Ian Phung

IIan is an Advocate and Solicitor and an experienced Chartered Financial Analyst whose career spans two pivotal domains, finance and the law. This dual expertise positions him uniquely in his role as Head of the Financial Services Regulation and Investment Funds practices at CHP.

He graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with a degree in Economics and a concentration in Accounting and Finance. Ian then spent 17 years in the fast-paced world of financial markets, trading fixed income products, interest rate derivatives and currency derivatives. His career took him through major international banks in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, where he made significant contributions across the Asia Pacific region.

Recognising the complementary nature of law and finance, Ian transitioned into legal practice and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Singapore Management University. His background allows him to bridge technical financial insight with strategic legal thinking, a combination that clients rely on when navigating complex regulatory and commercial environments.

At CHP, Ian focuses on financial services regulation and investment funds. He advises on fund formation, compliance frameworks, risk management and regulatory issues across the financial ecosystem. His deep understanding of financial instruments and market structure gives him the ability to identify issues quickly, anticipate risks and provide clear and commercially grounded solutions.

Ian’s diverse experience across markets, industries and multinational institutions affords him a perspective that is both analytical and practical. He believes that lawyers hone their craft not only through technical mastery but through the insights gained from building meaningful relationships, an approach that continues to shape his practice and client relationships.

Matter Highlights

  • Advised a Singapore multi-family office on the launch of 3 separate funds covering diverse investment strategies, and the regulatory implications under the Securities and Futures Act and Financial Advisers Act in respect of their proposed business activities.
  • Advised several Singapore fund managers on the launch of its venture capital fund using the Variable Capital Company (VCC) structures including restructuring a limited partnership structure in optimising its use of a VCC investment structure.
  • Acted for a Singapore fund manager in its successful application for a capital markets services license to operate as a venture capital fund manager, and on the launch of its venture capital fund with particular focus on investments integrating sustainable technology into traditional infrastructure projects.
  • Advised and assisted a Singapore enterprise which focuses on renewable energy solutions in pursuing a fund management license with particular focus on assets relating to carbon credits, renewable energy certificates, and power generation.
  • Advised the fund management arm of a multinational fund services firm on a bespoke notes program offered out of its British Virgin Islands fund.

Testimonials

"He is a seasoned investment banker and so he understands the frustrations and the line of thinking of problem-solving. In this regard, he is rather unique. He is also able and keen to share his network in the space of fund management."

"Knowledgeable, practical, able to problem solve and highly responsive. This combination makes collaborating easy and creates value."