Private
Wealth

Drew Network Asia’s (DNA) Private Wealth team is proud to serve Asia’s leading business families. We are distinguished by our bespoke, multi-disciplinary, and multi-jurisdictional approach in advising on wealth management, succession and protection planning. Our singular focus is to provide sound solutions – for today and the future.

The DNA team is culturally sensitive to Asian wealth philosophies and our legal solutions reflect this. We firmly believe that family values are created through generations of sound relationships and not through legal and trust structures.

We sensitively support our clients’ vision and aspirations through sustained engagements with their successors and beneficiaries to promote a common vision. We are completely independent of any financial institutions and are fiercely loyal to our clients’ best interest.

We are highly experienced in handling family business disputes across multi-jurisdictions and we understand the intricacies of familial relationships. We take pride in knowing our clients personally and we understand the wishes of the founders.

Our Private Wealth practice offers family businesses, individuals and family offices the full range of services in four key areas:

Establishment and Structuring

  • Risk Analysis against Wealth Dilution and Leakages
  • Bespoke Trusts & Foundations for succession and protection planning
  • Strategies for separation of Business Successions vs Wealth Successions
  • Intra-family Settlements and assets division
  • Intra-family Dispute Resolution
  • High Risk Matrimonial Protection and Planning
  • Family Business and Corporate Restructuring

Investments Management

  • Structure reorganisation for tax and financial efficiency and compliance
  • Offshore structures reassessment for modern compliance
  • Permanent Establishment Risk Management

Family Offices Services

  • Establishment including application for incentives
  • Next-generation continuing engagement programmes
  • Governance strategies and advisory to Family Offices and Foundations

Philanthropic advisory

Key Partners

Ong Sim Ho

Managing Director, Corporate & Finance / Director, Tax & Private Client Services
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Julian Kwek

Co-Head, Corporate Restructuring & Workouts / Co-Head, Indonesia Group
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Hilton King

Senior Foreign Legal Consultant / Mergers and Acquisitions / Investment and Corporate / Major Projects and Infrastructure / Energy and Mining / Real Estate / Construction / Employment / Transportation
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Stephanie Kandou

Partner / Mergers & Acquisitions / Banking & Finance / Project Finance / Foreign Investment / Corporate & Commercials / /
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Yee Mei Ken

Partner / Dispute Resolution / Private Client & Family Business / Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement / Arbitration & Mediation / Head, China Desk
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Pamela Kung

Partner / Head, Capital Markets / Financial Services / Islamic Finance / Private Client & Family Business / China Desk
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Mark O. Vergara

Senior Partner / Head, Banking and Finance
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Mary Elizabeth M. Belmonte

Partner / Head, Tax Practice Group
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Prisna Sungwanna

Partner and Director, Laos
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Suruswadee Jaimsuwan

Counsel, Dispute Resolution
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Accolades

Singapore | Drew & Napier

Chambers High Net Worth
Private Wealth Law 2024 – Leading firm for 9 consecutive years

Ong Sim Ho – Leading individual for 4 consecutive years
Seah Ching Ling – Up and Coming

  • "Ong Sim Ho is more corporate tax focused and is extremely experienced."
  • "Sim Ho is one of the leading practitioners in the tax and private wealth space. With his experience with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and also commercial experience, he is able to provide well-balanced advice to clients that is both technically sound and practical."
  • "He is a seasoned tax practitioner and is a very well-regarded authority in this area."
  • "They possess deep expertise and experience in advising on complex structures for private wealth planning, as well as dealing with sophisticated matters in a pragmatic manner."
  • "These are some of the smartest people I have ever met - experienced and high IQ," says a source, adding: "They do extensive and thorough research, understand my situation completely, understand the laws applicable to my situation, alert me to the potential pitfalls, and give me sound advice after having discussed with me the possible avenues and potential outcomes."
  • “Drew & Napier is one of the few firms that is all rounded and possesses the capability and in-depth knowledge to advise on both the corporate side and private wealth planning.”
  • Clients described the team as “very, very professional in their approach” with “very good, solid reputation" in the local market.
  • “Very versatile” and “very in-tune with the industry, and with what the clients, banks and trust companies are thinking; you have a melting pot of experience there.”
  • “They are a good firm, they have a good name, and they can be relied on. They're very dependable.”
  • “I think the quality is very high; it's excellent. They are very liked by their clients, they're trustworthy and very up-to-date on what's happening. They understand from the trustees' point of view what they need and what's going on. I also think their regulatory framework is a lot stronger than that of other firms. When there are any changes in rules and regulations, they're first on it too.

Private Wealth Law 2024 Indonesia (Expertise based abroad)

Julian Kwek – Leading individual for 9 consecutive years

  • "He has excellent high net worth Indonesian clients."
  • “...because he spent a lot of time in Indonesia, he is familiar with how things should be done. His grassroots expertise is very helpful in understanding the psyche of Indonesian clients and Indonesian markets.”
  • “very knowledgeable, quick to respond and great with client relationships.”
  • Chambers says, “Julian Kwek's practice is broad-ranging, and includes private equity, cross-border M&A and joint venture matters. He works with both Indonesian clients and wealthy inward investors”.
  • “Julian Kwek helps high net worth families to reorganise offshore holding structures and businesses, as well as assisting with immigration and citizenship applications. He also advises on tax efficiency and complying with the Common Reporting Standard.”

Family Offices & Funds Structuring 2024 – Leading firm for 3 consecutive years

  • "The Drew & Napier team is able to provide holistic support and advice to clients in relation to their family office set-ups, including on any succession planning strategies, corporate and tax issues."
  • The team at Drew & Napier offers complex restructuring of family offices advice to high net worth clients to enable them to minimise tax exposure and protect their assets.

Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth 2024 - Band 1

Randolph Khoo – Band 1 for 3 consecutive years
Hoon Shu Mei – Band 1

Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Private Wealth and Family Law 2024 – Tier 1 for 8 consecutive years

Recommended LawyersOng Sim Ho, Ong Ken Loon and Emma Gan; Randolph Khoo and Hoon Shu Mei
Next Generation Partner – Seah Ching Ling 

  • “The private wealth team is experienced, responsive and commercial-minded, which is very helpful in today’s world where matters are increasingly getting more complex.”
  • “Seah Ching Ling is very experienced, commercial-minded and sensitive to client’s requirements in the area of tax and trusts, which is helpful when one has to navigate through concepts and issues which may be complex and confusing at times. She can always be counted on to provide advice that is practical and sensible.”
  • “Ong Sim Ho has good commercial sense and gives practical advice.”
  • “Seah Ching Ling is very knowledgeable in her field of work and always willing to go the extra mile. Very responsive and clients can be assured that they are in good hands with her.”
  • "The team has been led by Randolph Khoo. He is the best family lawyer in Singapore and his team provides high-caliber legal service throughout the years. Hoon Shu Mei is the lawyer we deal with on day-to-day basis, and she is also a good lawyer.
  • "Hoon Shu Mei is my first choice for referrals of Singapore family matters and is also my first port of call when I need recommendations for family lawyers in other jurisdictions, maintaining as she does, an extensive network of specialists around the world."
  • "Randolph Khoo is excellent at client management and developing broader strategies for amicably resolving the financial side of divorce proceedings and for unravelling complex contentious matters when they arise."
  • Ong Sim Ho has a wealth of experience and does his best to be available when we call on him. Seah Ching Ling is able to fully understand our needs and has great attention to detail. She also makes us feel comfortable and reassured. We feel that these qualities are crucial for a family office and trusts lawyer. Emma Gan is a pleasure to work with and always ready to assist with our needs. She is also practical and delivers good solutions.”
  • “Ong Sim Ho and Seah Ching Ling are technically strong and have good commercial sense. Easy to communicate and work with.”
  • The team garnered praise for its “excellent response times and great service informed by deep industry knowledge.”
  • Sim Ho is “able to bring in his legal, finance, risk governance, and accounting perspectives to assist on various private client matter."
  • He is “a prominent name in private wealth and asset protection.”
  • Ching Ling is “very experienced and knowledgeable in the area of trusts, taxation, and charities.”
  • “She provides very pragmatic advice and does not over-complicate matters."
  • “Seah Ching Ling is an emerging talent.”

Indonesia | Makarim & Taira S.

Chambers Asia-Pacific 
Corporate/M&A 2024 Band 3 for 14 consecutive years

Hilton King - Band 2
Vincent Ariesta Lie - Band 4

  • "The Makarim & Taira team have a good sense of the complexities of the Indonesian regulatory and business landscape and are able to provide practical guidance during a deal."
  • "The lawyers in the firm have in-depth legal knowledge on corporate and M&A in Indonesia.
  • Hilton King: "It is always a pleasure to work with Hilton. He offers practical advice balanced with the nuances of the Indonesian landscape."
  • Vincent Ariesta Lie: "Vincent is creative and energetic and has great market knowledge and intelligence."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 Tier 1; Previously Tier 2 for 8 consecutive years

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed - Leading Individual 
Lia Alizia - Leading Individual 
Hilton King - Leading Individual
Norma Mutalib - Recommended Individual
Stephanie Kandou - Recommended Individual

  • "Excellent Jakarta-based law firm. Very responsive and collaborate in multi-jurisdictional teams very well.”
  • “They are reliable and provide excellent technical and practical advice in a difficult jurisdiction. They advise us on a broad range of issues including dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, employment law and transaction work in Indonesia.”
  • "Ability to comprehend the issues that require resolution. Efficient response and able to appreciate the needs of the client."
  • "Hilton King is a seasoned international lawyer and therefore has a strong appreciation of the needs of multinational clients trying to navigate the complexities of the Indonesian legal landscape. He is well supported by Stephanie Kandou and a number of associates who together provide a wholesome service."

Hilton King recently returned to legal practice with Makarim & Taira S. after 8 years as General Counsel with an Indonesian family private equity business, which invested in a diverse range of businesses. He first commenced legal practice in Indonesia 1989 and is among Indonesia’s most experienced commercial legal practitioners. Hilton King’s recognitions (in prior years) include being named by:

  • Chambers Asia-Pacific as a Band 2 in Project & Energy and Corporate/M&A 
  • Legal 500 Asia-Pacific as a Hall of Fame in Projects & Energy and Leading Individual in Corporate/M&A
  • Asialaw as Leading Lawyer for General Corporate Practice and Notable Practitioner for Energy and Corporate/M&A
  • IFLR 1000’s Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers as a Leading lawyer
  • Global Counsel 3000 as a Recommended Company and Corporate Transactions Practitioner in Indonesia

Malaysia | Shearn Delamore & Co.

Chambers High Net Worth
Private Wealth Law 2021 – Band 1 Firm for 6 consecutive years (2016-2021)
Private Wealth Law 2022 – Band 2 Firm

  • The firm is “excellent at bonds and trusts.” It is also noted for its tax expertise. 

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Tax 2021 – Band 1 for 12 consecutive years (2009-2021)

Irene Yong – Leading Individual 

  • “Leading tax group, widely sought after by clients for its wealth of experience across the spectrum of tax matters.”
  • An interviewee indicates that the team is "diligent in ensuring that our tax matters are attended to and we are constantly kept in the loop about any updates."
  • Another interviewee praises the team's "strength in strategising its approach."

Dispute Resolution 2021 – Band 1 for 12 consecutive years (2009-2021)

Yee Mei Ken – Leading Individual for 2 consecutive years 

  • One client praises its "great team," commending their "excellent research work, written submissions and the manner in which they prepare for, and argue in, hearings."
  • Another source adds: "Their organisation is very well run and easy to deal with."
  • One interviewee notes that "they have a good reputation and their partners are leaders. It is a truly full-service firm."
  • Clients praise the team for its "professionalism, expertise and good turnaround time."

Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Tax 2021 – Top Tier Firm for Tax for 14 consecutive years (2007-2021)

Dispute Resolution 2021 – Top Tier for 12 consecutive years 

Yee Mei Ken – Leading Individual in Dispute Resolution for 3 consecutive years and previously Recommended Lawyer in Dispute Resolution for 3 consecutive years

Thailand | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Tax 2023 - Band 3 for 2 consecutive years
Dispute Resolution 2023 - Band 3 for 4 consecutive years

Thawat Damsa-ard – Band 2 for 15 consecutive years

  • "Tilleke & Gibbins always has a quick grasp of customers' questions and provides precise and thorough analysis and advice accordingly within a very short time.”
  • “The quality of the replies and the range of issues covered show how their teams operate well together to provide such responses.”
  • "They are a strong choice for international businesses looking for advice on matters of Thai law or representation in Thai legal proceedings.”
  • “I think they are absolutely skilled, and open-minded in discussing how to approach the dispute so it is very much like we are working together in order to find the best solution.”
  • “Tilleke & Gibbins has a considered approach to issues raised. The firm presents many possible cross-examination questions and suitable answers with explanations.”

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Tax 2023 - Tier 1 for 6 consecutive years
Dispute Resolution 2023 - Tier 1

Thawat Damsa-ard – Hall of Fame for 20 consecutive years

  • "Superb response time, excellent attention to detail. Their knowledge was exceptional, and they were able to frame the matter in an international context.”
  • “Extremely helpful and prompt responses.”
  • "The team is comprised of experts in their own domains, which makes the firm a one-stop shop for all advice. The vast experience of the team is very useful.”
  • “Tilleke & Gibbins’ team delivers practical advice and helps us navigate the restructuring proceedings in Thailand, which we are not familiar with.”
  • “They have a large and diversified team. I am impressed with the dedication and commitment of their team.”
  • “Very strong international law firm.”

Asialaw Profiles
Tax 2023 – Outstanding Firm for 6 consecutive years
Dispute Resolution 2023 – Outstanding Firm for 9 consecutive years

Vietnam | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Dispute Resolution 2023 - Band 4 for 2 consecutive years

  • "Tilleke & Gibbins is very professional and knowledgeable about the law and legal procedure in Vietnam.”
  • “The firm has a strong ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters whilst providing an excellent and responsive service.”

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration – Tier 3 for 3 consecutive years
Dispute Resolution: Litigation 2023 – Tier 2 for 5 consecutive years

Asialaw Profiles
Dispute Resolution 2023 – Highly Recommended for 5 consecutive years

Cambodia | Tilleke & Gibbins

IFLR 1000
Financial and Corporate 2024 - Tier 2

Asialaw Profiles
Banking and Financial Services 2023 - Recommended firm for 3 consecutive years 

Laos | Tilleke & Gibbins

IFLR 1000
Financial and Corporate 2024 - Tier 2 for 3 consecutive years

Asialaw Profiles
Banking and Financial Services 2023 - Recommended firm for 6 consecutive years

Myanmar | Tilleke & Gibbins

IFLR 1000
Financial and Corporate 2024 - Tier 3 for 5 consecutive years

Asialaw Profiles
Banking and Financial Services 2023 - Recommended firm for 4 consecutive years