Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group, is quoted extensively in a recent article on fintech in Southeast Asia. The article, which was published in the August 2023 issue of Asian Legal Business, highlights the importance of achieving a balance between innovation and regulation in fostering a healthy environment for fintech operations. In the article, Nop emphasizes that innovation and regulation should not be seen as competing ideals. “When it comes to new and complex products in the fintech sector,” she says, “a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework can give businesses the confidence to make investments.” Nop also points out the role of regulations and regulators in combating cybercrime within the fintech realm, noting that regulators are a crucial ally in the fight against cyber threats. She explains that this can even be on a regional or global level. For example, the Financial Action Task Force and its recommendations create a network that has been especially effective in combating cross-border financial crimes. Asian Legal Business, owned by Thomson Reuters, is a leading source of information for businesses and professionals in the legal industry in Asia.

Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group, was quoted in a recent article from the Financial Times on how law firms are helping clients tackle cybersecurity risks and navigate fast-evolving regulatory landscapes for data protection and cybersecurity in Asia. In the article, Nop commented on recent Thai legislation that requires companies monitoring the behavior of residents to have a local data privacy representative in the country. She explained that this has created a client-service opportunity for Tilleke & Gibbins, which set up a digital solutions service that allows the firm to be the representative in Thailand for existing clients, including Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook. This helps clients become compliant and avoid having to set up their own local representative in Thailand. Nop also discussed enforcement of the country’s fledgling Personal Data Protection Act and related regulations. “Last year, when the law was implemented, the regulator’s approach was more educational,” she told Financial Times. “This year, I would expect the regulator to start imposing fines. They are starting to enforce more strictly.” Tilleke & Gibbins Digital Solutions is a first-of-its-kind service in Thailand, and it demonstrates the proactive approach the firm takes in addressing cybersecurity and data privacy. The firm’s data protection team—led by counsel Nopparat Lalitkomon—remains committed to helping clients navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats and compliance.

Dino Santaniello, head of Tilleke & Gibbins in Laos, and Naiyane Xaechao, a paralegal in the Vientiane office, recently met with officials from the Department of Cybersecurity in Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications, as well as representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos (ECCIL), to discuss a white paper drafted by the firm regarding the Law on Electronic Data Protection. The aim of the meeting was to provide recommendations for amending the law to comply with international standards on data privacy while also taking into account the unique needs of Laos. During the discussion, Dino and Naiyane shared their deep knowledge and expertise in the field of data protection as they addressed various questions raised by the officers and ECCIL representatives. The meeting showcased Tilleke & Gibbins’ commitment to staying up-to-date on legal developments and working closely with government officials to ensure that laws are fair and effective for all stakeholders. The firm’s white paper and the valuable insights shared by Dino and Naiyane will contribute to the ongoing efforts to strengthen data protection in Laos and bring the country closer to international standards.

Tilleke & Gibbins is proud to be one of the founding member firms for the newly launched Sino International Professional Advisory Council (SIPAC) platform. SIPAC is a global network of law firms that offer legal services tailored to the Chinese legal market. Legal advisors partnering with SIPAC provide Chinese companies with expert advice and guidance that enable them to conduct business in key jurisdictions around the world. SIPAC aims to create a platform that connects in-house counsel at Chinese companies with a wide range of legal services, to ensure that Chinese companies can conduct business overseas with maximum efficiency. By bringing together leading firms from different countries and industries, SIPAC offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking expert advice on doing business in different regions of the world. As a founding member firm of SIPAC, Tilleke & Gibbins brings a wealth of expertise and experience advising clients on complex legal matters across the region. The firm has been operating in Southeast Asia for over 130 years and has a team of over 220 lawyers, making it one of the largest in the region. With the launch of SIPAC, Tilleke & Gibbins and its fellow founding member firms are well-positioned to offer customized legal and regulatory recommendations that provide Chinese businesses with increased access to overseas markets.