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.
Managing Partner Profile: Juan Martinez, HWL Ebsworth
HWL Ebsworth has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most acquisitive firms – but as managing partner Juan Martinez explains to Renu Prasad, profitability and sound management are where the firm is really making its mark.
Speed despite the bumps: PE & VC in Asia
In much the same way that Asia stood as a beacon of strength amid the global financial crisis, even as Western economies took pounding after pounding, the private equity scene on the continent has remained relatively robust compared to the more traditional economic powerhouses. According to a report by research firm Preqin, as of August 2011, Asia-Pacific fundraising for the year to date stood at 29 percent compared to the pre-downturn year of 2008. In comparison, the figures for North America and Europe were 24 percent and just 16 percent. More tellingly, a greater amount of capital was being sought by Asia-Pacific focused funds than ever before, unlike North America and Europe, where the total amount of capital sought by funds was lower than in 2008.
Offshore:The rise of Singapore
When Conyers Dill & Pearman opened its office in 2001, Singapore was a lucrative but lonely place for the offshore Bermudan law firm. However with Singapore’s rising status as a global financial centre – it ranked fourth in the latest edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 10) – it is no surprise that fellow offshore firms have been arriving at a rate of one a year since 2008. Collas Crill was the latest edition, opening its doors in August this year, and now rumours abound that Withers (an onshore firm that specializes in private clients) is about to make an appearance.