Setia Law is a two-year-old Singapore law firm specializing in complex international disputes, financial crime investigations, high-stakes restructurings and insolvencies, and cross-border legal challenges. The firm stands out for its expertise in cutting-edge areas like blockchain, digital assets, and technology-related legal disputes. It houses 13 experienced disputes practitioners and continues to grow.
The firm's leadership comprises three key lawyers: Managing director Danny Ong, Wern-Jhien Yam, and David Yeow. Former Rajah & Tann senior partner, Ong is recognized as a global thought leader in asset recovery. He has an enviable track record of leading on multiple high-stakes and complex cross-border disputes and investigations over the past two decades. He is known for his contentious insolvency acumen, as well as being a go-to litigator for international battles and investigations. He is a pioneer in the cutting-edge blockchain and digital assets space, handling disputes, managing crises and advising distressed crypto investment platforms. He recently led the team that successfully prosecuted the first cryptocurrency claim before the SICC.
Alongside Ong is Director Yam Wern-Jhien, a financial services and technology disputes specialist and former Rajah & Tann partner. He is at the forefront of blockchain and cryptocurrency-related litigation in Singapore, with a substantial number of these mandates under his belt. He additionally has particular expertise in fraud and asset recovery. He has obtained multiple freezing and proprietary injunctions in aid of cross-border asset recovery efforts, including the first known instance of the grant of a proprietary injunction over cryptocurrencies in Singapore.
Yeow brings over 30 years of experience in securities and financial markets regulation, offering deep insights into financial services and emerging technology sectors.
In the commercial litigation practice, the firm’s lawyers have handled significant cases involving major global companies like Nokia, Eli Lilly, and Rakuten. Their work spans complex disputes in technology, pharmaceuticals, and international trade, often involving multi-jurisdictional proceedings. For example, STMicroelectronics engaged the team to handle a complex $600 million dispute concerning chip supply for a national identity card project spanning Singapore and Indonesia. The lawyers defended MAN Diesel Group in a high-stakes lawsuit brought by Skaugen Group, challenging allegations of misrepresentation regarding diesel engine fuel consumption values. The team also successfully defended Indonesian clients in a massive $12 billion SIAC arbitration involving intricate natural resources projects.
In the technology and digital assets space, Setia Law practitioners have been at the forefront of legal developments. Their work includes cases involving NFT marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, and digital content platforms. They achieved a significant milestone by prosecuting the first cryptocurrency claim in Singapore's courts on behalf of B2C2, securing worldwide freezing orders against Torque Group's cryptocurrency assets. They represented over 300 claimants in a $65 million lawsuit related to the Terraform Labs cryptocurrency crash. In a groundbreaking legal move, the firm successfully obtained the first proprietary injunction for cryptocurrency assets in the Singapore High Court, setting a precedent in digital asset litigation.
The financial disputes practice is particularly robust, with experience in high-stakes cases involving digital currencies, market manipulation, and complex financial transactions. The team acted on behalf of syndicated lenders to pursue a $140 million recovery claim against an Indonesian conglomerate, demonstrating their cross-border financial litigation capabilities. They represented WorldQuant in a sophisticated claim alleging misappropriation of proprietary trading systems and algorithms. In one of their most notable financial cases, the firm acted for the liquidators of MF Global Singapore, successfully recovering over $400 million in customer funds through complex legal proceedings.
The firm's fraud and financial crime practice is a highlight, with experience investigating and prosecuting complex international fraud cases. For example, the team investigated a complex $1 billion misappropriation scheme involving companies across the UAE, UK, and Singapore, demonstrating their international investigative capabilities. It handled a $200 million fraud claim for a Russian bank, navigating legal challenges across multiple jurisdictions. They conducted a thorough investigation into a $125 million fraud within a state-owned trading company's oil trading activity. The firm also led investigations into alleged manipulation of SIBOR interest rates and non-deliverable forward rates, working with global financial institutions to uncover potential misconduct.
The firm's international enforcement and asset recovery practice is particularly strong, with experience in recovering assets across multiple jurisdictions. They have successfully enforced international arbitration awards and helped clients recover significant financial assets in complex international scenarios.
Client feedback
Wern Jhien Yam
“Exceptionally responsive and easy to work with.”
