CFB Lawyers
CFB Lawyers is a full-service law firm located in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The firm was founded in 2021 by former Manuela António lawyers and local notaries partners Hugo Maia Bandeira, Bernardete Fan and Victor Castro. CFB Lawyers integrated with the Asociación Europea de Abogados international lawyers' network in 2023 as a member for the Macau SAR.
The firm specialises in providing expert counsel on financing transactions and capital markets, advises and supports both lenders and corporate and individual borrowers in a wide range of financing transactions, including domestic and cross-border arrangements, syndicated facilities, and debt issuance. In the aviation sector, the firm boasts a wealth of experience advising on all aspects of private and commercial aircraft, engine and ground handling equipment, including leasing, charter, acquisition, disposal and registration.
Additionally, the firm is active in corporate M&A as well as the insurance sector, regularly handles non-contentious compliance concerns, as well as issuance of licences for life-insurance or non-life-insurance businesses.
“Well-organized, detail oriented, highly efficient, high-quality work.” (Bank lending – lender side client)
José Lupi & Associates
José Lupi & Associates is a full-service law firm in Macau SAR with a unique international approach that offers a different perspective to commercial thinking and client experience, and an international team of multi-qualified lawyers focused in Greater China and its Greater Bay Area, Belt and Road Initiative, and the Portuguese, Spanish and French-speaking countries in Africa, Iberia and Latin America.
The firm consists of lawyers fluent in eight languages and qualified to practise in Macau, mainland China, Brazil and Portugal. In 2022, KWM Hengqin was established by King & Wood Mallesons and José Lupi Escritório de Advogado, Pedro Leal Advogado e Notário Privado. It is licensed to practice both PRC Law and Macau law and is in the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
The firm provides comprehensive legal representation to clients across all economic sectors in Macau, with specialties in various areas such as debt and equity capital markets, wealth management, private equity and funds, corporate and M&A, banking and finance, arbitration, dispute resolution and litigation, real estate, tax, and betting and gaming.
Lektou
Lektou is a Macau-based law firm with roots dating to the 1980s under the legacy of Gonçalves Pereira & Rato. The firm has offices in mainland China (Hengqin, Shenzhen), in partnership with Chinese firm Zhong Yin Law Firm and Fongs Law Firm of Hong Kong, and in Portugal. The firm has also joined the global network the Miranda Alliance, which has offices in all Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions.
The firm boasts a formidable standing in the equity capital markets, particularly in relation to Hong Kong listings. Additionally, Lektou is known for its involvement in regulatory and gaming affairs with active practice areas including financial and corporate, gaming, M&A, capital markets, dispute resolution, real estate, IT, insurance and regulatory.
Throughout the research process, the firm has maintained a strong presence in the areas of banking, finance and capital markets. It has advised regulators and issuers on bond-note issuance and green bonds, and provided guidance regarding regulation changes. One notable transaction involved assisting with the issuance of Rmb380 million (US$53 million) in credit enhanced notes by UETD Construction & Development State-Owned Capital Investment Operation (Group) Co.
In 2024, the firm recruited partner Luís Portela de Carvalho to bolster its corporate and regulatory department.
Key clients of the firm include Bossini International Holdings, CEM-Companhia de Electricidade de Macau, Companhia do Aeroporto de Macau, Macau Monetary Authority, and Wynn Resorts.
"Pragmatic approaches, extremely reliable and responsive." (Banking and finance client)
"Professional work." (Banking and finance client)
"Beatriz is extremely reliable and responsive. She is very knowledgeable and patient in her explanations. It is a pleasure working with her." (Banking and finance client)
"Very professional." (Banking and finance client)
Manuela António - Lawyers and Notaries
Manuela António Advogados is a firm of lawyers and notaries based in Macau SAR. The practice was founded in 1986 by long-time resident Manuela António and has since grown to be among one of the leading firms in the market. The firm has a joint venture with Portuguese law firm SRS Advogados and is currently in a joint venture with Jingsh Law Firm to set up a law firm in Hengqin.
The firm is particularly strong in finance and active in the gaming and financial services sectors. Throughout the research period, the firm has undertaken various finance and refinancing mandates for a diverse portfolio of clients, including those in the shipping, engineering, investment holding, commercial offshore and manufacturing industries.
It is also worth mentioning that the firm recorded more than 70 financial transactions last year. Regarding financing transactions, the firm participated in over 30 transactions during the same period.
Key clients of the firm include BNP Paribas, China Construction Bank, Citibank, Hang Seng Bank, and The HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp.
MdME
MdME is a full-service law firm based in Macau with offices in Hong Kong and Lisbon. Established in 2006, the firm regularly assists clients in the context of both their inbound and outbound investments. It is also an exclusive Macau member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms. In 2023, the firm merged with DSL Lawyers, an independent Macanese firm that was established in 2007, which increased headcount to 12 partners and more than 40 legal professionals.
The firm is the exclusive Macau member of the World Services Group (WSG), a global network of professional business services providers and a member of the Portuguese-speaking countries partnership lead by PLMJ.
The firm is highly esteemed for its robust financial and corporate practice, with particular expertise in corporate M&A, capital markets, and banking and finance.
During the research cycle, the firm was notably active in advising investment funds, wealth management and other sectors championed by the government, including the issuance of new gaming licences.
"Very responsive and provide practical solutions." (Financial services regulatory client)
"Responsive. Approachable. Knowledgeable."(Financial services regulatory client)
Riquito Advogados
Riquito Advogados is an independent Macanese law firm with offices in Macau and Portugal, consistently providing quality legal services in both Europe and Asia in a wide range of legal matters, for clients based all over the world.
Additionally, the firm has a good relationship with Herbert Smith Freehills and has an association with Portuguese law firm AAA Advogados.
The firm has a notable history of handling corporate and contract law, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and refinancing, real estate, foreign investment, transportation and public procurement matters. They often support clients involved in significant transportation, hospitality and real estate ventures, and are regularly chosen for transactions and projects involving the governments of Macau and Portugal.
Key clients of the firm include Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau, MGM Grand Paradise, LNW Gaming Asia, and Vermilion Group.
“Riquito Advogados has the most robust and competent corporate team in Macau SAR with deep knowledge of Portuguese and Macanese Law.” (M&A client)
“Their in-depth knowledge of the company business and innovative solutions to problems, and drafting of complicated contracts.” (M&A client)
“Detailed and competent.” (Restructuring client)
“They give detail in each aspect so that we are well prepared for whatever comes next.” (Insolvency client)
"Talented beyond his years, Bruno is a Top 3 corporate lawyer in Macau who is also an expert in contract law and gaming law." (M&A client)
"Professionalism in what he does. Timing in responses. Quality of the end product." (Insolvency client)
“Good in explaining law implications.” (Restructuring client)
"Highly intelligent, great mindset, deep knowledge of law." (M&A client)
BN Lawyers
Founded in 2006,
BN Lawyers is an international-focused firm based in Macau. It has additional offices in Lisbon. The firm provides cross-continent services incorporating clients in Macau, Portugal,
Singapore and
mainland China.
The firm
specialises in corporate and business law, it has an international focus, assisting the incorporation of companies seeking to operate in Macau. It is active in banking, derivatives capital market, investment funds, M&A and related regulatory matters.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Perfect professional Macao-related legal services.”
“Advise on the procedures for liquidation from the Macau law perspective, assist with the liquidation matter.”
C&C Lawyers
C&C Lawyers Ltd is one of the leading law firms in Macau Special Administrative Region. Established in 1996, C&C was formed by two founding partners Rui José da Cunha and António Correia, together with Nuno Sardinha da Mata and Carlos Duque Simões. Apart from the firm’s headquarters in Macau, it has offices in association with law firms in Portugal, Timor-Leste, Cabo Verde and China. The firm has also been in cooperation with Dentons Zhuhai since 2021.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has extensive expertise in corporate and commercial, banking and finance, bankruptcy and restructuring areas. The firm regularly provides legal advice to banks and financial institutions, covering all kinds of operations, products and financial instruments including project finance, structured products, guarantees and letters of credit, derivatives, mortgages, setting up and commercialisation of investment funds, consumer credit and classic financing.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
The firm kept busy in banking and finance, corporate, and restructuring and insolvency practices. Active industry sectors include real estate, gaming, energy, healthcare, TMT, insurance and transportation.
The firm’s banking team consistently provides legal services in the regulatory compliance area, also in banking, real estate and trade financing.
In capital markets, the firm have broad experience in advising on IPOs and fundraising in in foreign stock exchanges, such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Apart from that, the team also provides legal advice on derivative transactions such as ISDA and GMRA involving Macau entities.
The firm’s corporate work includes assistance on incorporations, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, stock exchange transactions, bankruptcies and insolvencies.
Nuno Simões & Associados
Established in 2005, Nuno Simões & Associados is a Macau based law firm. It is a part of the CRA Global network of law firms located in Portuguese speaking jurisdictions.
Focusses / specialisms
In terms of banking and finance the firm advises local and international clients in financing transactions like facility loans, credit facilities and restructuring.
M&A work sees the firm advise buyers in cross border transactions.
Key clients
Notable clients for the firm include, KKR, Credit Suisse Singapore and Armstrong Teasdale.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
M&A
"Exceptionally knowledgeable in the area of the Macau M&A procedures. Very attentive and prompt in replying to conversations and questions."
