Global insurance intermediary Howden has significantly expanded its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) insurance capability in Asia, announcing 12 new appointments across Singapore, Greater China, and Japan as part of a broader push to establish itself as a leading broker in the global M&A insurance market.

The hires bring Howden’s regional M&A team to 20 practitioners. Globally, the group now has more than 300 dedicated M&A professionals across 20 countries, a headcount that includes staff from its recent acquisition of Atlantic Group in the United States.

M&A insurance products, which typically include warranty and indemnity, tax and litigation, and contingent risk insurance, are designed to protect parties in corporate transactions against potential breaches of warranties and indemnities. They are increasingly used to smooth deal negotiations and give buyers and sellers greater certainty when closing complex transactions, the company noted.

Specialists boost M&A capabilities

Among the new appointments in Singapore are Xianwei Lee as head of M&A, Asia; Adrian Chai as head of warranty and indemnity, Asia, and head of M&A, Southeast Asia; Eugene Lim as head of tax, Asia; and Cathryn Neo as head of litigation and contingent risk, Asia, and head of M&A claims, Asia. In Greater China, Chen Jianhua joins as director and Rosy Wang as associate director. Shunsuke Takechi has been named head of M&A, Japan.

Rohan Bhappu, CEO of Howden Asia, said deal volumes in the region remain robust and that buyers are increasingly using M&A insurance as a tool to manage risk. “Buyers in the region are actively turning to M&A insurance to de-risk transactions,” Bhappu said. “To support our clients’ evolving risk needs we have put together a team with the deepest expertise and strong track records that will provide differentiated solutions for clients across Asia requiring best-in-class transactional liability advice and protection.”

Lee, who will lead the Asia M&A team, said the expansion comes ahead of what the group expects to be an active year for dealmaking. “We are thrilled that this team of talented individuals has chosen to join us to provide clients across Asia, and globally, with the right strategic advice and guidance on legal, financial and tax diligence ahead of what we anticipate to be a busy year ahead for M&A transactions,” he said.

Drew Wardrope, CEO of Howden Capital, Advisory & Placement, pointed to broader market conditions as a driver of the investment. He cited more than $1.6 trillion in private equity dry powder and a strong pipeline of assets as indicators of continued M&A activity. “We have therefore positioned ourselves with the best talent in the market across the US, Europe, and Asia for multinational clients with the capability to deliver innovative solutions that underpin their most complex transactions,” Wardrope said.

Private equity activity in Asia-Pacific is poised for renewed growth, with early signs of recovery emerging in the first half of 2025, as investor confidence strengthens and deal momentum begins to accelerate, according to KPMG’s 2026 Asia Pacific Private Equity Barometer. The report noted that fundraising reached $233 billion in 2024 – the highest in five years.