International law firm Withers has welcomed hugely experienced banking and finance lawyer Chen Guan Feng as a partner in its Singapore office. He will be joined by associate Chan Bi Qing. Guan Feng joins the firm from Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC. Before that, he co-headed White & Case’s Banking and Restructuring practice in Asia.
Guan Feng has more than 25 years of experience advising on high-profile and groundbreaking finance transactions across South East Asia, particularly in Indonesia, and a growing number of fintech-related deals. These landmark transactions include advising lenders led by ABN Amro Bank NV, Singapore Branch in a series of billion dollar syndicated loans to a leading pulp and paper group of companies in Asia which is headquartered in Singapore.
Guan Feng is highly ranked in global legal directories, including Chambers and The Legal 500, for his expertise in banking and finance and restructuring and insolvency in Singapore and Indonesia. His specialised focus on private corporate debt restructurings and cross border banking and finance reinforces both of the firm’s full-service practices, alongside partners Justin Yip, Erlene Tan and Kenneth Szeto.
Chambers Global also recognised Guan Feng for his prolific work in banking and finance in Indonesia, which strongly complements Withers’ focus on Indonesia. Guan Feng’s experience in the Indonesian market includes advising on a US$1.275 billion senior secured financing provided to Indonesian conglomerate CT Corpora subsidiaries. The deal received an IFR Asia Award for Loan of the Year.
Daniel Yong, corporate partner in Singapore, comments: “Guan Feng brings stature and a level of finance experience that will be hugely useful to our institutional and private clients. The pandemic has increased borrowers seeking restructuring extensions and solutions from financial institutions, especially in Indonesia. At the same time, financing activities remain robust in parts of the economy, particularly fintech and sustainability-related sectors. Guan Feng’s experience in both the live and the distressed side of finance will allow us to tap into all market opportunities.”
Guan Feng adds: “Withers has built an impressive team in Asia and has an enviable list of private and institutional clients which enjoys its full-service advice, including corporate, tax, estate planning and dispute resolution. Withers’ focus on Indonesia and Singapore amalgamates well with my focus and track record. I look forward to working with my colleagues across all practices.”
