Dechert has opened its doors in Singapore, and has hired Dean Collins from O’Melveny & Myers as managing partner of the office.

Collins, who was previously a partner at O’Melveny & Myers’ fund formation practice in Singapore, specialises in investment fund formation, and advises investment funds, their investment managers, and other industry participants, on private equity, real estate, venture capital and hedge fund matters in Asia.

“His (Collins’) practice will boost our capabilities in Asia as well as enhance our global funds practice,” said Peter Astleford, co-chair of Dechert’s financial services practice, in a statement.

The Singapore office is Dechert’s third in Asia, after the firm opened in Hong Kong in 2007 and Beijing in 2008.