White & Case has hired corporate lawyer Rahul Guptan from Clifford Chance in Singapore to bolster its capital markets team and its India country group.

Guptan joins as a partner from the Magic Circle firm, where he was co-head of its global India group. His practice focuses on advising Indian and international companies on capital markets related matters, from debt and equity deals to M&A, private equity and regulation. 

John Vetterli, head of White & Case’s global capital markets practice, said: “We expect to see a continued increase in Indian companies raising capital through cross-border offerings in the next couple of years.”

Guptan spent close to 13 years at Clifford Chance, having joined from legacy Indian firm Amarchand Mangaldas, where he spent just over nine years.

Nandan Nelivigi, head of White & Case’s India country group, said: “Rahul is an experienced and well known capital markets lawyer who has advised on a number of ‘market first’ capital markets offerings by Indian issuers. Rahul’s strong, longstanding relationships with key stakeholders in India, Singapore and Hong Kong and his deep understanding of the Indian market make him an excellent addition to our existing capabilities.”

Guptan is the latest lateral hire to join the firm in the Asia Pacific region, following the arrival last December of debt finance partner Clara Shirota in Tokyo from Clifford Chance and fellow debt finance partner Daniel Abercromby in Hong Kong from US peer Weil Gotshal & Manges in November.

Baldwin Cheng, regional section head for Asia Pacific corporate, finance and restructuring, said: “Rahul’s arrival demonstrates our continued commitment to growth in Asia Pacific… In addition to his focus on capital markets, Rahul’s relationships with the Indian banking, investment and business communities means he will also work closely with our M&A, banking, restructuring and disputes practices in Asia Pacific to grow the services we offer in relation to India.”

Other US firms have also been seeking to ramp up their cross-border Indian capabilities. Last month Shearman & Sterling bolstered its India group with the arrival of leveraged finance partner Sanjeev Dhuna from Allen & Overy in London, where he was head of direct lending and chair of its India practice.