Asia Business Law Journal

25/09/2026

Singapore-based Oon & Bazul has rebranded to Bazul LLC, completing a two-year transformation from a full-service practice to a disputes-only firm.

Managing partner Bazul Ashhab said the rebranding followed a deliberate reassessment of the firm’s identity and strategy.

“Two years ago, we asked a harder question than how to grow: we asked what the firm truly is. The answer was already in the works. Clients came to us when the stakes were existential and those matters were disputes,” he told Asia Business Law Journal.

The change in name does not alter the firm’s outlook and strategic direction.

“The direction does not change; the name reflects it. Our ambition is to become the largest independent disputes-only practice in Asia, and the firm clients turn to when the outcome cannot be left to chance.” Ashhab said.

Singapore-based Oon & Bazul has rebranded to Bazul LLC, completing a two-year transformation from a full-service practice to a disputes-only firm...

25/09/2026

Harneys unveils new transactional practice global head https://law.asia/maggie-kwok-global-transactional-head/

Offshore law firm Harneys has appointed Maggie Kwok as global head of the transactional practice.

Kwok, who has been with the firm for more than eight years, also joins Harneys’ executive committee alongside George Weston, global head of the firm’s corporate practice and head of the British Virgin Islands transactional practice.

She succeeds Paul Sephton, who has completed his term and will continue as managing partner of the Hong Kong office, and global head of the banking and finance practice.

Having previously served as Asia head of funds and regulatory, Kwok’s new role takes on a more global scope – something she is confident of adapting to without any problem.

In her new position, Kwok said her priority “is not simply to grow our presence in Asia”. Family offices will also be one of her key focal points, given their growing role in regional activity.

25/09/2026

A&O Shearman has advised Advance Intelligence Group on selling a 60% stake in its subsidiary Neuroncredit, which operates as Atome Financial, to Grab for USD1.49 billion.

Tom Jokelson led the A&O Shearman team, with support from Shuhui Kwok.

The transaction is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2027 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

A&O Shearman has advised Advance Intelligence Group (AIGL) on selling a 60% stake in its subsidiary Neuroncredit,

25/09/2026

Nagashima Ohno, Mori Hamada steer USD1.7bn Leopalace21 buy bid https://law.asia/hikari-tsushin-leopalace21-buyout/

Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu and Mori Hamada & Matsumoto have advised on a proposed USD1.7 billion buyout of Japanese real estate company Leopalace21.

Nagashima Ohno’s team included Miyuki Ishiguro and Kyohei Mizukoshi.

Mori Hamada & Matsumoto advised Hikari Tsushin and the buyer on matters relating to the acquisition and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Satoshi Kawai, Shuhei Kubota and Kensuke Sakajiri led the team.

25/09/2026

Asia Business Law Journal wishes you a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival! May the brilliance of the full moon guide you toward unity, lasting prosperity, and happiness.

24/09/2026

Sri Mariana Hj Yahya, a former judge of the Court of Appeal of Malaysia, has been appointed as a partner at Halim Hong & Quek (HHQ).

“Dato’ Sri Mariana’s appointment is significant to HHQ not only because of the depth of experience she brings from her distinguished judicial career, including her service as a judge of the Court of Appeal, but also because of the contribution we hope to make together to the wider community,” HHQ managing partner Quek Ngee Meng told Asia Business Law Journal.

Sri Mariana Hj Yahya, a former judge of the Court of Appeal of Malaysia, has been appointed as a partner at Halim Hong & Quek (HHQ).

24/09/2026

Japan’s Daiwa House buys minority 30% stake in Miller Homes https://law.asia/daiwa-house-miller-homes-acquisition/

A&O Shearman, Linklaters and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison have advised on Daiwa House Industry’s purchase of around 30% interest in Miller Homes from Apollo-managed funds for an undisclosed amount.

A&O Shearman represented Apollo Funds. The team was led by Paul Dunbar and Adarsh Chhabria, with assistance from Piers Edinborough. James Burton, Hugh Brooks and Daniel Alexander handled tax matters.

Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison also counselled Apollo Funds, providing advice on regulatory and financing matters arising from the transaction.

Linklaters acted for Daiwa House, with its team led by Richard Spedding and Yoshiyuki Asaoka. Monique Fraser and Takahisa Watanabe provided additional support.

The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is scheduled to close later this year.

24/09/2026

Latham & Watkins has acted for Nations Natuna Barat (NNB), an Arsari Group subsidiary, on its purchase of a 75% stake in the Duyung PSC Offshore Indonesia gas project from Conrad Asia Energy.

The firm also advised on financing for the development of the Mako offshore gas field, which has an estimated USD320 million project cost.

Timothy Hia led the Latham & Watkins team with Rob Thompson, Hui-Yan Chew, Aakash Sardana and Tristan Tan.

Latham & Watkins has acted for Nations Natuna Barat (NNB), an Arsari Group subsidiary, on its purchase of a 75% stake in the Duyung...

24/09/2026

TMI counsel chosen as Japan’s digital transformation minister https://law.asia/toshiharu-furukawa-japan-digital-transformation-minister/

TMI Associates counsel Toshiharu Furukawa has been appointed as Japan’s Minister for Digital Transformation in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s second reshuffled cabinet, formed on 17 September.

He will take a leave of absence from TMI Associates for the duration of his government service.

“We are truly delighted and proud that he will now take on the extremely important responsibilities of a minister of state,” TMI Associates managing partner Katsuro Tanaka told Asia Business Law Journal.

Tanaka said Furukawa was “a rare individual with a deep understanding of both medicine and law” and hoped he would draw on these areas of expertise to propel Japan forward during his time in government.

24/09/2026

Loeb & Loeb has expanded its global presence with the launch of an office in Singapore.

Partner Xavier Amadei, who joined the firm from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) in June, will move from Hong Kong to Singapore alongside partner Lewis Ho, who has been with Loeb & Loeb for more than nine years.

Singapore is Loeb & Loeb’s third Asian office, following its Beijing and Hong Kong locations, which opened in 2009 and 2012, respectively.

Loeb & Loeb has expanded its global presence with the launch of an office in Singapore.