Championing Vietnam’s Growth:
YKVN’s Rise in International Markets
During this decade, Vietnam experiences rapid urbanization and the emergence of local leading players in sectors such as real estate, banking, consumer goods, technology, and manufacturing. The legal landscape evolves with significant regulatory reforms, including new environmental protection, competition, and labor laws, which shape a more efficient and sustainable business environment.
In this dynamic period, YKVN solidifies its reputation by advising on some of Vietnam’s most landmark public or private transactions, complex cross-border and capital markets operations.
In 2011, the firm expands regionally by establishing its Singapore office, becoming the only Vietnam-based law firm with an international office.
This strategic move enhances YKVN’s leadership in international dispute resolution and cross-border transactions, positioning the firm at the center of Southeast Asia’s legal and financial hubs.
“Very active. We often see them in the biggest deals in the jurisdiction. […] YKVN as an equal to the magic circle firms. They work at an international standard.”
IFLR
“Experienced lawyers with a deep bench”
Chambers
“Has acted as counsel in some of the most pioneering, high value transactions.”
Asialaw
2010
National Recognition from Vietnam’s Legal Institutions
In 2010, YKVN was honored by Vietnam’s highest legal institutions, including the Minister of Justice, the Vietnam Bar Association, and the Law Academy of Vietnam, for its contributions to legal policy development, lawyer training, and elevating Vietnam’s legal profession through national and international achievements. These accolades affirm YKVN’s leadership and dedication to advancing Vietnam’s legal landscape.
2010
IFLR Debt and Equity-linked Deal of the Year
The first time this distinction was awarded to a Vietnamese law firm
2011
US$ 1.8B TNK-BP purchase of BP Vietnam assets
Advised TNK-BP on its purchase of BP’s upstream, pipeline and electricity assets in Vietnam and Venezuela for a total cost of US$ 1.8 billion.
Photo: © AES Mong Duong Power
2011
Landmark US$ 1.3B Project Financing: Mong Duong 2 BOT Power Project
Advised KEXIM and the lenders on the US$ 1.3 billion international financing of the Mong Duong 2 project, Vietnam’s first BOT power project to reach financial close since Phu My 2 in 2003. Recognized as “Deal of the Year” by Asian Counsel.
YKVN establishes its Singapore office
Becoming the first and only Vietnam-based law firm with an office outside of Vietnam at that time. This strategic move positions the firm at the heart of Southeast Asia’s financial and legal hub and enables YKVN to better serve clients in cross-border transactions and global markets.
2012
Vietinbank’s Inaugural US$ 250M International Bond Issuance
Advised underwriters Barclays and HSBC on Vietinbank’s US$ 250 million international bond issuance. This landmark transaction marked a significant step in Vietnam’s corporate access to global capital markets.
Vietinbank’s bond issuance opened the door for YKVN’s expertise in high-yield and convertible bonds, enabling us to advise leading private groups like Vingroup, Novaland, and Hoang Anh Gia Lai on complex bond issuances and to gain an unparalleled expertise.
2013
Asian-Mena Counsel Deal of the Year
The 4th consecutive year and the 6th time in the past 8 years this distinction is awarded to YKVN.
2013
Vietnam Airlines’ Multinational Financing for Airbus Aircraft
Advised Vietnam Airlines on the ECGD-COFACE-HERMES-guaranteed financing for the purchase of three Airbus 321-231 aircraft. This significant transaction involved export credit agencies from multiple countries, showcasing Vietnam Airlines’ ability to secure complex, internationally-backed financing. The deal supported the modernization of Vietnam Airlines’ fleet, strengthening its position in the regional and global aviation markets.
2016
Major Arbitration Case Involving Petrovietnam
Represented Petrovietnam (as co-counsel with Shearman & Sterling (Emmanuel Gaillard and Yas Banifatemi)) in a US$ multi million indemnity tax claim ICC arbitration in Singapore against a consortium of two independent oil contractors. This arbitration was an Asia Lawyer 2016 Finalist for Dispute of the Year: Arbitration.
2014
Environmental Protection Law
(revised in 2020)
Established environmental regulations requiring businesses to conduct impact assessments and adopt sustainable practices, responding to the growing need for environmental sustainability.
2015
Petrovietnam on its acquisition of all of Chevron’s
Advised Petrovietnam on its acquisition of 100% of the shares of the Chevron companies with assets in Vietnam and the operatorship that are part of the Block B, Block 48&95 and Block 52/97 projects, off Vietnam’s continental shelf.
2016
US$ 1.1B Strategic Investment by Singha Asia in Masan Group
Advised Masan Group on the US$ 1.1 billion investment by Singha Asia Holding Pte Ltd, acquiring a 25% stake in Masan Consumer and a 33.3% stake in Masan Brewery.
This landmark transaction was one of the largest foreign investments in Vietnam’s consumer sector, forming a strategic partnership that strengthened Masan’s market position and expanded Singha’s footprint in Vietnam’s fast-growing beverage industry.
2016
Landmark US$ 1.14B Acquisition of Big C Vietnam by Central Group
Advised Central Group, a leading Thai conglomerate, on its US$ 1.14 billion acquisition of Big C Vietnam from Casino Group. This significant transaction, the largest M&A deal in Vietnam in 2016, included 43 stores and 30 shopping malls under the Big C brand. The deal marked a major expansion for Central Group in Vietnam, establishing it as a dominant player in the country’s retail sector and underscoring the growing regional integration of Southeast Asia’s retail market.
2016
Launch of the YKVN Scholarship Program
The YKVN Scholarship provides merit-based awards for third-year law students and need-based support for law students in financial need. Recipients also participate in seminars and networking events, offering them valuable insights and connections within Vietnam’s legal profession.
2017
Wins 5 National Firm of the Year Awards
The first firm in history to win 5 “National Law Firm of the Year” awards in the same year (IFLR, Chambers, ALB, Asialaw (APAC Dispute Resolution & Asia Legal Practice).
2017
On Record Acquisition of ANZ Bank’s Vietnam Retail Business
Advised Shinhan Bank Vietnam on the acquisition of ANZ Bank’s Vietnam Retail Business – the largest banking asset sale in Vietnamese until 2017.
2017
US$ 5B ThaiBev acquisition of 54% stake in Sabeco
YKVN sole counsel to Sabeco in the ThaiBev (Thailand) transaction with Sabeco, Vietnam’s leading brewer, marking a significant shift in ownership of the Saigon Beer brand.
Photo: © MOIT
2018
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Vietnam joined the CPTPP, gaining access to a broader market and setting the stage for enhanced trade and investment opportunities. The agreement also pushed Vietnam to adopt higher standards in labor, intellectual property, and environmental protections.
2018
Amendments to the Competition Law
Strengthened regulations on mergers and acquisitions, ensuring market concentration remains balanced and fair, promoting consumer protection.
2019
Cybersecurity Law
Regulated data storage and online business activities, enforcing cybersecurity measures critical for Vietnam’s growing digital economy.
2019
Amendments to the Labor Code
Updated labor laws to align with international standards, addressing issues like labor contracts, working hours, and dispute resolution in an evolving economy.
2018
US$ 1.8B Investment by GIC in Vinhomes
Advised GIC, a leading Singaporean investment firm, as sole counsel on its US$1.8 billion investment in Vinhomes, one of Vietnam’s largest real estate developers. This landmark transaction was one of the biggest foreign investments in Vietnam’s real estate sector, underscoring the appeal of the country’s property market and supporting Vinhomes’ growth as a key player in urban development.
2018
Represented a Leading Ride-Hailing Company in Landmark Litigation in Vietnam
Advised a prominent ride-hailing company in a high-profile litigation case brought by a local taxi firm, addressing complex issues around competition and market disruption. This landmark case set a significant precedent in Vietnam for the digital economy, clarifying regulatory and competitive practices for tech-driven services in the transport sector.
2019
Groundbreaking US$ 1B Vingroup-SK Group Strategic Partnership
Advised Vingroup (ticker “VIC”) as lead counsel on its sale of a 6.1% stake to South Korea’s SK Group, marking a US$ 1 billion strategic partnership. Seeking to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, SK Group entered into a complex M&A and capital market transaction with Vingroup, acquiring a mix of primary and secondary shares. This high-profile deal, the largest investment in a Vietnamese listed company to date, was among the most sophisticated corporate transactions in Vietnam.
