Penningtons Manches Cooper Appoints Zhi Chao Chor as Banking and Finance Partner in Singapore
Penningtons Manches Cooper has announced the appointment of Zhi Chao Chor, a dual-qualified banking and finance lawyer, as a partner in its Singapore office. The move strengthens the firm’s capabilities in commodities and trade finance across Asia.
Zhi Chao joins the firm from WongPartnership, having previously been a partner at Rajah & Tann. He is well-regarded in the region for his expertise in sustainability-linked finance, leveraged finance, Islamic finance, and real estate finance.
His notable transactions include advising bookrunning mandated lead arrangers and a syndicate of approximately 30 lenders on US$1.393 billion credit facilities for Mercuria Energy Group, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and commodity trading companies. He also advised on S$540 million facilities for the refinancing of Mercure Singapore on Stevens and Novotel Singapore on Stevens, both operated by Accor, the largest international hospitality group in the Asia Pacific.
In 2023, Zhi Chao was named one of Singapore’s 30 most influential young lawyers under 40 by Singapore Business Review.
Johan Wong, Head of the Singapore office at Penningtons Manches Cooper, said,
“I am very pleased to welcome Zhi Chao to the firm so soon after the arrival of Max Lim. Zhi Chao is a first-rate lawyer and his acknowledged expertise will further boost the firm’s banking, trade finance and commodities practices. His experience adds to our existing strengths on the ground, and complements our offering overseas. Max and I are looking forward to teaming up with Zhi Chao to make the most of the multitude of opportunities that exist here in Singapore and more generally across the region. These are exciting times and the future looks bright.”
Zhi Chao Chor said,
“I am delighted to be joining Penningtons Manches Cooper. The team do very impressive work for some fantastic clients. I am very much looking forward to working alongside them as well as my new international colleagues to grow our offering. This feels like a great opportunity and I cannot wait to get started.”
Paul Crane, Partner said, “Welcome to the team Zhi Chao Chor”
Helen Drayton, CEO
“From the first meeting I had with Zhi Chao Chor in early March with Darryl Kennard to today – it’s great to have another exceptional talent join Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP in Singapore, working alongside the quality team we have there in Johan Wong, Max Lim, Xiao Wei Wong, Yong Yee L., Betty Wong and Anis Malik – watch this space for updates on further additions coming soon 😊”
John Chater, Head of Banking and Finance said,
“I am very pleased to announce that Zhi Chao Chor has joined our growing Banking and Finance team in Singapore.”
Johan Wong, Partner said,
“It is a real pleasure for me to welcome Zhi Chao to the team so soon after Max’s arrival. This marks another big step for the growth and expansion of the Singapore office. Onwards and upwards!”
Darryl Kennard, Partner, said,
“Welcome Zhi Chao Chor, there has never been a better time to be joining our Singapore office. Johan Wong and Max Lim are going great guns, and I have no doubt that you will make a massive contribution to the office and firm more generally. Great to have you in the team.”
The firm’s strategic focus on Asia continues to attract top-tier talent, reinforcing its commitment to delivering specialist legal services across key financial sectors.
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