Reed Smith strengthens Asia-Pacific finance offering with hire in Singapore

Global law firm Reed Smith announced the appointment of banking and finance partner Dr. Gregory Xu (pictured) to its Singapore office. 

Xu, who joins from Stephenson Harwood, where he led the general banking and project finance offering in Southeast Asia and served on the firm’s Supervisory Council, its executive committee, will join Reed Smith’s Transportation Industry Group.

With over 15 years of experience, Xu advises on high-value, cross-border transactions across a wide range of sectors, including transportation — shipping, aviation, and logistics — trade, life sciences, energy, and technology. He regularly acts for financial institutions, funds, export credit agencies, leasing houses, asset owners, and Fortune 500 companies on complex financing, restructuring, and enforcement matters.

Xu has a strong track record in green and sustainability-linked lending and advises on multi-jurisdictional insolvency-related enforcement and restructuring matters. He also brings extensive experience in general corporate and commercial matters.

Richard Hakes, chair of Reed Smith’s Transportation Industry Group, said: “Gregory is an outstanding addition to our team, bringing deep knowledge of ship finance, aviation finance, and banking throughout Southeast Asia. His arrival further strengthens our capabilities in Singapore and reinforces our commitment to the maritime, aviation, and broader transportation sectors across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Working closely with our shipping teams in Hong Kong and Shanghai and our aviation team in Singapore as part of our global Transportation Industry Group, Gregory will enhance our ability to provide seamless, cross-border support to clients operating in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.” 

Xu commented: “Reed Smith’s global platform, sector focus, and collaborative culture are hugely impressive. The firm’s market-leading finance practice and its long-standing reputation in general banking, asset finance, and project finance were major draws for me. I’m delighted to be joining such a highly collegiate team with a clear strategy for growth in the region and look forward to contributing to the continued expansion of the firm’s finance offering across Asia-Pacific.”

Praj Samant, Reed Smith’s Asia-Pacific managing partner, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gregory to the Singapore team. His arrival further strengthens our offering in one of the region’s most strategically important sectors. We look forward to the valuable contributions he will bring to the firm locally and globally.”