Insurance law firm Wotton + Kearney will open an office in Singapore in June, marking the Australian group’s first operation in mainland Asia.

Ben Nicholson, who joins from Kennedys Singapore, and Tom Morrison, also from Kennedys, will head the team. The pair have both been appointed as partners.

Wotton + Kearney Chief Executive Partner David Kearney says the office will provide a platform to grow connections with international insurance brands.

“Our move to Singapore reflects the global nature of the insurance industry and the importance of Singapore as a regional insurance hub,” he said. “Our growth has always been client-driven and we know that an expanded Asian offering will make us a better business partner for our insurer clients that provide insurance to businesses across the region.” 

Head of Property, Energy and Infrastructure Adam Chylek says Singapore is “the glue between the London/European insurance markets and Australia. All the significant international insurers and reinsurers have a base in Singapore, and many of them are our established clients, so it makes sense for us to invest heavily in the region.

“I am genuinely excited about partnering with what is unquestionably the No.1 team in the Singapore insurance market, and what that means for the breadth of legal services Wotton + Kearney will be able to deliver across the region.” 

He says the firm is “committed to looking at further international moves at the right time”. 

Wotton + Kearney has nine offices across Australia and New Zealand and employs more than 360 lawyers. The firm says its revenue has increased 71.6% since the 2020 financial year.