Capital Markets - Singapore
What the team is known for
Latham & Watkins maintains its pre-eminent reputation for listings and issuances in South-East Asia, regularly advising on the legal aspects of headline IPOs and private placements. The firm is also reputed for handling complex debt capital markets transactions, including note issuances, bonds and high-yield offerings. The Singapore-based group is involved in work across the region, including India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. Clients of the firm include corporate issuers, underwriters and initial purchasers, with notable activity on issuances in the energy and resources, finance and real estate sectors. Latham & Watkins advises such clients as PropertyGuru, Standard Chartered Bank and Credit Suisse (Singapore).
Foreign desks
Headed by Rajiv Gupta, the India desk is recognised for its ability to handle complex capital markets transactions for major Indian conglomerates. Its team also advises global financial institutions, especially on IPOs and debt issuances in India. In one example, the team advised Delhivery, a logistics services company, on its IPO.
Led by Sharon Lau, the group features a deep bench of Indonesia-focused experts handling headline mandates for major international lenders, sponsors and Indonesian corporates, including both equity and debt capital markets deals.
Latham & Watkins's Singapore-based team is often active on capital markets work in Malaysia, led by Sharon Lau. The team acts for underwriters and issuers on IPOs in the Malaysian market.
The team at Latham & Watkins in Singapore is often involved in capital markets deals pertaining to Vietnam, handling bond issuances and equity offerings. The team often represents leading Vietnamese conglomerates. Sharon Lau is a key contact.
Strengths
"The go-to lawyers when a client needs hand-holding in working through complex situations."
"An excellent firm. They are very, very strong on the US side and connect across offices. You can be confident that the firm as a whole has an informed view."
Work highlights
Latham & Watkins advised Mandiri Securities as the sole arranger and sole lead manager on the establishment of Solar United Network's SGD250 million multicurrency debt issuance programme and the issuance of USD70 million 8.125% notes due 2025 as Series 001 Notes under the programme.
Notable practitioners
Rajiv Gupta is based in Singapore and is highly regarded in particular for his India-related capital markets expertise. He is experienced in handling IPOs and block trades, with matters spanning a wide range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, TMT and life sciences. "He is very practical. He has a lot of experience in India and ECM and is very good at getting back to you quickly and addressing any uncertainties."
Sharon Lau has an impressive breadth of expertise across South-East Asia, regularly assisting companies and financial institutions across the region with IPOs and debt issuances, especially in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. "One of the most respected practitioners I have worked with."
Timothy Hia is well regarded for his structured finance and capital markets knowledge, with strong expertise in note and security issuances. He handles deals in Singapore and across the region.
Jeremy Wang is a counsel in Latham & Watkins' capital markets team and handles a range of debt and equity issuances, particularly in China, as well as India and Indonesia. "He's a really good guy and knows his stuff. He has good connections in the market and is easy to deal with."
