Charles Russell Speechlys LLP expanded into Singapore in July 2023 with an office headed by Jeffrey Lee, who now splits his time between Hong Kong and Singapore. In April 2024, the new office was joined by Kurt Rademacher, as head of US private client, along with Ivan Lu and Timmoney Ng, from Butler Snow LLP; Lu is widely noted for his Mandarin language proficiency. As a result, the office now provides both UK and US law expertise, while providing language capabilities for a range of Asian jurisdictions, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Japanese. Much of the Singapore team’s practice now centres on family office governance with it representing many of the wealthiest families in Asia. The firm has 12 offices around the world with the Singapore office able to tap into the expertise of private wealth experts in multiple jurisdictions.

Pinsent Masons MPillay’s tax and private wealth team advises a range of ultra high net-worth (UHNW) individuals and families. The Singapore office houses a partner in Valerie Wu and three associates that focus on private wealth and succession planning, with specific expertise in tax, trust and regulatory matters. It continues to advise on major succession planning engagements for UHNW families and has remained active in establishing family offices in Singapore. The team is also noted for pre and post-IPO succession planning, particularly in the tech sector. Like Wu, Zhu Lin is a Chinese speaker.

Stephenson Harwood LLP has a well established private wealth practice in Singapore that works closely with other offices in the network, particularly London and Hong Kong. Centred on team leader Suzanne Johnston, the department has made an impression in succession and estate planning, UK tax advice and trusts. The team now represents a range of high net-worth individuals and families from around Asia Pacific, including those based in Singapore, Hong Kong, mainland China, Indonesia and India. Yi Lee is also rated by clients.

Mishcon de Reya LLP significantly expanded its Asia presence with the hire of US tax lawyers and private wealth specialists Timothy Burns and Wei Zhang in Hong Kong in November 2023. They have joined existing Singapore-based managing associates Stephanie Lim Pierce and Vincent Sim, who are UK and Singapore qualified respectively. The enlarged team has a fine record in tax-efficient holding structures and family office launches, along with family office governance, compliance and succession planning. The group also boasts native Mandarin speaking capabilities.