ENERGY: Renewable Roadblocks
Law firms interviewed: A&O Shearman; Reed Smith
In recent years, the combination of trade conflicts, the pandemic, and regional tensions have resulted in increased volatility for businesses in the energy, transportation, and commodities sectors. In Southeast Asia, where the transition to green energy is one of the…
MIDDLE EAST: Eastern Promise
China's economic ties with the Middle East have been rapidly expanding, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $500 billion in both 2022 and 2023.
MIDDLE EAST: ‘Law firms offer very little innovation’
Mohammed Jamil is the group general counsel of Saudi Arabian lubricant maker Petromin Corporation. Jamil has over 20 years of in-house experience working as an attorney across multiple jurisdictions. In the Middle East, he has worked in the legal teams of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Kuwait Finance House, and TRW.
RANKINGS: ALB Asia Top 15 GCs 2024
In the fast-paced world of Asian business, general counsel are emerging as key players in shaping corporate strategy. Gone are the days when these legal experts were confined to the sidelines of compliance and risk management. Today, they're at the forefront of innovation, building trust, and driving their organisations forward.
GC Profile: Alex Au, Director – General Counsel (Corporate & Investment), Link Asset Management Limited
In the fast-paced world of Asian business, general counsels are playing an increasingly important role in shaping corporate strategy. These legal experts are now at the forefront of innovation, building trust, and driving their organizations forward. ALB recognises Alex Au, Director and General Counsel (Corporate & Investment) at Link Asset Management Limited, as one of ALB Asia's top general counsels for 2024.
THAILAND: Going Electric
Thailand has established itself as the most dynamic automotive market in Southeast Asia, particularly during a period of industrial transformation in the region. In response to cost and regulatory factors, manufacturers and automakers from China are realigning their supply chains, resulting in increased competition within the Thai market. And while the surge in Chinese electric vehicles in Thailand is creating new opportunities for legal services, lawyers need to adapt quickly to grab their share of the work.
LEGAL NETWORKS: Network-Powered AI
Proactive legal networks are playing a unique role in the proliferation of the latest in artificial intelligence within the legal industry.
India's telecom scandal puts the spotlight on risk
For many telecommunication firms with global aspirations, India was hailed as the promised land for expansion. With its vast population and stellar growth trajectory, it was a market that telecom companies actively pursued – in some cases, violating laws and ethics – to achieve a foothold in the market. But the February ruling by the Indian Supreme Court to revoke 122 licences, citing corruption and bribery, has changed the game in India and has raised the very real regulatory risks telecom companies face while expanding in emerging markets.
Saudi Arabia's rising star
Thirty years ago, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was known primarily for two things: oil and the Muslim pilgrimage know as Hajj. While its oil wealth and religious significance have not waned, the kingdom has undergone a transformation amid a boom in population that has pushed other sectors such as infrastructure, banking, capital markets and even alternative energy into the spotlight.
Cambodia kicks off
Despite some of the worst flooding in the country’s history, the Asian Development Bank forecast a robust GDP growth rate for Cambodia, hovering at about 6.5 percent for 2012 and edging up to 7 percent for 2013. The major factors underlying the prediction are strong exports and a buoyant tourism industry. But the hottest new development has been the commencement of stock trading on the Cambodia Stock Exchange.