Kristy Newby - Global Referral - Corporate Law

Kristy Newby

Partner and Managing Director, Lao PDR

Full Member

Biography

Kristy has nearly 20 years of experience practicing as a solicitor in the Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Australia.

In Laos, Kristy advises private and public companies, financial institutions, and investors on corporate and commercial matters, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions and foreign direct investment. Kristy also leads teams on the development and financing of energy projects, advising sponsors and lenders on several cross-border power projects.

Kristy routinely advises on regulatory compliance and governance and has led our team on recent M&A transactions across various sectors including hospitality, financial services, plantations, insurance and mining.

She also heads our regional Compliance & Investigations Practice, routinely advising clients on data protection and privacy matters.

Kristy is recognised in Laos as a “Leading Individual” in Legal 500 (Asia Pacific), an “Elite Practitioner” in AsiaLaw Profiles and a “Band 1 Practitioner” in Chambers Asia Pacific.

Firm Description

DFDL was established in the Lao PDR in 1994. Our Lao PDR team has the knowledge and insights to help clients navigate the complexities of this emerging market and provide commercially focused advice.

DFDL has a pre-eminent legal practice in Laos, offering impressive regional expertise. The firm is highly reputed for its frequent involvement in complex project financings, including hydro energy and developments for power production and transmission infrastructure. “I trust DFDL’s ability to appreciate the cultural and other aspects of doing business in Lao PDR. The broader awareness is helpful, as is the support with other aspects of business, such as formal translations.” – Chambers Asia Pacific 2023 – DFDL Lao PDR

Our Lao PDR team has developed a dynamic and active corporate and commercial practice geared towards meeting the growing demands of foreign and domestic companies wishing to invest in new projects and acquire interests in established businesses. We have extensive experience in company establishment, corporate advisory, corporate secretarial, and joint ventures.

Our legal experts advised on a comprehensive revision of the Law on Minerals in the Lao PDR, based on detailed analysis of the existing regulatory environment and best practices in the mining sector from across the region.

We have also advised lender syndicates and sponsors on development and financing of domestic and cross-border energy projects. DFDL Lao PDR also helped an ASEAN-based investment fund on its onshore acquisition of a stake in a leading Lao PDR health and education services.

Our legal team also advised a major hydro company in relation to a 1,272MW seven-cascade hydropower project, assisting with project company share transfers, review and negotiation of project documents, licenses and permits.

Member Details

Jurisdictions

flagLaos

Exclusive Member

Banking and Finance , Corporate Law , M&A , Energy Law , Projects and Infrastructure