Kelvin Chia Yangon

Kelvin Chia Yangon is a premier choice for commercial matters as the oldest and largest law firm in the country. The 14 lawyer-strong firm is known for its expertise in banking and finance, corporate and commercial and regulatory matters. Leading market practitioner Cheah Swee Gim heads the firm’s practice, with partners Pedro Jose Bernardo and Lyra Miragrace Flores-Bisnar garnering market plaudits for their visibility on transactions. Principal Myanmar attorney Khin Leinmar Ban Aye rounds out the partnership.  

General business law

Work highlights

Advising Philippines conglomerate Ayala Corporation on its $238 million investment in two Myanmar companies controlled by local tycoon Serge Pun. The client is set to purchase a 20% stake in Pun’s Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic Holdings and 20% in Yangon-listed First Myanmar Investment.

Representing Thai Amata Corporation on its $1 billion deal with the construction ministry to build a smart city in northeastern Yangon. This project will yield more than 30,000 new jobs and $60 million in direct taxes.

Acting for a domestic property management company on the preparation, reviewing and drafting of a suite of real estate agreements for retail, wholesale and residential buildings the client is planning to develop in the country.

Advising a licensed Chinese bank in relation to various syndicated loans led by the client. Work for the client includes drafting finance documents, conducting due diligence, providing legal opinions and assisting in the review of foreign exchange account management.