NAME:
Viska Kharisma

LAW FIRM: Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung

JURISDICTION: Indonesia

PRACTICE AREA: Capital markets

INDUSTRY SECTORS: Banking and financial services

Indonesia corporate partner Viska Kharisma of Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung (HBT) wins our May lawyer of the month award for her leading role in a cross-border bank acquisition completed during challenging lockdown conditions.

Bangkok Bank acquired an 89.1% stake in Permata Bank from Standard Chartered Bank and Astra International for $2.3 billion. Kharisma and her team, including senior Indonesian counsel David Dawborn, represented the target.

This notable M&A was the first acquisition of a publicly listed bank under Indonesia’s recently revised commercial bank investment rules. It was also the first major offshore bank acquisition made by a Thai financial institution. The transaction was able to successfully close on 20 May amidst Covid-19 uncertainties.

At HBT, Kharisma is a corporate partner who specialises in capital markets and financial services. She has long-standing experience in the banking, fintech and manufacturing sectors. Her international and domestic clients include Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, Mandiri Sekuritas and Indo Premier Sekuritas.