Two Ogier partners recognised as "top offshore lawyers in Asia" in ALB Offshore Client Choice 2025

Two partners from Ogier’s Hong Kong team have been named in Asian Legal Business’s (ALB) Offshore Client Choice 2025 list, which spotlights exceptional legal talent from across the Asian region.

Recognised for their "ability to handle complex cross-border matters and achieve outstanding results", the list includes Anthony Oakes, Ogier's head of finance and non-contentious restructuring in Asia, and Nicholas Plowman, Hong Kong practice partner and head of Ogier's Investment Funds team in Asia.

Anthony and Nicholas are praised in the list for their continuous contributions to shaping the offshore legal landscape in Asia. 

Here’s what ALB had to say about Anthony and Nicholas

Anthony Oakes

Anthony Oakes stands as a distinguished partner at Ogier and leading the firm's finance practice across Asia from their Hong Kong office. With a career spanning nearly three decades, he has solidified his reputation as a leading authority on British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Cayman Islands legal matters, serving clients throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Oakes brings versatility to his practice, offering legal guidance across a broad spectrum of complex transactions. His work has earned him consistent recognition on Asian Legal Business' prestigious Offshore Client Choice List since 2016, including coveted Top 10 rankings.

His recent accomplishments include advising on the landmark US$1.13 billion green loan financing for Kingston Green Logistics, supporting the development of a major cold storage and logistics facility in Hong Kong. This innovative transaction was recognized as Finance Deal of the Year 2024 by Asian Legal Business.

Oakes' practice demonstrates impressive range and depth, advising clients on cross-border leveraged and acquisition financings, margin loans, mezzanine financings, fund-level financings, syndicated facilities and loan restructurings. He has developed particular expertise in refinancings, schemes of arrangement, investor and shareholder rights, bond restructurings, and private equity financing structures across multiple jurisdictions.

Earlier in his career, he played an instrumental role advising on Indonesia's national airline's groundbreaking US$500 million sukuk—the first non-sovereign USD sukuk from Indonesia and the first USD benchmark bond issuance by an Asia Pacific national flag carrier since Qantas Airways. Additionally, he was pivotal in the successful restructuring of Mongolian Mining Corporation, demonstrating his sophisticated understanding of cross-border insolvency matters.

Clients consistently commend Oakes for his commercial mindset, exceptional responsiveness, and remarkable ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance. 

One client remarks, “Anthony is the real deal - he knows the market and provides sound, pragmatic legal advice”. Another highly recommends him for “his commitment to excellence and client service. His proactive approach and dedication to staying informed about the latest legal developments make him an invaluable asset. I have complete confidence in his abilities and judgement.”

Nicholas Plowman

Nicholas Plowman serves as the practice partner of Ogier's Hong Kong office and as head of Ogier's Investment Funds team in Asia. He is a visionary in offshore legal services, and founded Ogier's Hong Kong office in February 2007, establishing what would become one of the region's premier offshore legal practices.

With a background in corporate M&A from his tenure at Slaughter and May in London, Plowman has successfully built Ogier's Cayman Islands and BVI investment funds and venture capital practice into a powerhouse serving Asian clients. His practice covers a diverse range of fund structures, serving fund managers across private equity, long-only, and hedge fund sectors throughout the region.

Plowman's excellence has been consistently acknowledged within the legal industry, earning him a spot on the Asian Legal Business Offshore Client Choice List for six consecutive years. In 2023, his contribution to Ogier's success in Asia were recognised when Ogier was named  Offshore Firm of the Year at the ALB Hong Kong Law Awards.

As a key member of Ogier's multi-disciplinary Private Equity team, Plowman represents some of Asia's most sophisticated and respected fund managers. His client roster includes established institutions and emerging managers who rely on his deep understanding of fund formation, regulatory compliance and investment structures across multiple jurisdictions.

Based in Hong Kong, Plowman has played a crucial role in expanding Ogier's footprint across Asia's premier financial centres, helping the firm navigate the region's complex regulatory landscape while delivering exceptional client service.

Clients have praised Plowman for his “very strong understanding of client businesses to deliver relevant solutions and outcomes.” Another client comments: “We have always found Nick to be helpful, extremely competent and effective in the advice he has provided.”  

Anthony and Nicholas' profiles first appeared in Asian Legal Business, May 2025 edition.