Akin confirms plans to close its Singapore office in 2026, ending its decade-long presence
Akin has confirmed that it will close its Singapore office next year, a move that will leave Hong Kong as the firm’s only base in Asia. The decision marks a significant shift in the firm’s regional footprint, more than a decade after it first established a presence in the city-state.
In a statement, the firm said it intends to wind down its Singapore operations in the second quarter of 2026. According to the firm, the office currently consists of eight lawyers. Akin said it remained committed to supporting clients in Singapore and businesses operating within the jurisdiction, adding that work would continue through collaboration with other offices across its international platform.
The firm stated that the closure would not reduce its broader strategic focus on Asia. It emphasised that its Hong Kong office would continue to operate as the firm’s regional hub. Akin said it would “continue to invest in, and expand, its international platform, including its Asia hub in Hong Kong,” underscoring that the firm would maintain client service in Singapore through its global team.
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Akin opened in Singapore in 2012, the same year it established its Hong Kong office. Since then, the Singapore office has provided legal counsel across multiple practice areas, including investment funds, energy, mergers and acquisitions and project finance. Its lawyers have advised US and international clients with commercial interests in the region, reflecting Singapore’s role as a significant commercial and financial centre in Asia.
The firm’s presence in Asia was previously larger. Akin once operated an office in Beijing, which closed in 2024. The Beijing closure occurred during a period in which several international law firms reassessed their China operations amid geopolitical tensions, regulatory changes and shifts in market activity. Although some global firms have scaled back in China, others highlighted their ongoing commitment to Asia by focusing on Singapore as a regional anchor. Akin’s decision places it among a smaller group of large international firms to close offices in the city-state.
Earlier this year, legacy McDermott Will & Emery and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) also closed their Singapore offices, moves that left both firms without any on-the-ground presence in Asia. While these closures have been notable, they represent a relatively small number compared with the number of firms consolidating operations in China.
Despite a handful of international firms exiting Singapore, the jurisdiction continues to attract significant interest from the legal sector. Singapore is recognised for its stable economy, established rule of law and favourable tax environment. These features have supported the city-state’s position as a key hub for cross-border disputes, investment funds, energy and infrastructure work across the region.
Several firms have expanded their Singapore practices in recent years. Disputes specialist Quinn Emanuel, offshore firm Mourant and Goodwin Procter have all opened offices in the city-state. Other firms have reinforced their presence through senior hires. Greenberg Traurig expanded its Singapore bench with recruits from Simmons & Simmons, White & Case and Ashurst, followed by further additions from Baker McKenzie and Goodwin. CMS, Withers and Reed Smith have also built up their Singapore teams, pointing to sustained demand for international legal services.
Akin’s decision to close its Singapore office forms part of a broader reorganisation of its international network. The firm indicated that its approach will continue to focus on strengthening its global practices, with Hong Kong serving as its main base for work across Asia.