NAME: Chris Robinson
LAW FIRM: DFDL
COUNTRY: Cambodia
PRACTICE AREAS: Capital markets, Corporate and M&A
Chris Robinson of DFDL is our January lawyer of the month for his instrumental role in advising a consortium of investors on the landmark $550 million sale of Cambodian microfinance institution Amret to Taiwan's Bank SinoPac. The transaction stands as one of Cambodia's most significant financial sector deals, highlighting the growing importance of sustainable finance and financial inclusion in the country's economic development.
The complex cross-border transaction saw Bank SinoPac acquire an initial 80 percent stake in Amret from a consortium of sellers including International Finance Corporation (IFC) and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. The deal structure allows for the acquisition of the remaining shares over a two-year period, with IFC and FMO each retaining a 10 percent stake to ensure a smooth transition.
With over 25 years of experience, Robinson has been active in complex cross-border transactions across the Asia-Pacific region. His expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, and corporate advisory matters, with a particular focus on advising investment funds, large corporations and financial institutions. His deep understanding of the financial services sector, coupled with extensive experience in the Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar markets, proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of the Amret transaction.
Robinson is currently ranked as an Elite practitioner for Capital markets and Corporate and M&A on asialaw.