Global law firm Hogan Lovells has continued its aggressive expansion in Singapore with the appointment of data privacy, and cybersecurity lawyer Charmian Aw from Squire Patton Boggs as a partner in the firm’s global regulatory and IP practice. 

Aw’s hire marks the firm’s fifth recent partner addition in Singapore, following the hires of private equity and funds partners Siew Kam Boon, Timothy Goh, and Thomas Kim from Dechert in December, as well as international arbitration pro Rob Palmer from Ashurst in November.

The office also recently lost debt capital markets partner Andy Ferris to King & Wood Mallesons, and M&A private equity partners Stephanie Keen and Sylvia Taslim to O’Melveny.    

Aw has close to two decades of experience in data protection, cybersecurity, and technology transactions across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as regulatory compliance initiatives spanning over 130 jurisdictions.

She moved to Squire Patton Boggs from Reed Smith in April 2023. Prior to joining Reed Smith in 2018, Aw worked for Singapore Big Four law firm Drew & Napier for nearly 12 years.

 “Given Singapore's role as a gateway to Asia, including India and Southeast Asia, Aw’s insights will be invaluable as we continue to expand our capabilities to meet growing client demand for coordinated advice amid heightened regulatory scrutiny,” said Lloyd Parker, Hogan Lovell’s Asia-Pacific regional managing partner, in a statement.

Added Singapore office managing partner Biswajit Chatterjee: “As businesses face an increasingly complex landscape of privacy and cybersecurity regulations, having expert guidance is more essential than ever. Charmian’s extensive experience will enable us to provide tailored, proactive solutions that empower our clients to navigate compliance challenges confidently and effectively.”

Once Aw joins, Hogan Lovells will have 11 partners in Singapore.

The firm has also been expanding in Hong Kong, where it hired partners Maria Sit and Michael Wong, along with three associates, from Dechert in October.