King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has strengthened its expertise in Australia and Singapore with the addition of three partners, enhancing its capabilities across dealmaking, regulatory compliance, financial structuring and dispute resolution.
Partner Lizzie Knight joins KWM’s foreign investment regulatory team in the Canberra office and partner Ben Davidson joins the firm’s construction dispute resolution practice in Melbourne.
In Singapore, Andy Ferris bolsters KWM’s debt capital markets practice, reinforcing the firm’s connectivity between Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.
“While there has been some volatility in recent years, debt capital markets in the region is poised for growth, driven by factors including strong investment opportunities in infrastructure development and the digital economy, and the needs of Asia’s expanding middle class,” Renae Lattey, KWM chief executive partner in Australia, told Asia Business Law Journal.
Knight brings experience in securing Foreign Investment Review Board approvals for major private equity firms. Previously a partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth for more than a decade, Knight played a key role in Industrial Superannuation Property Trust’s investment in the AUD600 million (USD376 million) University of New South Wales Health Translation Hub.
Davidson brings experience in managing high-stakes legal battles in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Previously at Corrs Chambers Westgarth for 28 years, Davidson has advised Shell on a series of disputes related to the AUD1.6 billion Queensland Curtis LNG Project.
Ferris, formerly a partner at Hogan Lovells, has advised investment banks and corporate debt issuers on significant offshore bond issuances, including a EUR500 million (USD516 million) subordinated hybrid notes issuance by APA Infrastructure.
Lattey noted that private capital transactions, energy transition projects and digital infrastructure investments were key growth areas where KWM aimed to lead.
