Global Restructuring Review

Tuesday, 3 March 2020, Maxwell Chambers

E-mail Tel: +44 20 3780 4296

Chairs

Milbank LLP

Jacqueline Chan is a partner in Milbank’s Singapore office and was previously resident in the firm's Hong Kong office. A recognized leader in her field, Jacqueline regularly represents many of the largest private equity and sovereign wealth funds, corporations, investment banks and financial institutions on complex restructurings, international M&A leveraged and acquisition finance transactions across the globe.

David Zemans

Milbank LLP

David H. Zemans is the Managing Partner of the firm's Singapore office and Milbank’s Asia Practice and a member of the firm's Global Executive Committee. David has been based in Singapore since 1997 and has extensive experience advising clients on many of the largest and most complex cross-border restructurings to have been successfully completed in Asia.

Programme

12.30: Welcome coffee and registration

13.30: Session one: Singapore’s new regime – a critical look

When Singapore enacted its new and ground-breaking regime – there was much “what if” and hypothesising, as well as optimism for the potential internationalisation of the regime. Now that there have been cases, it’s possible to be more forensic. What has worked, what needs to work better, and is the reform achieving what it set out to do? In this panel, our authoritative voices will provide the last word on the current state of play.

This session will discuss:

Are the changes to the regime being used in the way they were intended?
What issues remain and are any further reforms needed?
How are the technical aspects of the new regime being used – such as the worldwide moratorium, rescue and DIP financing, and cross-border recognition / assistance? Are they effective?
How is transparency and disclosure in the new regime being affected?
What does the future hold – Singapore’s Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act
The proposed new restrictions on ipso facto clauses – how far-reaching are the restrictions on the right to terminate contracts, and are there ways to mitigate its effects?

14.45: Coffee break

15.15: Session two: A postcard from India

The opportunities in the Indian market are generally seen to have expanded significantly, chiefly due to the establishment of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act. In this session, our esteemed panel will overview the latest developments in India’s market.

Topics that are expected to come up include:

With the recent developments in the Indian insolvency space, such as new strength given to the position of creditors, has there now been significant change for the better to facilitate the successful resolution of cases? What else can be done?
Do the current regulations offer a stable environment for foreign investment?
Is there sufficient capital in the market to restructure distressed debt in India?
Is it likely that the courts will further adopt practices from Europe and the USA in the management of proceedings for Indian clients?

15.45: Coffee break

16.15: Session three: The GRR Live Debate

In Oxford Union style, we will hear teams of debaters argue in favour of, or against, a motion in a lively back-and-forth. The audience will play a part in the decision through a live vote and will be encouraged to grill the panellists with further questions. Judges will then voice their opinions on what has been heard, before choosing which side to support and giving reasons for their decisions.

17.15: Chairs’ closing remarks

17.25: Close of conference