ALB speaks with Siew Ling Yap, director at Avant Law in Singapore. The firm is ranked as one of the best firms for deal work in Asia in 2024. Avant Law has transformed its corporate practice and is now a leading legal advisor in the capital markets space.
How is your firm navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in Southeast Asia, and what strategies are you implementing to stay ahead?
In recent months, we have observed a notable surge in mergers and acquisitions activity, particularly within the Southeast Asia region. As a dual-qualified lawyer in both Singapore and Malaysia, I ensure that our team remains well-informed about the evolving regulatory requirements and business cultures in these jurisdictions.
To navigate the regulatory landscape in other parts of Southeast Asia, we collaborate with like-minded law firms that prioritize our clients’ interests and deliver personalized legal guidance without compromising speed. By maintaining an open mind and working with reliable foreign law firms with good track records, and which continuously update and enhance their practices, we stay competitive and ahead of regulatory changes in the region.
Can you share a recent example of a complex cross-border transaction your firm handled, and what were the key challenges and successes?
Recently, we advised vendors in the sale of a Singapore-based group of companies that provides port services across several countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and others. The cross-border nature of this transaction involved dealing with different regulatory regimes for port operations, including inward and outward port clearance, berth booking, and stevedoring services. Our team’s ability to coordinate regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions was key in ensuring a smooth transaction. We managed the legal intricacies and worked diligently with local counsel in each jurisdiction to overcome licensing and compliance challenges, enabling the deal to progress seamlessly.
How does your firm differentiate itself from other corporate law practices in Singapore?
Avant Law LLC differentiates itself from other corporate law practices in Singapore through its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovative solutions, and a client-centric approach. We deliver exceptional results by combining specialized expertise, personalized attention, and forward-thinking strategies. Despite being a boutique firm, we handle transactions of significant scale, consistently meeting tight deadlines without compromising performance. This unique blend of agility and expertise allows us to offer highly specialized services typically associated with larger firms, while maintaining the personalized attention of a focused practice.
How is your firm leveraging technology to improve client service and operational efficiency?
Our firm is constantly looking for ways and legal teach solutions to enhance our clients experience and our operational efficiency. By implementing secure cloud-based solutions, we facilitate real-time collaboration between parties and provide access to key documents from anywhere, enhancing our ability to meet client needs promptly. We also invest in different tech solutions that enhance efficiency, minimise time lags and streamline administrative processes. For our clients, these initiatives translate into more efficient and cost-effective legal solutions.
