Richard Williams
Richard Williams
Speaker
Partner

Watson Farley & Williams

Singapore

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Risk, Regulation & Repossession: Best Practice for Leasing in APAC

Heloise Di Menza
Vice President Risk Management,
Shannon Engine Support
Richard Williams
Partner,
Watson Farley & Williams

In an increasingly complex regulatory and geopolitical environment, lessors operating in the Asia-Pacific region must be prepared for distressed scenarios, including repossession and enforcement actions. This session brings together legal and leasing experts to explore best practices in managing risk, navigating regulatory frameworks, and executing repossessions effectively across diverse APAC jurisdictions. Drawing on recent case law and enforcement trends, our panel will provide practical insights into how lessors can protect their assets and respond decisively in challenging situations.

1. Risk Management in APAC Leasing

  • Identifying high-risk jurisdictions and lessee profiles -  beyond the typical risk metrics, what intangible factors should be examined in a lessee?
  • Structuring leases to mitigate enforcement and repossession challenges
  • Role of insurance and guarantees in distressed scenarios

2. Legal Frameworks and Enforcement Realities

  • Overview of key APAC jurisdictions: Singapore, India, Indonesia, Philippines, China
  • Recent legal developments, including:
    • India’s 2025 Aircraft Objects Bill supporting Cape Town Convention
    • DIFC Court rulings enabling interim relief for grounding aircraft in Dubai
  • Practical enforcement challenges: court delays, political interference, asset concealment

3. Repossession Best Practices

  • Pre-default monitoring and early warning signs
  • Legal steps and documentation required for repossession
  • Coordination with local counsel, regulators, and airport authorities
  • Case studies of successful and failed repossessions

4. Lessons from Recent Cases

  • Analysis of 2024–2025 case law trends
  • What lessors can learn from recent disputes and enforcement actions
  • How to future-proof lease agreements in light of evolving jurisprudence