Described as the ‘pre-eminent firm in APAC for fintech and financial services regulatory matters’, Allen & Gledhill LLP’s practice runs the gamut of contentious and non-contentious work, including licensing and conduct of business requirements for banking, corporate finance and reorganisations in the financial services sector. Licensing advisory work for fintechs and crypto disputes are further areas of expertise for a team that frequently plays an active role in the consultation process for new regulations. Leadership duties are divided between Francis Mok, a practitioner who is described as standing ‘heads and shoulders above his competitors in the regulatory field’, Karen Tiah, who excels in banking and finance regulatory matters, the ’incredibly helpful’ co-head of fintech Adrian Ang, and fellow fintech specialist Alexander Yap, who is a key contact for data breach matters. Catherine Neo is well equipped to advise on regulatory issues arising from the acquisition of regulated entities. Ensuring a smooth relationship exists between regulators and financial institutions is a staple of Zhi Feng Tan‘s far-reaching practice. Associate Alexander Fong Yi is a further name to note.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Excellent knowledge of the regulations and the practical implementation of the regulations in the financial sector. Provides practical guidance and solutions. Extremely responsive to queries and exceptional service provided consistently.’
‘Francis Mok is highly knowledgeable with an exceptional ability to grasp complex issues and provide practical advice and solutions. He has a wealth of experience to draw upon and is able to give up-to-date insights.'
'Zhi Feng Tan is very responsive, excellent in addressing the client’s questions and good at handling complex issues.’
‘Francis Mok stands heads and shoulders above his competitors in the regulatory field. There are only two categories of regulatory lawyers in Singapore - category 1 is Francis Mok and category 2 is the rest.'
‘Allen & Gledhill LLP is the pre-eminent firm in APAC for fintech and financial services regulatory matters.'
‘The team's willingness to assist and be available has been an important part of the client experience.’
‘Adrian Ang and his team have been incredibly helpful. Adrian makes himself available when needed for guidance, support and just to bounce ideas off before engaging in formal advice.’
‘Karen Tiah and Catherine Neo are stand-outs - top-notch advice.’

Work highlights

Advised the Circle group on the regulatory implications of issuing its single-currency stablecoin in Singapore.
Advising a major tobacco company on the Singapore sanctions regime arising from investigations by the United States Department of Justice and Office of Foreign Assets Control into potential bank fraud and sanctions breaches.

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