What are the most significant cases or transactions that you have been involved in over the past year?

I was part of the team that enabled the merger of two of the largest banks in the world, which were also part of the list of too-big-to-fail banks. As part of the transaction, I was instrumental in obtaining the regulatory approvals from the key regulators in India and APAC to enable the merger and to formulate the final structure of the merged entity. The merger also had several complicated components, such as the integration of the workforce, approvals, and rationalisation of the real estate portfolio, which presented numerous legal and regulatory challenges.

Apart from legal matters, has the team worked on other company initiatives you would like to highlight?

Our team participates in the CSR activities organised by our company’s CSR team, such as large-scale plantation programmes and teaching in schools. We are also in the midst of discussions with several law firms to collaborate on a programme that provides legal internships to law students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Are the effects of AI on the legal world overplayed or underplayed?

In my view, the effects of AI on the legal world are highly overplayed. AI is making the job of lawyers easier, but it comes with its own challenges. Experienced lawyers are required to validate that the output generated by AI is correct and in a manner that best suits business needs.

How do you motivate and manage your legal team effectively?

I live by the philosophy of ‘leading by example’. To have a motivated and professional team, I am of the view that the leader must embody these traits before expecting them from their teammates.