U.S. law firm Goodwin Procter has established a Singapore office, becoming the latest in a slew of international firms to hit the island-nation’s shores since 2020.
The office is the firm’s second in the Asian region, after its Hong Kong outpost that commenced operations in 2008. To man the Singapore office, Goodwin has relocated two partners from Hong Kong: private investment funds partner Greg Barclay (L), who will act as office chair, and private equity partner Abhishek Krishnan. Additionally, Goodwin Hong Kong partner Elyn Xing will spend a significant amount of time in Singapore.
With more than 20 years of experience, Barclay specialises in cross-border fund formation and other capital structuring transactions. He advises on structuring and establishment of international private investment funds, including private equity, venture capital, credit, infrastructure, real estate and hybrid funds. Meanwhile, Krishnan has more than 15 years of experience and advises venture capital and growth equity firms in startup investment.
Since 2020, Singapore has seen a flurry of international firms setting up or announcing offices in the city-state, some after winding up their presence in Greater China. This year, another U.S. firm – Greenberg Traurig – announced plans to open in Singapore, while the UK arbitration firm Three Crowns established an office. There are also reports that U.S. firm Baker Botts and PRC firm Han Kun Law Offices are planning on establishing a presence this year.