In a further sign that Australian firms are re-examining their Asia operations with renewed interest, Allens Arthur Robinson has poached Clifford Chance asset finance partner Rod Howell and has transferred two other partners to its Singapore office.

The relocated partners are Sydney-based insurance & reinsurance partner Matthew Skinner and Perth-based energy & resources partner Darren Murphy. Both partners will use the Singapore base to build their respective practices; Skinner heading a South-East Asian dispute resolution practice and Murphy working on regional infrastructure projects.

Singapore office head Robert Clarke said that the firm's strategy is based on South-East Asia's swifter recovery from the global financial crisis. "It's important to us that we continue to build a strong presence in Singapore given its role as a growing financial, insurance and arbitration hub for South-East Asia," he said.

Allens operates in Singapore - where its South-East Asia practice is based - through a joint venture with local firm TSMP, but works in a separate office. Clarke has reportedly ruled out applying for a local practicing license and said that the JV would continue.