Top 10 Trailblazing Banking & Finance Lawyers Dominating Malaysia’s Legal Scene 2023

Welcome to this special edition of Businesstoday.news. In this feature, we turn our lens to Malaysia, drawing attention to the individuals driving the financial and banking legal field. The growth of the Malaysian economy has been impressive—and it’s the legal minds in the background ensuring that transactions comply with all the necessary regulations.

These lawyers have their fingers on the pulse, constantly staying ahead of the curve in a fast-paced industry. Despite the diverse and complex nature of their work, they all share the common goal of providing their clients with the necessary legal support to navigate finance and banking in Malaysia and beyond.

In this feature, we explore some of these prolific figures, providing a snapshot into their professional careers, varied skill sets, industry experience, and substantial contribution to banking-related legal matters in Malaysia.

Mei Mei Loh

Currently practicing at Zul Rafique & Partners, Loh Mei Mei is an accomplished presence in the realm of banking and finance. The bulk of her work involves lending legal support to major financiers in sukuk deals. Her experience and thorough understanding of these complex financial instruments have won her acclaim within and beyond Malaysia.

Swee Loong Chung

As the joint managing partner at Albar & Partners, Chung Swee Loong brings a wealth of experience to the finance industry. Particularly notable are his contributions to Islamic finance transactions in Malaysia, where he represents both financiers and issuers in sukuk deals, including in the energy sector.

Lilian Liew

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Lilian Liew is a key partner at Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG Law). Her comprehensive capital markets practice often takes her into the world of Islamic MTN issuances, where she advises Malaysian issuers.

Megat Hizaini Hassan

Megat Hizaini Hassan is making quite a splash at Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill. His expertise in Islamic finance transactions and regulatory matters, including Shari’a-compliant fintech products, is widely respected. His proficiency extends to sukuk and Islamic term financings.

Deepak Sadasivan

As managing partner in Kuala Lumpur at Adnan, Sundra & Low, Deepak Sadasivan is a leading player in the finance industry. His experience in advising leading financial institutions on sukuk programme establishment and issuances is profound and highly valued.

Adrian Chee

Adrian Chee, a partner at Adnan, Sundra & Low, is another Kuala Lumpur-based leader. He’s made his mark in DCM and Islamic finance work, frequently advising on high-yield bonds and sukuk programmes.

Elaine Foo

Elaine Foo practices at Wong & Partners, a member firm of Baker McKenzie International. Her comprehensive experience in various financings like term loans, syndicated loans and acquisition finance is noteworthy. Both borrowers and lenders have come to rely on her expertise in domestic and cross-border transactions and restructuring.

Jack Chor

A partner at Christopher & Lee Ong, a member of Rajah & Tann Asia Network, Jack Chor is known for his advising role in project financing deals in Malaysia. He acts for both lenders and borrowers and is active in cross-border financing involving power projects and industrial facilities.

Sharifah Dalilah Albar

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Sharifah Dalilah Albar from Albar & Partners lends her expertise to a variety of clients. Her work in term loans and debt capital market transactions garners attention from her domestic and international clients alike, as she acts for financial institutions and corporate borrowers.

Esther Chik

Another notable expert at Wong & Partners, Esther Chik’s expertise in domestic and cross-border loan facilities and refinancings, including real estate finance, is sought after. She has a history of providing her Kuala Lumpur-based clientele with pertinent legal advice.

In conclusion, the state of banking and finance in Malaysia has been greatly facilitated by these individuals’ dedication and legal expertise. Their tireless efforts continue to ensure the smooth operation and progression of financial transactions and banking operations in Malaysia. As the financial landscape evolves, their role promises to be even more significant.