Our 10th Anniversary
ABLJ celebrates decade of legal intelligence for in-house counsel
It’s official. Asia Business Law Journal is 10 years old! Since our very first issue, back in 2016, we have endeavoured to provide our in-house counsel readership – as well as others in the legal business community including external lawyers and law firms, regulators and administrators, and the judicial and academic sectors – with the best legal analysis and intelligence covering the Asia region. To celebrate this milestone we have some special anniversary articles for your perusal, beginning below with some insightful features to punctuate a decade of often unforeseen progress and challenges. From the publishers and all the staff at ABLJ, thank you for your continuing support!
In the past decade, Asia Business Law Journal has featured the initiatives, activities and achievements of in-house counsel associations across the region, documenting the changing role and growing influence of the profession. That coverage has provided more than visibility:...
Exploring a decade of unprecedented change, Asia Business Law Journal’s 10th anniversary special issue reviews the key trends, risks and innovations that reshaped Asia’s legal landscape. Sheryl Ubana, Bimal Mirwani and Byung Jin Park report
It is hard to believe...
From rose-scented car tyres to the region’s largest M&A transactions, the past decade of Asian deal making offers an eclectic window on an evolving market. In this 10th anniversary special report, Asia Business Law Journal’s Sheryl Ubana, Bimal Mirwani...
Indonesia’s PHE acquires offshore oil and gas blocks from Eni
Squire Patton Boggs advises Pertamina on acquiring Eni’s offshore interests, boosting Indonesia’s energy security
Linklaters steers Laos’ USD500m senior notes issuance
Linklaters advises lead managers on Laos’ USD500 million bond issuance, highlighting growing international market access
HKICC to boost Hong Kong’s dispute resolution status
HKICC launch in 2027 is expected to strengthen Hong Kong’s global dispute resolution appeal.
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu adds partner in Bangkok office
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu grows its Bangkok office with the addition of partner Supattra Sathapornnanon
Tilleke & Gibbins hires M&A partner in Vietnam
Tilleke & Gibbins adds Phong Ngoc Nguyen as a partner, bolstering its M&A capabilities in Vietnam
Malaysia’s Adnan Sundra & Low hires M&A partner and team
Adnan Sundra & Low adds partner Aaron Sankar and team to grow its corporate and M&A practice
The Philippines top lawyers 2026
Following an extensive nomination process, Asia Business Law Journal unveils its top performers of the Philippines’ legal profession
CO-PUBLISHED ARTICLES
Key features, requirements of BVI private investment funds
FSC recognition, requirements, notifications and filings are among key features of BVI private investment funds
Spectrum judgment’s impact on resolution of regulated entities
Reconciling insolvency and regulation in natural resource sectors after India’s telecoms spectrum ruling
Philippine reforms aim to ease transmission bottlenecks
Philippines transmission delays strand new plants as DOE, ERC reforms let GenCos build shared lines.
Drawing the arbitration line
Courts and lawmakers across Asia are reshaping the boundaries of arbitral procedures
EDITOR’S PICKS
The Philippines top lawyers 2026
Following an extensive nomination process, Asia Business Law Journal unveils its top performers of the Philippines’ legal profession
Biggest trends
Asia Business Law Journal’s 10th anniversary special report explores the trends, risks and innovations that have reshaped the region’s legal market over the past decade
Covered: A decade of deals
From rose-scented car tyres to multibillion-dollar M&A, Asia Business Law Journal’s 10th anniversary special report revisits the region’s most striking deals of the past decade
Indonesia Law Firm Awards 2026
Asia Business Law Journal highlights top law firms in Indonesia
GCAI brings leaders together for India’s 2047 vision
GCAI convenes leaders in New Delhi to shape India’s 2047 legal framework for global economy
An ongoing in-house agenda
In the past decade, Asia Business Law Journal has featured the initiatives, activities and achievements of in-house counsel associations across the region, documenting the changing role and growing influence of the profession
SCCA hosts first overseas in-house counsel event in Tokyo
The Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) and Epiq held their inaugural overseas event in Tokyo
SCCA, GCAI forge Singapore-India in-house counsel partnership
The SCCA and the GCAI sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration between the in-house legal communities of Singapore and India.
Asian in-house counsel need distinct negotiation tactics: IMI
Asian in-house counsel should adopt negotiation strategies distinct from their Western counterparts, says International Mediation Institute (IMI) certified mediator Pascal Comvalius.
Diverse talent on ACC Hong Kong’s new board of directors
The ACCHK appoints new board of directors from diverse sectors led by president Winnie Tse
Features
Biggest trends
Asia Business Law Journal’s 10th anniversary special report explores the trends, risks and innovations that have reshaped the region’s legal market over the past decade
Covered: A decade of deals
From rose-scented car tyres to multibillion-dollar M&A, Asia Business Law Journal’s 10th anniversary special report revisits the region’s most striking deals of the past decade
Indonesia Law Firm Awards 2026
Asia Business Law Journal highlights top law firms in Indonesia
Malaysia’s top lawyers 2026
Asia Business Law Journal reveals Malaysia’s top lawyers
Retirement cost creep
Asia ageing strains pensions, workforces and reforms across jurisdictions as governments and employers adapt fast
Goliath’s GC
TSMC general counsel Sylvia Fang charts rise of Taiwan’s semiconductor giant on the world stage and the multijurisdictional challenges
The A-List: Japan’s top lawyers and Legal Icons
Asia Business Law Journal uncovers the most recognised lawyers in Japan’s legal industry, featuring the country’s top 100 lawyers plus 30 Legal Icons
Taiwan Law Firm Awards 2026
Asia Business Law Journal reveals Taiwan’s top law firms
KEY JURISDICTIONS
Two hats and a new outfit
Rathindra Das details how the company secretary is pivotal to managing cross-border governance after acquisition
Drawing the arbitration line
Courts and lawmakers across Asia are reshaping the boundaries of arbitral procedures
Indonesia Law Firm Awards 2026
Asia Business Law Journal highlights top law firms in Indonesia
Four shades for patents
Four jurisdictions, four distinct landscapes for protecting innovation
An ongoing in-house agenda
In the past decade, Asia Business Law Journal has featured the initiatives, activities and achievements of in-house counsel associations across the region, documenting the changing role and growing influence of the profession.
Drawing the arbitration line
Courts and lawmakers across Asia are reshaping the boundaries of arbitral procedures
An ongoing in-house agenda
In the past decade, Asia Business Law Journal has featured the initiatives, activities and achievements of in-house counsel associations across the region, documenting the changing role and growing influence of the profession.
Four shades for patents
Four jurisdictions, four distinct landscapes for protecting innovation
Drawing the arbitration line
Courts and lawmakers across Asia are reshaping the boundaries of arbitral procedures
Room for manoeuvre
When rules conflict and resources are finite, compliance is no longer about getting it right, but making trade-offs. Law firm managers map out where to yield and where to hold for GCs
Drawing the arbitration line
Courts and lawmakers across Asia are reshaping the boundaries of arbitral procedures
Covered: A decade of deals
From rose-scented car tyres to multibillion-dollar M&A, Asia Business Law Journal’s 10th anniversary special report revisits the region’s most striking deals of the past decade
Refreshing business
Legal strategies for business recovery across Asia
An ongoing in-house agenda
In the past decade, Asia Business Law Journal has featured the initiatives, activities and achievements of in-house counsel associations across the region, documenting the changing role and growing influence of the profession.
HKEX opens up
SEHK’s 24 July 2026 conclusions launch flexible Hong Kong listing reforms amid global IPO rivalry
Who owns AI?
New guidelines clarify rules on inventorship, patentability and disclosure for AI-assisted inventions in the Philippines
Japan outbound investment guide
While Japanese outbound investment continues to reach record levels, the global landscape in which these investments are made has grown markedly more complex
Staying afloat: Foreign shipping in Korea
South Korea’s maritime hub status grows with advanced ports, shipbuilding strength, trade volumes and dispute resolution.
Trade secrecy laws in Taiwan
Trade secret protection under TSA and IPCAA: Secrecy, value, confidentiality measures and Supreme Court guidance
Changes for chips
Taiwan blends semiconductor innovation and regulation to stay ahead
Philippine job termination: Avoid illegal dismissal liability
Avoid illegal dismissal: Align grounds, evidence and due process in Philippine termination decisions for employers
BVI economic substance rules for Asian cross-border structures
BVI economic substance rules 2026 give cross-border structuring guidance for Asian investors
Taiwan’s cross-border semiconductor controls: Export, security and investment regulations
A tougher regulatory framework is set to redefine how critical semiconductor technologies can move across borders
BVI’s regulatory landscape for virtual asset issuers
The BVI offers a flexible, tax-neutral, and business-friendly framework for virtual asset issuers, supporting innovation under clear yet adaptable regulation
- All
- ACCRALAW
- DivinaLaw
- Federis & Associates
- GI&T Law Office
- Loeb Smith Attorneys
- Ocampo & Suralvo
- PunoLaw
- Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
- SL Legal
- Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
- Mata-Perez Tamayo & Francisco Law Offices
- Gargantiel and Associates
More
Spectrum judgment’s impact on resolution of regulated entities
Reconciling insolvency and regulation in natural resource sectors after India’s telecoms spectrum ruling
Philippine reforms aim to ease transmission bottlenecks
Philippines transmission delays strand new plants as DOE, ERC reforms let GenCos build shared lines.
Champerty on third-party funding in Philippines arbitration
Supreme Court ruling in RODCO v Ross keeps third-party funding possible for Philippines arbitration claims
Opportunity and risk: Infrastructure insurance in Russia
Insurance structuring options for Russian infrastructure aligns CAR and DSU with EPC contracts to protect investors
Bride and prejudice: Gendered paths to Philippine citizenship
Love across borders, law within lines: Philippine citizenship pathways for foreign spouses marrying Filipino citizens
Tax-free importation of aircraft in Philippines
Regulatory framework allows non-franchised entities to enjoy tax-free importation of aircraft, engines and spare parts in the Philippines
Philippines takes step towards same-sex property rights
Josef v Ursua case affirms co-ownership rights for same-sex partners under Family Code article 148 in the Philippines
Greenfield operations: India’s legal framework for GCCs
India’s legal framework for greenfield GCCs and data centres covers structuring, governance, compliance and investment rules
Goliath’s GC
TSMC general counsel Sylvia Fang charts rise of Taiwan’s semiconductor giant on the world stage and the multijurisdictional challenges
Singapore-New Zealand ink world’s first essential supplies pact
Singapore-New Zealand essential supplies pact boosts resilience, ensures trade flows in crisis, consultation and fewer export restrictions
Singapore Budget 2026: AI growth, risks and governance
Singapore Budget 2026 accelerates AI adoption, highlighting legal risks and governance needs for businesses
Inclusive workplaces: The Workplace Fairness Act
Singapore enacts the Workplace Fairness Act to prevent discrimination and ensure fair employment practices
Who if not you?
New ACC president and CEO Jason Brown outlines his vision to deepen engagement with in-house counsel across Asia
Executing deeds under Singapore law
LSS CPC guidance (Aug 2025) addresses electronic execution of Singapore law-governed deeds and foreign company execution in banking transactions
- All
- AI Regulation
- Anti-Bribery
- Antitrust
- Arbitration
- Autonomous Vehicle
- Banking and Finance
- Capital Markets
- Consumer Protection
- Corporate Governance
- Cross-border
- Cryptocurrency
- Data Privacy
- Digital Banking
- E-commerce
- Employment Law
- Energy Law
- ESG
- Esports
- Fintech
- Franchise
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Joint Ventures
- Life Science
- Litigation
- M&A
- Patent Law
- Private Equity
- Private Wealth
- Project Finance
- Real Estate
- Restructuring & Insolvency
- Stablecoins
- Taxation
- TMT
- Trademark
- Trade Secrets
Drawing the arbitration line
Courts and lawmakers across Asia are reshaping the boundaries of arbitral procedures
Four shades for patents
Four jurisdictions, four distinct landscapes for protecting innovation
M&A: The real deal
A practical guide to deals and market trends in Asia
Governance redefined
Corporate governance is evolving beyond compliance to encompass accountability, sustainability and long-term value
Built for finance
As investment flows into infrastructure, renewables and emerging technologies, project finance continues to evolve
Wealth in transition
An unprecedented transfer of private wealth is colliding with tighter regulation and rising complexity
Chasing zero
A closer look at how Japan and Taiwan are charting paths toward a low-carbon future
Taking TM’s measure
Trademark disputes, regulatory reforms and expansion pressures are forcing businesses to rethink brand protection
Asia’s AI era
As artificial intelligence reshapes economies and industries, jurisdictions across Asia are racing to set the rules for the AI age
Through the lens: anti-bribery and corporate risk across Asia
A regional snapshot of how China, Hong Kong, India and Taiwan are tightening anti-bribery laws, enforcement and compliance for businesses
A regulatory update on antitrust law
Mainland China, Japan and Taiwan to strengthen enforcement against anti-competitive behaviour
Unpacking China’s antitrust law regime
China tightens antitrust rules with AML reforms and stricter enforcement
Focus on Taiwan’s antitrust and competition rules
Taiwan enforces strict MLM rules under the MLMSA to protect distributors and ensure fair trade
Japan’s antitrust enforcement from 2024 to 2025
Japan boosts antitrust action with tougher JFTC enforcement and merger scrutiny
Drawing the arbitration line
Courts and lawmakers across Asia are reshaping the boundaries of arbitral procedures
Indonesian legislation calls for arbitral institution establishment
Indonesia positions PFII to boost global arbitration, but enforcement gaps and ‘national interest’ ambiguity remain.
Guide to arbitration in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms COA reach, waiver principles and arbitration in procurement and rehabilitation disputes.
Singapore courts clarify key arbitration boundaries
Singapore courts in 2026 redraw tribunal court boundaries on enforcement fraud limitation and admissibility disputes
Home advantage or trap? Foreign, domestic awards in Taiwan
Drafting arbitration clauses for Taiwan: domestic and foreign award classification and enforcement efficiency
On the road to regulation
A comparison of legal developments for the use of autonomous vehicles in mainland China and Taiwan
Legal developments in banking & finance
Experts from India, Malaysia and Taiwan are closely monitoring market regulatory shifts and investor behaviours to identify emerging opportunities
Harnessing capital market waves
Market reforms, investor activity and fundraising trends highlight the investment ecosystems in Hong Kong and Taiwan
Safeguarding consumers: Legal frameworks in Asia
From stricter e-commerce regulations to clearer liability standards, consumer laws are reshaping accountability across the region
Governance redefined
Corporate governance is evolving beyond compliance to encompass accountability, sustainability and long-term value
India’s corporate governance for foreign-owned companies
India’s corporate governance: Scrutiny, compliance complexity and resilient oversight for foreign-owned subsidiaries amid evolving regulation
Japan’s corporate governance reform: Key changes in 2026
Japan’s 2026 corporate governance code revision: Capital efficiency, stronger boards and earlier securities report disclosure
Taiwan’s governance reforms drive sustainable value
Taiwan’s layered governance framework shifts towards integrated ESG oversight, disclosure, and long-term stakeholder value
Managing risks in Thailand through effective corporate governance
Renewed Thai corporate governance aligns ESG, supply chains, procurement controls and workplace protections with norms
Deal-making across borders
Cross-border transactions are accelerating across Asia, bringing new opportunities and regulatory hurdles
Legal trends in the regulation of crypto currency
Regulators in Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan are boosting cryptocurrency markets by strengthening consumer protection and market integrity.
A regulatory update on data privacy
Regulations for personal data privacy are being implemented in the Philippines, Taiwan, and India
North Asia regional guide to digital banking
As regulation and compliance evolves rapidly in the hot-button area of finance, it is imperative to keep up to date on new developments
From clicks to compliance: Asia’s e-commerce evolution
Rapid digital expansion is driving Asia’s regulators to craft new e-commerce frameworks
Trends and challenges in employment law
Evolving worker classifications and stricter rules on dismissal highlight the challenges businesses face in navigating labour laws in these jurisdictions
Game on! The legal frontiers of esports and gaming in Asia
Esports and gaming have become powerful engines of innovation across Asia, yet each market faces its own peculiar legal and regulatory challenges
The future of fintech: legal insights into regulatory transformation
As financial technology matures across Asia, regulators are racing to keep pace with innovation
A comparison of developments in Franchise law
Franchising is shaping regulations in India and Taiwan, with India lacking specific laws and Taiwan using the Fair Trade Act
A comparison of developments in healthtech
South Korea boosts drug development; Russia tackles telemedicine and data protection
Developments in insurance law
A comparison of updates on eligiblity criteria in Japan and subrogation in India
Navigating laws on joint ventures
Foreign and local investors face numerous regulatory hurdles when embarking on joint ventures in India and Taiwan
Under the microscope
A comparison of evolving legal frameworks that are helping to shape the massive life sciences industries in China and India
Delicate balance of life sciences laws in India
India's life sciences laws regulate medicines, devices, biotech, and healthcare, ensuring quality, efficacy, safety, and consumer protection
Navigating China’s new protections for life science patents
China’s 2021 Patent Law overhauled life sciences protection with US-style patent linkage, term extension (PTE), and term adjustment (PTA)
Shaping litigation in India and Taiwan
While India expands its dispute resolution toolkit through arbitration and regulatory reform, Taiwan is sharpening efficiencies with court fee changes and mediation-first approaches
Overview of M&A laws in India
India rewrites M&A rules offering faster mergers, tougher CCI review, liberalised FDI and new acquisition finance
Indonesia M&A: Power, mining and healthcare
Indonesia’s M&A roadmap charts power, mining and healthcare rules for investors navigating regulatory approvals and constraints
Overview of recent trends in Japan’s M&A market
Japan’s 2025 M&A boom hits highs as METI takeover guidelines and tender-offer reforms reshape deals
How policy changes are reshaping Philippine M&A
Philippines reforms boost foreign investment and M&A as liberalisation, tax incentives and ESG reshape dealmaking
Taiwan’s M&A market trends in 2026
Taiwan M&A shifts outward amid geopolitical pressure and evolving regulatory scrutiny shaping deal strategy
Four shades for patents
Four jurisdictions, four distinct landscapes for protecting innovation
Chemical industry patent and trade secret litigation in China
In January 2026, the Intellectual Property Court of the Supreme People’s Court published 73 cases with damages awards exceeding RMB10 million (USD1.4 million)
The ultimate guide to Indonesia’s latest patent regulation
The government of Indonesia has enacted Ministry of Law Regulation No.6 of 2026, introducing an updated procedural framework for patent applications before the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP)
Patent enforcement in Japan: Trends and strategies
Japan has traditionally been regarded by some international patent holders as a relatively conservative forum for patent enforcement
Philippine practice guide to patent law 2026
In the Philippines, three major laws affect patents
Comparison of legal developments in private equity
Explore key trends and challenges in private equity disputes in China and India
Wealth in transition
An unprecedented transfer of private wealth is colliding with tighter regulation and rising complexity
Built for finance
As investment flows into infrastructure, renewables and emerging technologies, project finance continues to evolve
A comparison of laws concerning real estate
Foreign investment in Asia’s real estate is surging, but navigating diverse regulations is essential to avoid costly missteps
HK charging order absolute affirmed despite liquidation in BVI
Hong Kong High Court upholds charging order absolute, rejects BVI insolvency defence in Lead Good appeal
Restructuring and insolvency laws in Taiwan
Taiwan restructuring and insolvency frameworks offer viable options for distressed groups seeking efficiency, compliance and recovery
Comparison of laws regarding stablecoins
As stablecoins reshape global finance, regulators are developing different legal approaches
Rewriting the tax playbook
From India’s GST 2.0 to the Philippines’ tax overhaul, policy shifts are driving simpler and fairer systems across Asia
TMT in transition
Advances in technology are reshaping media and telecoms, with regulators in the Philippines
Taking TM’s measure
Trademark disputes, regulatory reforms and expansion pressures are forcing businesses to rethink brand protection
Legal trends on trade secrets
Trade secret laws in the Philippines and Taiwan continue to evolve amid confidentiality challenges
Executive Secretary
Location: Manila, Philippines Application deadline extended: On or before 31 August 2026, 11:59 p.m. (Manila time)
Legal Counsel – Manager – Data Protection – Office of General Counsel
Location: Hong Kong SAR, China
Paralegal, Corporate/Capital Markets (1-2 yrs EXP) 17210/VTA
Location: Hong Kong, China
