2024: The Offshore View
Offshore law firms have had a challenging 2023, with stiffer regulations, increased onshore competition from "Cayman-style" funds and slow M&A recovery holding back growth. Law firm leaders talk about some of their big themes for 2024, including the advent of financial technology and digital asset regulations, the rise in competition from "…
Q&A: “LLMs have the potential to change the way we practice”
Yeong Zee Kin became the chief executive of the Singapore Academy of Law in April, following a career geared towards technology regulation and data protection in both public and private sectors. The former deputy personal data protection commissioner shares his thoughts on AI, and how Singapore’s legal profession can evolve, making the best use of it.
BRIEFS: As Trade Ties Strengthen, Indian Law Firms Make a Beeline for Dubai
Indian law firms have traditionally taken a conservative stance on international expansion. But as the country's financial clout spreads overseas, law firms are setting their sights on key international business hubs to support this wave of expansion.
BRIEFS: Macau Approves Legislation to Overhaul Financial Sector
For the longest time, Macau has been seen as a synonym for glitzy casinos and picturesque architecture. But in recent years, the former Portuguese colony has been pulling out all the stops to buttress its financial credentials. In fact, developing Macau’s financial industry has been a major administrative policy since 2019.
EXPLAINER: Has the Jpex Explosion Killed Hong Kong’s Crypto Dream?
In September, Hong Kong’s reputation as a global financial hub took a battering following the news of high-profile arrests related to unlicensed crypto exchange Japan Exchange (JPEX). The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued two public announcements warning investors that JPEX’s claims to be regulated were false, and that some of its activities, including offering high returns on various virtual asset products, were prohibited under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance.
FORUM: New Age Lawyers
With emerging technologies driving demand for novel legal advisory, law firms are increasingly seeing a pressing need to strategise their teams accordingly. Leaders share with ALB how they are taking essential technological knowledge into consideration when making hires that enable their firms to come on top in client work.
IN-HOUSE INSIGHT: The Ethical Imperative - The In-House Counsel’s Role in Data Governance
As you step into the digital labyrinth of data protection, imagine for a moment that you, as an in-house counsel, are the guardian of secrets in a high-tech fortress, entrusted with the task of defending the treasure trove of personal information from the relentless onslaught of data marauders!
FORUM: A Culture of Care
Recent studies have shown that legal professionals continue to struggle with mental health and well-being challenges and often do not seek help, typically because of the stigma surrounding mental health in the legal profession. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have shed light on this state of mental health in the legal industry, often exacerbated by stress, high-pressure work environments, unrealistic workloads, isolation, and a lack of connection, among other reasons.
FEE ARRANGEMENTS: Rethinking the Billable Hour
General counsel in India do appreciate a law firm’s need to use the hourly billing model, but with some flexibility and rationalisation, it could be much more attractive.
MIDDLE EAST REPORT: Namaste Dubai
Firms are increasingly looking at Dubai as an attractive legal market, owing to its dispute resolution infrastructure, tech-forward policies, and growing trade ties with India.