As sustainability regulations tighten globally, businesses are seeking expert guidance to navigate complex compliance requirements while seizing new opportunities. In an interview with ALB, Dan Matsuda, Managing Partner of EY Law Japan, says the firm's integrated approach combines legal, tax, accounting, and strategic insights to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients' sustainability challenges. Drawing on EY's global network of sustainability professionals, the Japan team is helping companies tackle everything from EU deforestation regulations to carbon pricing strategies and clean energy transitions.

2024 has brought significant changes to Indonesia. Other than being a significant political year with the election and inauguration of Prabowo Subianto as president and the holding of local executive elections, Indonesia has also seen developments in the dispute resolution and investigations space. Various stakeholders, including the Indonesian judiciary, government, parliament, and the business community have introduced reforms throughout the year and further improvements are expected to set in the coming years.

The shipping industry in Indonesia plays a pivotal role in the nation's economy, given its archipelagic nature and reliance on sea transportation for trade. In October 2024, updates to the provisions regulating the shipping industry were introduced with the issuance of Law No. 66 of 2024 on the Third Amendment to Law Number 17 of 2008 concerning Shipping (“New Shipping Law”). These changes aim to strengthen the shipping industry, addressing various challenges and opportunities. We are thrilled to present the key updates from these amendments below.

Indonesia's land ownership regulations restrict foreign ownership under the Basic Agrarian Law (BAL). Recent initiatives, like the Golden Visa program, aim to balance national land sovereignty with economic growth, particularly in developing the new capital city, Nusantara.

At I.V. Merchant & Co. (IVM), we believe that law is more than just a service—it's a partnership.

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, legal teams face increasing pressure to streamline processes, cut costs, and enhance efficiency. Leading legal teams are looking to technology to help meet these challenges – and those who adopt solutions purpose built for arbitration early in the dispute lifecycle can gain an advantage and maximise the value of their solution.

Mr. Masataka Ogasawara, the visionary founder and managing lawyer of ZeLo, a Tokyo-based law firm, has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and innovation in the legal field. In June 2024, he was awarded the prestigious "Managing Partner of the Year" at the ALB Japan Law Awards, becoming the youngest recipient in the history of this honor. Additionally, he had already made his mark in 2021 by being named the youngest recipient of the "Young Lawyer of the Year" award. Under his leadership, ZeLo has experienced remarkable growth over the past seven and a half years, staying true to its ambitious vision of "Reforming legal services to contribute to the creation of laws and provide a legal platform for myriad economic activities."

Il Yeon Kim, a partner at Bae, Kim & Lee, discusses his recognition as one of the 2024 ALB Asia Top 15 Litigators.

Shin Ushijima, partner at Japanese law firm Ushijima & Partners and one of ALB’s top 15 North Asia litigators this year, emphasizes the importance of client success to the firm's success, highlighting a growing trend in Japan of increased foreign investment and shareholder activism.

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.