Law.com's Leadership in Law Singapore 2026 took place on 10 September at The Fullerton Hotel, bringing together senior legal leaders from across Asia-Pacific for a day of thought-provoking discussions, practical insights and valuable networking. Held in association with Global Leaders in Law (GLL), Lexology, TechLaw.Fest and the Singapore Academy of Law, the event provided a platform for in-house counsel, private practice lawyers and business leaders to exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Throughout the day, speakers and delegates explored many of the issues shaping today's legal landscape, from geopolitical uncertainty, cross-border disputes and regulatory enforcement to investment trends, AI governance, crisis preparedness and talent strategy. Through a mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions, roundtables and interactive sessions, attendees shared experiences, challenged perspectives and discussed how legal teams can continue to lead and add value in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world.

The conference began with a welcome from Diane Fletcher, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, National University of Singapore, who set the tone for the day. This was followed by an opening presentation from Chris Tart-Roberts, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, who explored how the legal profession is evolving in an era of rapid AI-driven change. Delegates heard how qualities such as judgement, trust, commercial awareness and adaptability will become even more important as AI becomes increasingly embedded in legal and business operations. The session served as a timely reminder that while technology may transform how lawyers work, the value of strong leadership and sound decision-making remains unchanged.

 

Keynote Address: From Leadership to Legacy: Building Systems That Outlast Us

The keynote address was delivered by Gloria Lim, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore International Arbitration Centre, who explored what it means for leaders to move beyond individual achievement and create lasting institutional impact. The discussion focused on building resilient systems, cultures and governance structures capable of enduring long after individual leaders have moved on.

 

Cross-Border Flashpoints: The Trade Pressures Driving the Next Wave of Disputes

Supported by Dechert, the first panel discussion featured Maria Tan Pedersen, Partner, Dechert; Nuraliza Osman, General Counsel, RGE; Kalindee Mehta, Senior Vice President & Regional General Counsel, Asia Pacific and China, SAP; and Eugene Nai, General Counsel, Asia Pacific, A.P. Moller - Maersk. Together, they explored how shifting geopolitical alliances, trade restrictions and growing economic fragmentation are creating new sources of cross-border disputes and uncertainty for businesses operating across the region. The discussion also highlighted Singapore's increasing importance as a hub for international arbitration and dispute resolution, as organisations look for effective ways to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.

Key themes included:

  • Legal leaders are increasingly being asked to anticipate geopolitical risks before they become commercial disputes.
  • Trade tensions continue to influence supply chains, investments and contracting strategies.
  • Cross-border disputes are becoming more complex due to overlapping regulatory requirements.
  • Businesses are placing greater emphasis on proactive risk management and contractual resilience.
  • Legal teams must work closely with business leaders to prepare for rapidly changing trade environments.

 

AML and ABC Crackdowns, Multijurisdictional Cooperation, and What Counsel Should Do Next

Supported by Ropes & Gray, this session featured Andrew Dale, Partner, Ropes & Gray; Fabrizio Catalano, SVP, Head of Legal APAC, Publicis Groupe; Dian Chen, Head of ABAC, Conflicts of Interest & Fraud Prevention, ABB; and Lily Tsen, Group General Counsel, StorHub Group. Panellists examined the growing regulatory focus on anti-bribery, corruption and anti-money laundering compliance, and discussed how greater cooperation between regulators across jurisdictions is increasing expectations on companies operating in the region.

Key takeaways included:

  • Compliance programmes need to evolve continuously to keep pace with changing regulatory expectations.
  • Regulators are increasingly working together across borders, making local compliance issues global risks.
  • Third-party relationships remain one of the most significant areas of exposure for organisations.
  • Effective compliance requires strong collaboration between legal, compliance, finance and business teams.
  • Documentation, transparency and robust internal controls are critical when responding to regulatory scrutiny.
  • Building a culture of compliance is just as important as implementing policies and procedures.
  • Organisations that take a proactive approach to risk management are better positioned to respond to investigations and enforcement actions.

 

Deals in Turbulent Times: Where Investment Is Still Happening and Why

Moderated by Anu Tiwari, Head – Fintech & Financial Service Regulatory and Senior Director, CAM Singapore, the discussion featured Ajay Dua, General Counsel, IBM Asia Pacific; Federico Fabiano, Head of Legal and Compliance, Hex Trust; and Jeremy Saw, General Counsel, Energy Transition, Asia, Gresham House. The conversation focused on how investor priorities are evolving, where capital is being deployed most actively, and the increasingly strategic role legal teams play in facilitating transactions, managing risk and supporting growth initiatives.

Key takeaways included:

  • Investors are becoming more selective, prioritising resilient sectors with strong long-term growth fundamentals.
  • Geopolitical uncertainty is influencing not only where investments are made, but also how deals are structured.
  • Energy transition, technology and digital infrastructure continue to attract significant interest across the region.
  • Regulatory complexity is increasing the importance of early legal involvement in transactions.
  • Due diligence processes are becoming more focused on geopolitical, compliance and operational risks.
  • Legal teams are expected to move beyond risk identification and help enable commercially viable solutions.
  • Organisations that can remain agile and adapt quickly to changing market conditions are better positioned to attract investment and execute successful transactions.

 

Roundtable Discussions

Following lunch, delegates participated in a series of interactive roundtable discussions designed to encourage peer-to-peer learning and practical knowledge sharing on some of the most pressing issues facing legal leaders today. Topics included:

  • Private Equity and Value Creation: From Fundraising to Exits, moderated by Kwong Weng Wan, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Mapletree Investments.
  • M&A Under Pressure: Navigating Deals Amid Geopolitics, moderated by Christopher Koh, Partner, Co-Head of the Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions Department and Co-Head of the Healthcare, Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals Practice, Allen & Gledhill, and Chia Chee Hoong, Partner and Co-Head of the Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions Department, Rahmat Lim & Partners.
  • Before the Lawyers' Letters Fly: Managing the Moment a Commercial Relationship Turns into a Dispute, moderated by Christian Teo, Director, Watershed Law.
  • Managing AI Risk in the Enterprise: What In-House Counsel Need from Their Lawyers, moderated by Mateena Hammad, Journalist, Lexology PRO.
  • Commercially-Savvy Lawyering: Building Financial Fluency to Drive Better Business Decisions, moderated by Samson Leo, Chief Legal Officer, Fazz Financial Group.

 

When AI Misfires: Who Is Liable?

This session brought together Greg Chew, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, Nanyang Technological University; Glenn Seah, Senior MD and Head Legal, Compliance & Corporate Secretariat, SGX; Ida Kho, Head of Group Ethics and Compliance, Sembcorp Industries, and Industry Fellow, Singapore Management University Centre for Digital Law; and Brian W. Tang, Founding Executive Director, LITE Lab, University of Hong Kong Faculty of Law, and Co-Chair, Asia-Pacific Legal Innovation & Technology Association. Together, they examined one of the most pressing governance challenges facing organisations today: who is accountable when AI-driven decisions go wrong.

Key discussion points included:

  • Liability frameworks for AI continue to evolve globally.
  • Effective governance remains essential regardless of regulatory maturity.
  • Documentation and oversight are becoming increasingly important risk-management tools.
  • Organisations must balance innovation with accountability.
  • Legal departments have a critical role in establishing AI governance frameworks.

 

Voices from the Room: Crisis Readiness – Spotting Early Signs of Corporate Crisis

Supported by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, this interactive session featured Fatim Jumabhoy, Partner, Asia Head of Employment & Workplace Investigations, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer; Samuel Huen, Global Head of Legal, Bank of Singapore; Divya Venugopal, General Counsel, Zurich Insurance Singapore; and Sandra Tsao, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Mandai Wildlife Group. Drawing on both audience input and personal experiences, the speakers examined the subtle indicators that are often overlooked, from cultural shifts and employee concerns to reputational changes and operational challenges. The session reinforced the importance of proactive monitoring, effective communication and cross-functional collaboration in helping organisations respond swiftly and decisively when risks emerge.

Key takeaways included:

  • The earliest signs of a crisis are often cultural rather than operational.
  • Legal teams should play an active role in identifying and escalating emerging risks before they become business-critical issues.
  • Reputational damage can occur rapidly, making early intervention essential.
  • Strong relationships between legal, HR, communications and business leaders are critical during times of crisis.
  • Organisations should establish clear crisis response frameworks before they are needed rather than reacting in real time.
  • Employee sentiment, customer feedback and stakeholder concerns can provide valuable warning signals.
  • Scenario planning and regular crisis simulations help teams respond more effectively under pressure.
  • Transparency, clear communication and decisive leadership are often the most important factors in successfully managing a crisis.

 

From Compliance to Culture: How Employment Law and Retention Pressures Are Redefining Today's Workforce

The final panel discussion featured Paul Hodkinson, Editor-in-Chief, Law.com, as moderator, alongside Shishir Akhouri, Legal Director, InMobi Advertising, and Priya Aswani, Assistant General Counsel, Regional Lead Labour & Employment APAC, Cargill. The session explored how changing workforce expectations, ongoing talent shortages and an evolving employment law landscape are reshaping the role of legal leaders and creating both new challenges and opportunities for organisations.

Key takeaways included:

  • Organisational culture has become both a business priority and a significant source of legal and reputational risk.
  • Retention challenges are changing the skills and capabilities organisations look for when hiring and developing legal talent.
  • Employment law continues to evolve in response to changing workforce expectations, workplace flexibility and employee wellbeing.
  • Legal leaders are increasingly partnering with HR and executive teams on broader people and culture initiatives.
  • Employee experience and engagement can have a direct impact on organisational risk and business performance.
  • Future legal leaders will need a blend of technical expertise, commercial awareness and strong leadership skills.
  • Investing in talent development, succession planning and career progression is critical to building resilient legal functions.
  • Adaptability and continuous learning are becoming essential traits for legal professionals navigating a rapidly changing workplace

 

Leadership in Law Singapore 2026 was a resounding success, bringing together senior legal professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region to share insights, exchange experiences and build valuable professional relationships. We thank our sponsors, partners, speakers and attendees for their support and look forward to welcoming the legal community back for the next edition of the conference.

 

Testimonials:

 

"Brilliantly curated event, with contemporary topics, and thought-leaders for each session. Highly recommended event for legal leaders."    -Sponsor at Leadership in Law Singapore 2026

"Leadership in Law Singapore ran a no‑fluff, high‑impact sessions where the conversations were candid, the connections were real, and the takeaways were immediately actionable."                                                                                                                                                    - Speaker at Leadership in Law Singapore 2026


"A thoughtfully curated event that brought together diverse perspectives from many thought leaders across the legal industry. I especially valued the candid conversations, practical insights and opportunity to reconnect with peers and make new connections. Grateful to have been part of it."                                                                                                                                                                                                    -Speaker at Leadership in Law Singapore 2026

"Happy to hear top-quality PoVs shared from real-life experience, both from curated speakers onstage and the attendees mingling in the room. Thank you, Law.com — our time at the conference felt well spent."                                                                                                        - Attendee at Leadership in Law Singapore 2026