Charles Russell Speechlys today announces the addition of a new international tax team to its Singapore Office, bolstering its existing international tax advisory capacity in Asia. This strategic expansion aligns with the Firm’s commitment to providing international legal services to its clients globally.

The new team will be based in Singapore, and consists of two Partners, Kurt Rademacher and Ivan Lu, a Legal Director, Timmoney Ng and Senior Associate, Hara Kee.

The team are all US-qualified attorneys and provide US legal advice to clients based in APAC who have business or personal interests or interaction with the US and need integrated, locally sourced advice on the applicable tax considerations. With a deep understanding of international business practices and a track record of success, the team is well-equipped to provide top-tier legal support to APAC clients engaging in complex cross-border transactions and investments.

Kurt Rademacher is a seasoned professional in international wealth transfer planning. He represents ultra-high net worth families and family-controlled businesses across the world with respect to US federal income, gift, and estate tax issues. Kurt joined the Firm on 21 March 2024.

Ivan Lu is an US international tax lawyer. He represents high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals and families with respect to estate planning. He has extensive experience representing US-connected families in the Greater China region and Southeast Asia. In addition to estate and tax planning, Ivan frequently assists clients with IRS compliance and disclosure, and guides them through various IRS disclosure programmes. Ivan joins the Firm on 1 April 2024. The lawyers on the team are fluent in Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, Cantonese and English.

Simon Ridpath, Managing Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, comments:

“We are delighted to welcome the new tax advisory team to our Singapore Office. The team’s combined knowledge of the Firm and Private Capital will undoubtedly strengthen our Firm’s position as a leader in the Asia market. The new team enhances our offering in Singapore and Hong Kong and gives us an added edge to our Private Capital offering, that we are establishing across our office network.

Jeffrey Lee, Partner and Head of Singapore Office, comments:

“The addition of this team underscores the Firm’s continued commitment and investment in Asia. The new team’s capabilities of US private and corporate tax advisory services are consistent with our client-led strategy for Singapore. The team are highly credible and well established in the local market, and I am looking forward to collaborating and helping them integrate with our teams and clients.”

Kurt Rademacher continues: “The Firm’s international offering and track record in Private Capital and Private Client were both significant draws for our team, and there are clear synergies between our practices and the work the Firm carries out for clients at the highest levels. I look forward to exploring the opportunities these synergies bring to us and our new colleagues.”

Ivan Lu, comments: “Charles Russell Speechlys has a strong reputation for international work in Asia. It’s great to be joining a firm with a clear upwards trajectory in the region and beyond, and its capabilities will bring a host of benefits to my clients, new and existing.”

The new International Tax team appointment closely follows the arrival of International Arbitration and Investigations Partner, Peter Brabant, as a Partner to its Singapore office.