Trowers & Hamlins has become the first foreign law firm to be granted a Qualified Foreign Law Firm (QFLF) licence in Malaysia. The licence is effective from Apr. 4.

According to the firm, the QFLF licence allows Trowers & Hamlins to operate independently in Malaysia and advise on international legal issues, subject to certain restrictions.  However, it is not permitted to advise on Malaysian law.  The QFLF licence will last for three years and is renewable.

“Having a presence on the ground in Malaysia over the last three years has really helped us strengthen and grow client relationships,” said Nick White, regional managing partner of Trowers & Hamlins. “From Kuala Lumpur we have access to the entire ASEAN region, and now, with a QFLF licence, we will be able to grow additional capacity to further advance our reach and capabilities here.”

White will be joined in the firm’s Kuala Lumpur office by partner Nicholas Edmondes. Since July 2012, Trowers & Hamlins has operated a non-trading representative regional office in Kuala Lumpur.