perspective and provides the best practice in the market for such documents. She gives easy to understand examples so that we can understand why certain clauses needed to be worded in a certain way. This really made my job so much easier. It is so pleasant to be working with Pauline.”
• Renu Menon is “friendly and easy to work with,” she has “thorough knowledge and provides quick solutions.”
• “She’s efficient, detailed and experienced in her field of work.”

Chambers Asia Pacific and Global
Banking & Financial Services 2023/24 – Highly Recommended practice for 6 consecutive years
Banking & Finance 2023/2024 – Recommended practice for 5 consecutive years

• "Highly professional, responsive and approachable.” 
• “They understand the concerns, are responsive and provide solutions.” 
• “Always focused on protecting its client's interests.”
• “Commercial and practical advice, prompt responses, and clarity of explanation.” 
• “The firm is professional in dealing with the bank’s lawyer and able to provide us with the legal advice.”
• “Prompt, practical and responsive.”
• “Fast, quick, number one in litigation, and they give prompt replies.” 
• “Experienced and efficient. Organised with a clear action plan.” 
• “Professional and meticulous.”
• “The firm satisfactorily review and made various recommendations and amendments. The firm has done its requested works in an excellent and responsible manner.”
• “Prompt, solutions-oriented, knowledgeable.”
• “While being a top tier firm in Singapore, fees were extremely reasonable and accommodating to the fact that we were a non-revenue generating start-up. The partner in charge broke down the potential issues clearly, gave us the relevant advice and offered forward-thinking considerations for us to take note. The analysis was deep, yet easy to understand, thorough and commercially practical.”
• "Legal counsel was thorough and provided us with the pros and cons of the case objectively."
• "Able to meet tight timeline and provide clear advice."
• "Professional and easy to work with."
• "A very capable overall banking and finance practice."
• "Willing to go the extra mile for the client. Innovative. Good communication skills."
• "Professional, clear understanding of issue and ability to provide solutions."
• "Professional, helpful and knowledgeable."

Asian Legal Business (ALB) SE Asia Law Awards
Asset and Corporate Finance Deal of the Year 2016 (Takeover of STATS ChipPAC Ltd by Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Technology (JCET))

Southeast Asia Deal of the Year 2014 (Takeover of Fraser & Neave)

ALB Innovative List
Top 10 firm across Asia 2016 (Takeover of STATS ChipPAC Ltd by JCET)

The Asian Lawyer Emerging Markets Awards
Finance Deal of the Year: Banking 2016 (Takeover of STATS ChipPAC Ltd by JCET)

Singapore Business Review Business Ranking Awards
Deal of the Year 2015 (Takeover of STATS ChipPAC Ltd by JCET)

Asian-MENA Counsel ‘In House Community Firm of the Year’
Projects and Project Financing Singapore Firm of the Year 2014

The Straits Times - Singapore’s Best Law Firms 2022
Rated a perfect score of 5 stars for Banking & Finance in the Singapore’s Best Law Firms 2022 survey by Singapore’s largest circulating broadsheet, The Straits Times, and international research company, Statista; 4 stars in 2021.

Indonesia | Makarim & Taira S

Chambers Asia Pacific
Banking & Finance 2024 - Leading firm for 17 consecutive years

Maria Sagrado - Band 4

• "The Makarim & Taira team have been very prompt with their responses. They actively flag risks to the client and provide commercial solutions."
• "They have been in the banking and finance business for many years and can handle many types of case."

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Banking & Finance 2024 - Tier 2 for 10 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Banking & Finance 2024 - Tier 2 for 10 consecutive years

Maria Sagrado - Highly Regarded

• “Makarim & Taira S. is a very reputable law firm with a deep understanding of the law as well as of the relevant sectors of business and the needs of the clients.
• Maria Sagrado: “Maria is a very reputable lawyer. Maria is always responsive and has an excellent knowledge of the law as well as a deep understanding of the relevant areas of industry and of the needs of the client.”
• Lebdo Dwi Paripurno: “Lebdo is an excellent lawyer with a deep understanding of the law and the relevant areas of industry. He never misses any deadline."

Malaysia | Shearn Delamore & Co

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Banking and Finance 2024 – Band 2 for 2 consecutive years; Previously Band 3 (3 years ranked) and Band 2 (10 years ranked)
Banking and Finance: Debt Capital Markets 2024 – Band 2; Previously Band 3 (3 years ranked) and Band 2 (6 years ranked)

Pamela Kung – Band 2; Previously Band 3 for 5 consecutive years

• "The partners are attentive, anticipate issues and assist in solving issues.”
• “Pam is easy to work with and helpful towards solving issues and in thinking out of the box.”
• Interviewees attest that "they have good industry understanding" in this space.
• Clients are impressed by the team's efficiency, noting its "fast turnaround time". This source also highlights the lawyers' "deep knowledge of financing" as a key strength, adding that "they meet clients' needs all the time".
• Clients cite attentiveness as a key attribute, describing the team as "extremely hands-on, analytical and knowledgeable".
• A client asserts: "They are helpful and respond to issues raised in a timely manner".
• "Strong and dedicated solicitors who fully understand the client's needs and have a good knowledge of the sector."
• “Jeyanthini Kannaperan is respected for her significant experience in relation to banking disputes, including securities law. Rabindra Nathan is mandated on disputes related to financial products.”

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Banking and Finance 2024 - Top Tier for 10 consecutive years
Islamic Finance 2022 - Tier 2 for 4 consecutive years

Christina Kow - Hall of Fame for 3 consecutive years 
Christina Kow - Leading Individual in Banking and Finance (2014-2020)
Pamela Kung - Leading Individual in Banking and Finance for 6 consecutive years
Christina Kow - Recommended Lawyer in Islamic Finance (2018-2022)
Pamela Kung - Recommended Lawyer in Islamic Finance (2013-2022)

• Tier 1 Firm in Dispute Practice – Head, Jeyanthini Kannaperan handles a range of banking and finance, land and corporate disputes. Rabindra S Nathan represents clients in corporate and commercial litigation, banking, insolvency litigation and international commercial litigation.

asialaw Profiles
Banking and Finance 2023 – Highly Recommended for 9 consecutive years 

Rabindra Nathan - Elite Practitioner
Christina Kow - Leading Individual

• Attentive and professional.”
• “Good sound advice and exceeds expectations in their response timings."
• “Possessed the expertise in employment and industrial law with ability to provide practical solutions to clients.”
• “They are very professional and went above and beyond their duties,” says a corporate director.
• “They covered every legal aspect that was required and even helped us arrange specs in the US."

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Banking and Finance 2023 – Tier 2 for 14 consecutive years

Christina Kow - Highly Regarded for 2 consecutive years
Pamela Kung - Highly Regarded for 2 consecutive years

• One client summarises the firm’s strengths: “Reactive, creative and hardworking: these are just some of the reasons why I would recommend the firm. The lawyers were very pragmatic and offered a range of options to solve our problems.”
• One client recommends the firm on the strength of its lawyers: “The lawyers provide vast experience and excellent technical expertise. Upon this, the partner was wonderful to have as a member of the negotiating team because she can be reasonable, pragmatic and also firm when the situation demands it.

Asia Business Law Journal
Structured Finance & Securitisation 2022 – Winner for Malaysia jurisdiction

Philippines | MVGS

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 
Banking and Finance  – Top Tier for 5 consecutive years since 2017; Tier 2 in 2016, Tier 3 in 2015 and Tier 4 in 2014

Mark Vergara – Leading Individual for 4 consecutive years since 2018; Recommended Lawyer (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021)
Manuel Gonzalez – Recommended Lawyer (2015, 2016, 2017)
Rosalia Bartolome-Alejo – Recommended Lawyer for 8 consecutive years since 2014
Erika Paulino – Next Generation Partner for 2 consecutive years since 2020; Recommended Lawyer for 4 consecutive years since 2018

• “MVGS’ banking practice stands out for the breadth of its work which encompasses advice on financings and refinancings, regulatory advice, and transactions in the debt capital market. It is particularly active assisting with the financing of energy projects, as well as corporate financing, while on the consumer banking side the team has advised fintech companies involved in remittances. The practice is also the retained counsel to a number of local and foreign banks in the Philippines.”
• “The team is not only professionally cordial and warm, but absolutely dedicated to a timely resolution of concerns to close the documentation, transactions or deal”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Banking - Tier 3 firm for 3 consecutive years since 2020; Notable firm in 2019

• “Provision of legal services with business perspective, wide range of expertise and pro client approach.”
• “Skilled lawyer, excellent project management and business oriented”

Asialaw Profiles
“Philippines Firm of the Year”  Nominee, Asialaw Awards 2021
Banking and Finance 2021 – Recommended firm
Banking and Financial Services – Recommended in Industry Sector Rankings for 2021

Thailand | Tilleke & Gibbins

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Banking and Finance 2023 – Tier 2

Asialaw Profiles
Banking and Finance 2024 – Recommended for 7 consecutive years

Santhapat Periera – Notable Practitioner for 5 consecutive years
Niti Muangkote – Rising Star for 2 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Banking and Finance 2024 – Tier 3

Vietnam | Tilleke & Gibbins

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Banking and Finance 2023 – Tier 4 for 5 consecutive years

Asialaw Profiles
Banking and Finance 2024 – Other Notable for 3 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Banking and Finance 2024 – Other Notable for 10 consecutive years

Cambodia | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years

Jay Cohen – Band 2 for 2 consecutive years
David Mol – Associate to Watch

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Tier 2 for 6 consecutive years

Jay Cohen – Leading Individual for 3 consecutive years
David Mol – Next Generation Partner for 6 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial and Corporate 2024 – Tier 2 for 4 consecutive years

Jay Cohen – Highly Regarded for 2 consecutive years

Laos | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 2 for 2 consecutive years

Dino Santaniello – Band 2 for 4 consecutive years

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Tier 1 for 6 consecutive years

Dino Santaniello – Leading Individual for 5 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial and Corporate 2024 – Tier 2 for 3 consecutive years

Santhapat Periera – Highly Regarded for 8 consecutive years
Niti Muangkote – Rising Star

Myanmar | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 4 for 4 consecutive years

Asialaw Profiles
Banking and Financial Services 2024 – Recommended for 7 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial and Corporate 2024 – Tier 3 for 6 consecutive years

Yuwadee Thean-ngarm – Highly Regarded for 5 consecutive years
Derrick Khoo – Rising Star Partner for 3 consecutive years
Nwe Oo – Rising Star