Stephenson harwood strengthens Singapore Finance practice with addition of Zhi Chao Chor

Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its Finance practice in Singapore with the arrival of Zhi Chao Chor, a dual England & Wales and Singapore qualified banking and finance specialist, who will join the firm as a partner, pending the usual regulatory approvals. He brings more than 15 years’ experience advising on complex, cross-border financings across Asia, Europe and Africa.

Zhi Chao advises both lenders and sponsors on structured commodity and trade finance, sustainability-linked and transition finance, including first-in-market carbon inventory structures, Islamic finance, leveraged and syndicated finance, and real estate finance. He joins the firm from Penningtons Manches Cooper.

“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, Stephenson Harwood. “There is growing demand for expertise that spans structured finance, commodities, sustainability, and cross-border investment, particularly as businesses pursue growth and adapt to new market realities across Asia. Zhi Chao’s broad experience in areas such as sustainability-linked lending, Islamic finance, and innovative trade finance structures will provide invaluable support to our clients as they look to achieve their ambitions in this evolving market.”

“Zhi Chao brings a blend of technical skill, commercial insight, and deep understanding of Asia’s commodity, energy and sustainable-finance markets,” said James Linforth, Head of Stephenson Harwood’s Finance practice. “His experience in transition finance and carbon-credit backed structures directly supports our ambitions in Energy Transition, Projects & Infrastructure, and Private Capital & Funds, and strengthens our position as a leading adviser for complex, cross-border finance in Asia.”

Stephenson Harwood’s international finance practice acts for international banks, investment companies, corporates, lessors, funds and other stakeholders on complex transactions, supporting both sponsor-side and lender-side offerings across general debt finance, projects, funds and corporate work.