DFDL, a law firm specialising in tax and legal services across South and Southeast Asia, has appointed Jack Sheehan as its new managing partner.
Sheehan, who has been with DFDL for 15 years, will spearhead the firm’s strategic initiatives across all its offices and practice areas.
Among his top priorities for the year ahead is launching the DFDL Artificial Intelligence Solutions Initiative (DAISI) and strengthening the firm’s capabilities in fast growing sectors, particularly renewable energy and technology.
“A key priority will be digital transformation, with the rollout of the DFDL Artificial Intelligence Solutions Initiative (DAISI) across the firm to streamline processes and improve service delivery,” Sheehan told Asia Business Law Journal.
“We will also focus on expanding our expertise in high-growth areas such as renewable energy and technology, with targeted investments in our teams across our 12 offices to ensure seamless cross-border support.”
While Sheehan remains optimistic about growth in the renewable energy and technology sectors, he offered a more sombre outlook for traditional manufacturing, citing “supply chain disruptions and rising tariffs”.
“These trends are primarily driven by geopolitical shifts, sustainability mandates and digital transformation throughout the region,” he added.
Sheehan also shared his longer-term vision, expressing a strong commitment to transforming DFDL “into a truly integrated regional powerhouse, recognised globally for innovative solutions in Asia’s emerging markets”.
“By the end of my term, I envision the firm being the true go-to adviser for complex, multi-jurisdictional matters, ultimately positioning DFDL as a gateway for international investors into Asia’s dynamic economies,” he told ABLJ.
Keeping his sights on the future, Sheehan anticipates growing demand for DFDL’s services across four key industries – technology, renewable energy, financial services and infrastructure. He also confirmed an increase in interest from Chinese clients pursuing outbound investments.
“We expect increased demand for DFDL’s services in the technology, renewable energy, financial services and infrastructure industries. Factors driving this growth include the rapid expansion of AI and government incentives for energy and infrastructure projects. We are also positioning ourselves as the go-to firm for China’s outbound investments into the region, as we see increased demand from Chinese clients,” he said.
Although DFDL has already built a solid presence across South and Southeast Asia, Sheehan has no immediate plans to enter new markets in the region. Instead, he aims to consolidate the firm’s position and closely monitor client demand and economic prospects before exploring the idea of further expansion.
“At this time, DFDL does not have immediate plans to expand into entirely new markets, as our focus remains on consolidating and enhancing our presence in our current jurisdictions across Southeast and South Asia. Our recent collaborations in Malaysia and Indonesia have strengthened our regional footprint, allowing us to better serve clients without overextending our resources,” he said.
“Any future expansions will be strategically selected based on client demand, economic potential and alignment with our expertise in high-growth sectors.”
Having outlined his broader vision for DFDL’s future, Sheehan turned his attention to the firm’s regional tax practice, which he led for many years. Along with emerging trends in global minimum tax (GMT), digital taxation and value-added tax (VAT), Sheehan identified Vietnam as a particular market where significant changes are likely to unfold.
Explaining further, he told ABLJ: “I foresee emerging trends in the implementation of global minimum tax (GMT) and digital taxation. Jurisdictions like Vietnam are adopting OECD Pillar Two frameworks to ensure that multinationals pay an effective tax rate of at least 15%.
“We see developments in VAT reforms and e-invoicing across Southeast Asia. In specific jurisdictions, such as Vietnam, new capital gains tax regimes could affect M&A and investment activity, ultimately influencing business strategies in the region.”
Sheehan succeeded Audray Souche as DFDL’s managing partner. Souche has transitioned to the role of managing director of the Thailand office and will continue to lead DFDL’s business development committee.
