Asia-Pacific
Practice Areas
M&A, Private Equity, and Corporate
Energy, Project, & Infrastructure, Project Finance
Banking and Finance, Capital Markets
Construction & Real Estate
Career
With 31 years’ broad experience in law practice, Phong has represented numerous international sponsors and lenders in relation to foreign invested projects in oil & gas, energy, power, chemical, automobile, aircraft, sea-port, highway, telecommunication, insurance, real estate development, retail and distribution, and consumer goods industries. He is reputable in advising international businesses and banks on corporate restructuring and financing, share subscriptions, mergers and acquisitions transactions, ECA and syndicated financing, asset financing, and project financing in Vietnam. Phong is recommended as a top-tier lawyer in the banking & finance and capital market practice (Legal500, IFLR1000 and AsiaLaw) and the M&A practice (Legal500, Chambers&Partners and ALB).
Phong has been recognised as a market leader by IFLR 1000 in banking & finance, corporate and infrastructure & energy. Who’s Who Legal recognised him as an expert in Energy and Aviation sectors and IFLR1000 has ranked him as an Asia Best Lawyer since 2019 (Vietnam’s top 4 lawyers). Legal 500 honoured him in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific Hall of Fame, among top 7 foreign and Vietnamese lawyers in this elite lawyer group for Vietnam. Phong is listed in the Vietnam’s top 100 lawyers list of Asia Business Law Journal and ranked ALB Asia 2021's Top 15 M&A Lawyers and ALB 2023’s Super 50 TMT Lawyers.
Phong is a highly regarded attorney for his admirable capacity to provide practical solutions that well suit the clients' needs. The Legal 500, commented “Phong Tran is possessing strong banking and capital market acumen to competently advise on complex regional and international transactions.” (2024 Edition) and “Phong is excellent in problem-solving and strategy planning” (2025 Edition). AsiaLaw, 2020 Edition, said Phong “Very innovative and problem solving as well as understanding the client's issue and providing excellent advice.”
Professional Memberships
Member of the Standing Committee, Member of the National Bar Council of the Vietnam Bar Federation
Chairman of the Committee on International Relations, Vietnam Bar Federation
Member of international organisations and professional associations such as Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA), America Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham), International Bar Association (IBA)
Chairman for the first term and the term 2025 – 2027, Member of Management Board of Vietnam Business Lawyer Club (VBLC), Vietnam Bar Federation
Co-Head of the Infrastructure Group of Vietnam Business Forum (led by World Bank, IFC and foreign commercial chambers in Vietnam in dialog with the Vietnamese government)
Publications
“A Guide to Asia Pacific Restructuring and Insolvency Procedures – Vietnam Chapter” published by Clifford Chance in 2024
Project Finance 2019 Vietnam on Chambers and Partners in 2018
Contribution to “Vietnam’s Strict FDI Rules Prevent Bank Rescues” published by IFLR in May 2017
Contribution to “Lawyers’ Handbook” published by Vietnam Bar Federation and JICA in 2017
“Global M&A Series – Vietnam M&A Handbook” published by Clifford Chance in 2015
“Asia Pacific Insolvency Guide – Vietnam Chapter” published by Clifford Chance in 2013
“Cross-border Financing 2013” published by IFLR in 2013
“Foreign Investment Guides” published by the Ministry of Planning and Investment published in 2009
“Vietnam’s WTO commitments to shape the legal framework for FDI” in 20 Years of Foreign Investment – Reviewing and Looking 1987-2007 of the Ministry of Planning and Investment published in 2006
“Vietnam Investment and Legal Guide Book” published by VILAF and Clifford Chance since 2005 with annual edition
“Vietnam’s Economic Liberalization and Outreach: Legal Reform” on Law and Business Review of the Americas published in 2003
“Taking Security in Vietnam” published by IFLR in June 2003
Work Highlights
He has been involved in most BOT and high-profile infrastructure projects in Vietnam including AES – Son My 2 LNG to Power Project and Son My Terminal Project, Marubeni Corporation and WTO – Omon II LNG to Power Project, the Consortium of Sponsors – Quang Ninh LNG to Power Project, the Sponsor – Hai Phong LNG to Power Project, Taekwang Power (previously K-Exim and K-Sure as the potential ECAs) – Nam Dinh 1 Power Project, Marubeni Corporation/KEPCO - Nghi Son 2 Power Project, Sumitomo Corporation - Van Phong 1 Power Project, AES – Mong Duong 2 Power Project, VAPCO – Vung Ang 2 Power Project, OneEnergy/Mitsubishi - Vinh Tan 3 Power Project, Chinese sponsors - Vinh Tan 1 Power Project, ITACO - Kien Luong 1 Power Project, Chevron - gas pipeline project, Premier Oil - gas transportation, Shell downstream projects, Phu My 2.2 Power Project, Wartsila BOT Power Project, Binh An BOT Water Project. His banking clients include Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank, SMBC, BTMU, CBA, etc. He also assisted the arrangers and Black Spade Acquisition Co in connection with the successful closing of US$23 billion SPAC combination and the Nasdaq listing of Vietnam EV maker VINFAST (VFS). Additionally, he represented issuers and arrangers in many landmark transactions, including Vingroup’s convertible and SGX-listed bonds, Vinacomin’s international bonds, and Vingroup’s strategic M&A deals with GIC, Credit Suisse, Hanwha, Warburg Pincus, SK, and Masan. His experience further extends to the Rule 144A international placements and HOSE listings for Vincom Retail and Vinhomes, as well as various overseas IPOs/listing transactions.
Expert in these Jurisdictions
Vietnam
