Asia is one of the most dynamic regions in the global economy.
From major financial centres such as Singapore and Hong Kong to rapidly developing markets across Southeast Asia, the region is home to businesses that are increasingly operating, investing and expanding across borders.
For IGAL, this represents an important opportunity.
Over the coming months, we want to strengthen IGAL’s presence across Asia by welcoming outstanding independent law and accounting firms into our international community.
And we would like our members to help us.
Our members know the right people
One of IGAL’s greatest strengths has always been the quality of the relationships between its members.
The same principle should guide the development of our network.
Rather than simply searching for firms in a directory, we believe that some of the best future IGAL members may already be one introduction away.
Perhaps you have worked with an excellent lawyer in Singapore.
Perhaps one of your clients regularly uses an accounting firm in Japan.
Perhaps you have developed a trusted relationship with a tax adviser in Hong Kong, a corporate lawyer in India or an accountant elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
We would like to hear from you.
A simple introduction from an existing IGAL member can be the beginning of a valuable relationship for the entire network.
Where are we looking?
Our objective is not simply to increase the number of firms within IGAL.
We want to identify high-quality, independent firms that share our values and genuinely want to participate in an international professional community.
Across Asia, we are particularly interested in developing and strengthening relationships in markets including:
Singapore • Hong Kong • Japan • South Korea • India • Malaysia • Thailand • Vietnam • Indonesia • Philippines
We are also interested in hearing about opportunities in other Asian jurisdictions where a strong independent law or accounting firm could complement the existing IGAL network.
Our ambition is simple: when an IGAL member has a client requiring assistance in an important Asian market, we want that member to be able to turn to a trusted professional within the IGAL community.
Law firms and accounting firms
IGAL’s distinctive strength comes from bringing together both lawyers and accountants.
As businesses become increasingly international, legal, accounting and tax questions rarely exist in isolation.
An international acquisition may involve corporate lawyers, tax specialists and accountants.
Establishing a subsidiary may require legal advice, employment expertise, tax structuring and local accounting support.
Cross-border investment can create regulatory, corporate, tax and reporting questions simultaneously.
Strengthening both sides of our network across Asia will therefore create opportunities not only for new members, but for every existing IGAL member and their clients.
Who could be a future IGAL member?
We are looking for established independent firms with strong reputations in their domestic markets and a genuine interest in international work.
But just as importantly, we are looking for people.
Professionals who value relationships.
Professionals who want to exchange ideas and opportunities with colleagues internationally.
Professionals who will attend meetings, contribute to the network and become part of the IGAL community.
Because IGAL has never simply been a directory of firms.
It is a network of people who know and trust one another.
One introduction can make a difference
This is where every IGAL member can contribute.
Think about your international relationships.
Who have you enjoyed working with in Asia?
Which lawyers or accountants have impressed you?
Which firms have provided excellent service to your clients?
Who would you personally feel comfortable recommending to another IGAL member?
If someone comes to mind, please introduce them to us.
You do not need to know whether they are currently looking for an international network. An informal introduction is enough for us to start a conversation.
And if you have ideas about particular countries, firms or professionals that IGAL should approach, we would be equally delighted to hear them.
Building IGAL’s future in Asia —> Together
Developing IGAL’s presence in Asia is not simply about adding new dots to a map.
It is about creating new relationships between professionals, opening new opportunities for members and ensuring that our clients can access trusted expertise in an increasingly important part of the world.
Over the coming months, we will be introducing new initiatives to support this development and to make it easier for outstanding independent firms to discover the IGAL community.
But our existing members remain our greatest ambassadors.
So we have one simple request:
If you know an outstanding lawyer or accountant in Asia who you believe should know about IGAL, introduce us.
One conversation could lead to a new member.
One new member could create opportunities across the entire network.
And together, we can build a stronger IGAL presence across Asia.
Do you have a contact or recommendation?
Please contact the IGAL team and tell us about the firm or professional you believe we should meet.
Singapore • Hong Kong • Japan • South Korea • India • Malaysia • Thailand • Vietnam • Indonesia • Philippines — and beyond.
Let’s build the next chapter of IGAL together.