Danny Ong

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

Singapore www.rajahtann.com

danny.ong@rajahtann.com Tel: +65 9116 0319

Biography

Danny specialises in complex cross-border fraud and asset recovery investigations and litigation, having been involved in some of the most significant fraud matters seen in the Asia-Pacific region including in the cryptocurrency space. He is also deeply experienced and known for his work in multi-jurisdictional headline insolvencies, and in international commercial disputes, acting for corporations across a multitude of industries, including banking and finance, technology, electronics, shipping, oil and gas, and commodities.

What do you enjoy most about working in asset recovery?

The ability to piece together the jigsaw and unravel avenues for recovery across multiple jurisdictions, along with the opportunity to work with some of the best and most experienced across the globe, brings tremendous satisfaction.

How is technology assisting in your ability to make strategic decisions?

The availability of enormous amounts of data coupled with ever-improving data processing software, has enabled investigations and asset recovery to be conducted much faster, cheaper, more efficiently and effectively.

Sources have noted an increase in cyberfraud. How is this trend affecting the disputes you encounter?

Cyberfraud has certainly altered not only the nature of the disputes handled by the team, but also called for the team to think outside the box for innovative solutions towards the recovery of proceeds of cyberfraud, as well as advocate frequently for the adaptation of traditional legal principles to meet the practical challenges posed by cyberfraud.

How is recovery of cryptocurrency different as compared to fiat?

While this might be obvious, a key difference lies in the extreme importance of having the assistance of experienced specialist investigators who are truly able to assist the victim with tracing. Another significant difference is that effectively freezing and seizing cryptocurrencies, which are not maintained with exchanges, pose challenges that are otherwise not encountered when dealing with fiat.

What challenges accompany the enforcement of foreign judgments, and how might the process be made more efficient?

The main challenge, as I see it, is the lack of harmony across the globe in the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, both as to the substantive and procedural requirements for recognition and enforcement. It is hoped that a universal framework in this regard will come to fruition.

What do you see as the key themes in the asset recovery field over 2022–2023?

I believe the employment of technology to perpetrate fraud and evade attempts at asset recovery will be more prevalent than ever before, including ever increasing use of untraceable cryptocurrencies, and the utilisation of ‘mixing’ service providers to launder proceeds of crime.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Love what you do, and the rest will follow.

Peers and clients say: “I wouldn’t go with anyone else” “He is the go-to guy in Singapore” “He is excellent and extremely helpful on investor state matters”