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.
Qatar: Energy beyond LNG
Faced with a production moratorium on its biggest gas field, and grappling with new liquefied natural gas (LNG) rivals, Qatar, the world’s top LNG exporter, is shifting its focus to investments into petrochemicals and other gas projects at home and abroad as it looks to diversify revenue away from gas.
Singapore v Hong Kong:The arbitration battle intensifies
Until a few years ago there was just one contender for the role of arbitration heavyweight in Asia. Now Singapore, named the most popular Asian seat in the 2010 International Arbitration Survey, is seriously challenging Hong Kong’s title. Few in the arbitration field can fail to be impressed by Singapore’s recent meteoric rise in the world of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), few except perhaps Hong Kong, which now feels its crown of Asian arbitration champion slipping away. Singapore’s rise has been as impressive as it has been unsurprising: a proactive government, proximity to up-and-coming economies like India and the Southeast Asian region and some very positive perceptions have combined to turn the island into a formidable arbitration force.
Aviation: Asia takes to the skies
A time for deals - The biggest ever airline order of Boeing aircraft was signed in Bali on 18 November. Law firm Stephenson Harwood completed the $21.7 billion deal for Indonesian airline Lion Air for 230 Boeing 737 aircraft. The deal also includes purchase option rights for a further 150 aircraft. Elsewhere in Asia Pacific, much activity is taking place on the mergers and acquisitions front. Another deal of the moment is the sale of RBS Aviation Capital,one of the market’s five biggest players, with around 470 aircraft. The sale, which is expected to be worth $6-8 billion, currently has four interested purchasers, including China Development Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group.