Stephenson Harwood Boosts Singapore Finance Team with Key Partner Hire

International law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has significantly bolstered its Singapore finance practice with the strategic recruitment of seasoned banking and finance partner Zhi Chao Chor. The appointment, pending standard regulatory clearances, sees a dual England & Wales and Singapore qualified lawyer with over 15 years of experience join the firm’s Asia hub. Chor is recognized for advising lenders and sponsors on sophisticated, cross-border transactions spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. Chor’s practice is notably focused on high-demand areas central to contemporary global commerce and the shift toward a greener economy. His expertise encompasses structured commodity and trade finance, sustainability-linked and transition finance—including pioneering carbon inventory structures—alongside Islamic finance, leveraged and syndicated loans, and real estate finance. He arrives at Stephenson Harwood from Penningtons Manches Cooper, bringing a portfolio of experience that aligns with key growth sectors in the region. Firm leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this addition. “Singapore is a hub for global trade and capital, and as the energy transition accelerates, clients are seeking advisers who can deliver sophisticated, forward-thinking financing solutions,” said Daryll Ng, Singapore Office Managing Partner at Stephenson Harwood. He highlighted growing demand for integrated expertise in structured finance, commodities, and sustainability as businesses navigate new market realities across Asia. James Linforth, Head of the firm’s Finance practice, added that Chor’s technical skill and commercial insight in commodity, energy, and sustainable-finance markets would provide invaluable client support. This hire directly enhances Stephenson Harwood’s service offerings in its core international finance practice, which advises banks, investment companies, corporates, and funds on complex transactions. Chor’s deep experience in transition finance and carbon-credit backed structures is poised to strengthen the firm’s position in Energy Transition, Projects & Infrastructure, and Private Capital, reinforcing its status as a leading adviser for intricate cross-border finance in the dynamic Asian market.