1 ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESS – JUNE 2023 WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM COVER STORY 20 ALB Top 15 Southeast Asia Litigators 2023 The breadth of legal talent available throughout Southeast Asia is impressive. All this talent is in full display in this ranking, which received entries from seven countries across the region. By Asian Legal Business Plus: - Drew & Napier - UMBRA – Strategic Legal Solutions FEATURES 16 Seeking a balance The year 2022 was a catastrophic one for the global crypto industry. However, Asian jurisdictions like Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan have been realistic in acknowledging that crypto isn’t going away any time soon. Instead, they seek to strengthen cryptocurrency regulations and maintain their balancing act in attempting to minimise speculative and compliance risks. 24 ALB MENA Super 50 2023 ALB highlights 50 exceptional lawyers from the MENA region who have distinguished themselves through outstanding client service. The lawyers were selected based on a client survey. 26 Nickel all the way Nickel companies are a driving force behind what is being seen as a record year for public listings in Indonesia, with the listings pointing to the opportunities in Indonesia’s blossoming nickel industry. And this is keeping both mining and capital markets lawyers busy. 28 Waiting for the turnaround For all the talk of a robust rebound in 2023, Hong Kong’s dealmaking scene has been soft so far, compounded by lasting geopolitical upheavals and a slower-thanexpected economic recovery in Mainland China, and as a result, legal work hasn’t quite returned in the same way. Law firm leaders, however, still see a number of business opportunities in a city famed for its resilience. 32 Heightening risks With countries beginning to open their borders completely, and corporates revitalising expansion efforts or diversifying their supply chains into growth markets across Southeast Asia, corruption and other compliance risks are constantly increasing. Lawyers say that companies need to step up their vigilance. 36 Two become one The planned megamerger between Allen & Overy and Sherman & Sterling has sent shockwaves across the legal world, and ignited a tidal wave of interest in merging in an industry thriving on loyal client relations and expansive institutional networks. ALB delves into the matching dance between law firms, including the strategic considerations beforehand and factors that can make or break the union. BRI EFS 3 The Briefing 4 Forum 5 Deals 9 Q&A 12 Explainer 13 Appointments Plus: - CIETAC CONTENTS 26 Nickel all the way REUTERS/Yusuf Ahmad
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