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Gerard Quek

  • Group Deputy Managing Partner
  • Advocate & Solicitor (Singapore)

Gerard’s main areas of practice include fraud and asset recovery (including crypto assets), commercial disputes, financial services law and regulation. Gerard assists clients with international trade and cross border matters, particularly matters in China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. He also leads PDLegal’s China Desk, spearheading the firm’s cross-border initiatives and client engagements involving China.

Some of the recent reported judgments where Gerard had acted as lead counsel include Ng Chee Tian and another v Ng Chee Pong and others [2024] SGHC 226, ByBit Fintech Ltd v Ho Kai Xin and others [2023] 5 SLR 1748 [2023] SGHC 199, Wong Leng Si Rachel v Olivia Wu Su Han [2023] SLR(StC) 648 [2022] SGDC 42. ByBit Fintech Ltd v Ho Kai Xin was subsequently recognised as an Impact Case of the Year at the Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2026. Gerard has also co-authored the annotations of the Hire-Purchase Act, the Sale of Goods (United Nations Convention) Act, the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act and the 2024 reissue of the Halsbury’s Laws of Singapore Commercial Law Sale and Supply of Goods and Services Vol 5(2). The annotations have been published under the Annotated Laws of Singapore by LexisNexis Singapore.

Gerard is frequently instructed on complex matters by reputable organizations and regularly argues before the Singapore Courts as lead counsel. In particular, Gerard acted for 154 Claimants in a representative action where the Claimants are claiming approximately S$47 million in a multi-jurisdictional scam. Gerard had successfully argued for a world-wide Mareva Injunction order against eighteen defendants in the said suit.

Clients of Gerard have stated that “he has an eye for detail”, “is technically and commercially astute” and “can grasp complex industry practices quickly”.

Notably, Gerard’s work ethic and legal ability were publicly recognised in a written judgment by the Singapore High Court. The Court commended Gerard in its Grounds of Decision, stating that he “argued discrete portions of many legal aspects of the case,” “capably fleshed out a fair number of issues,” and that his “arguments were advanced in a careful, nuanced, and thoughtful fashion, with one eye to what the law is or should be.”

The High Court also praised Gerard’s “candour displayed in highlighting an adverse decision” and his commitment to “advancing the best possible arguments available on behalf of their clients,” noting that this “speaks well of their fidelity to discharging their role as officers of the court.”

Gerard has received multiple accolades for his outstanding achievements in the legal industry. In 2020, he was shortlisted as a Finalist in the Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards for the category of Young Lawyer of the Year and also featured as one of Singapore’s 21 Most Influential Lawyers Aged 40 and Under, by the Singapore Business Review in 2020. In 2021, Gerard was recognized by Asian Legal Business as one of Asia’s 40 Under 40 Lawyers. The aforesaid list featured the region’s best lawyers under the age of 40. The lawyers on the list were selected from over 400 applicants from international and domestic firms across 10 jurisdictions: Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand & Vietnam. The lawyers were selected based on the quality and complexity of their work, client and peer recommendations, and potential for future growth. More recently, Gerard has been recognised as a Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Future Star for four consecutive years (2023–2026). In addition, he was shortlisted as a finalist for Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm) at the ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2025.

Gerard is very passionate about serving the community and regularly takes on matters on a pro bono basis with the support of the firm.

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Contact

  • +65 6220 0325
  • gquek@pdlegal.com.sg

Key Practices

Corporate, Commercial & Civil Litigation

International Arbitration

Restructuring & Insolvency

Qualifications
  • University of Tasmania, LL.B.
Accolades
  • Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards (2026): ByBit Fintech Ltd v Ho Kai Xin and others recognised as an Impact Case of the Year
  • Recognised as an Expert Lawyer by Lexology in Lexology Index – Asset Recovery (GIR) (2026 Guide)
  • Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2023 – 2026): Future Star
  • Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards Young Lawyer of the Year (2020 and 2025)
  • ALB Asia’s 40 Under 40 Lawyers (2021)
  • Singapore Business Review Singapore’s 21 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under (2020)
Speaking engagements
  • ESG Roundtable – BICAM Global ADR Horizons Conference 2025 (Panelist)
  • Cryptocurrency Considered Property? What are the jurisdictions that may be receptive? – Thailand & SE Asia: 5th International Arbitration & Corporate Crime Summit 2024.
  • IBF Masterclass with A.B.Maximus: The Future of Stablecoins in Singapore Instructor, 2024.
  • Panel Discussion on the Law on Cryptocurrency and guidelines for legal proceedings and negotiating to agree to be a business alliance between the two companies hosted by Legal Spirit, Bangkok, (Panelist/Speaker).
  • Disputes pertaining to Crypto Exchanges from a Singapore Perspective – Bitkup (Thailand)
  • Stablecoins: its future and legal challenges, AB Maximus, December 2023 (Course Instructor).
  • “Environmental ADR in Thailand: A Legal Perspective” – Thailand Arbitration Center ADR Week 2023
  • Introduction to Blockchain, Investigations & Asset Recovery of Cryptocurrencies LS Horizon, Blumenthal Richter & Sumet (BRS), Tilleke Gibbins (Thailand), Thammasat University (Thailand), C&P (Thailand), Siam Premier, Faculty of Law, Ramkhamhaeng University (Thailand), Kudun & Partners (Thailand), Wanchai (Thailand) (2022 and 2023) (Panelist/Speaker).
Memberships
  • Member, Law Society of Singapore
  • Member, Singapore Academy of Law
  • Member, Civil Practice Committee (Law Society)
  • Honorary Counsel, Association of Catering Professionals (Singapore) (since 2018)
  • Pro Bono Lawyer,Taman Jurong (Jurong GRC) Meet the People Session – Pro Bono Clinic (since 2015)
  • Member, the Arc Community (Cryptocurrency Community)

Selected Experience

Civil and Commercial Disputes
  • Gerard acted for a leading cryptocurrency trading platform in defending against a US$ 25 million SIAC arbitration claim initiated by a high frequency cryptocurrency trader for alleged losses arising from the forced liquidation of accounts following a failure to meet the minimum margin requirements for maintaining leveraged positions, as stipulated under the platform’s terms of service.
  • Gerard acted for a leading construction and facility management firm in an SIAC arbitration for the sum of S$8.5 million against a statutory board for breach of contract, wrongful withholding of payments, and the failure to review claims submitted in a timely manner.
  • Gerard represented and advised a main contractor in opposing construction claims and intended SIAC arbitration claim of S$8 million brought by a subcontractor under the term contracts for maintenance works.
  • Gerard acts for 154 Claimants in a representative action. A representative action is unique in nature and uncommon in Singapore. The Claimants are claiming approximately $47 million in a multi-jurisdiction scam. The alleged scam involved the setting up of sham and façade companies. These companies were used to induce investors to invest in the same with promises of guaranteed exorbitant interest returns (around 70% to 120%) on invested sums. Gerard successfully argued for a world-wide mareva injunction order against eighteen defendants in the said suit.
  • Gerard acts as lead counsel Claimants in an appeal in relation to transfer of shares in a family-owned business with dealings in Singapore and Malaysia.
  • Acted as lead counsel on behalf of 195 investors in a representative action against a group of investment companies and their directors to recover approximately S$7 million in investment sums from purportedly guaranteed agricultural investment scheme operating across Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
  • Gerard acts on behalf of a group of Singapore investors in a representative action against directors of a fraudulent property investment scheme in Brazil.
  • Acted as lead counsel on behalf of a group of cryptocurrency investors in a joinder application to intervene in ongoing proceedings before the Singapore International Commercial Court and to assert rights over an escrow sum of approximately SGD 56 million paid into court following the liquidation of a leading blockchain protocol and cryptocurrency payment platform.
  • Gerard acts as lead counsel for three claimants in complex multi-party proceedings against eight defendants, comprising controlling entities, directors of the controlling entities, and former directors of the claimants. The claims involve breach of fiduciary duties, breach of trust, unlawful conspiracy, and the misappropriation and dissipation of corporate and trust assets through a series of coordinated actions undertaken by the defendants.
  • Acts as the lead counsel for a leading payment service provider in recovering erroneously processed payments made to a vendor and assisting in the recovery of the same from the Directors of the vendor who have dishonestly assisted in causing the negligence and/or fraud by the vendor.
  • Acted for one of the top 30 global cryptocurrency exchanges, in proceedings before the High Court of the Republic of Singapore brought by a user who alleged wrongful seizure of trading profits amounting to USDT 1,449,442.97. The seizure followed findings that the user had engaged in market manipulation through wash trading and pump-and-dump schemes.
  • Gerard acts for a group of 18 Singaporean property investors in an intended representative action against a self-proclaimed property guru for fraudulent and negligent misrepresentations. The investors were induced to invest in a freehold residential development scheme in Brazil based on representations and propositions presented by the guru, who marketed the scheme as a low-risk opportunity with attractive returns. The project ultimately failed to materialise, resulting in significant financial losses to the investors.
  • Gerard acted as lead counsel for the defendant in a High Court dispute arising from an estate valued in excess of S$500 million. The matter involved an application relating to the production of documents against a non-party and costs, and was reported in a 2024 Singapore High Court decision.
  • Acted for a victim of a cryptocurrency investment scam in recovering approximately US$370,000 transferred in Bitcoin, including commencing proceedings against a crypto exchange to pursue recovery under the platform’s terms of use and the Quincecare duty.
  • Acted for the chief technology officer of a startup in relation to a potential misrepresentation claim against the chief executive officer, arising from an investment of S$100,000 made on the basis of alleged false representations regarding the startup’s profitability.
  • Acted for the chief technology officer of a startup in relation to a potential misrepresentation claim against the chief executive officer, arising from an investment of S$100,000 made on the basis of alleged false representations regarding the startup’s profitability.
  • Gerard acts for the husband of Madam He Ying (the “Deceased”). In summary, the Deceased swam in the swimming pool of a Hotel and drowned shortly after entering the said pool. A Coroner’s hearing was held, and the summarized facts and findings can be found in the Link
  • Gerard acts for one of the largest logistics and petrochemical service providers in South East Asia in respect of a conspiracy claim against several employees of a subsidiary. More recently, Gerard argued for a prohibitory injunction against the said employees.
  • Acted as Singapore Counsel for the insurers of one of the largest commodities warehouse operators in the world involving various issues of law and several multinational claimants in various jurisdictions. The total estimated claims made by all claimants is approximately US$ 500 million.
  • Acted as Singapore Counsel to one of the largest light works supplier and designer in Thailand against a SGX listed company and its subsidiary, in respect of a complex cross jurisdictional contractual dispute. In the said matter, Gerard argued to resist a stay of proceedings application made by a listed company, in favour of arbitration and/or forum non conveniens.
  • Acted as Counsel for a creditor seeking to support the winding up of a company. The winding up of the said company was complex in nature due to, among other things, the cash flow complexities and immediate asset realisation of the company used to prove or disprove the insolvent nature of the company. Further, the said creditor represented by Gerard was also the director of the company it sought to wind up.
  • Acted for a key shareholder in respect of a cross claim against a company listed on the OTCQX (New York). The total value of the cross claim amount to approximately US$ 30 million.
  • Gerard acts as co-lead counsel for the Plaintiff in a High Court case wherein four defendants were sued for fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy for inducing the Plaintiff to invest in a company which turned out to be a sham. Judgment has already been obtained against the 1st Defendant. The matter is still ongoing against the other defendants.
  • Gerard acts as lead counsel in a Singapore High Court case for a group of foreign investors (the “Suit”). The said investors’ case is that they had paid monies to two individuals to, among other things, purchase shares in a Singapore public listed company on their behalf. The two individuals later became the Chairman and Executive Director, as well as CEO and Executive Director of the public listed company. The said investors have commenced action against the two individuals and four others to seek, among other things, the return of their shares in the public listed company. The matter involves, among other things, potential breaches of trust. Recently, Gerard successfully obtained an interim injunction to restrain the Defendants (save for one) from, among other things, selling the shares which the said Defendants purportedly hold on trust for the Plaintiffs in the public listed company and/or diluting the Plaintiffs’ purported shareholding in the said company pending the trial of the action (the “Injunction Decision”). The said Defendants have applied for leave to appeal against the Injunction Decision (the “Leave to Appeal”). The Leave to Appeal application and the Suit is still ongoing.
  • Gerard acts as lead counsel in the High Court for a private investor against a director of a filmmaking company. The said company has produced several reputable movies. The matter pertains to investments and purchase of shares of the said company and the alleged misrepresentations made in respect of the financial status of the company.
  • Gerard acts as lead counsel for a substantial shareholder of a Singapore-listed company in a shareholder dispute. In this dispute, the controlling shareholder (and also chairman of the said company) is alleged to have engaged in various high-value interested party transactions. Issues include whether there was minority oppression and breach of directors’ duties by some of the members of the Board of the said company.
Shipping Litigation
  • Acting for an LNG carrier in respect of the grounding by the said carrier of the reef at the Eauripik Atoll in the Yap State of the Federated Stated of Micronesia.
  • Gerard acted for the Plaintiff in the Singapore High Court in a dispute against a Timor-Leste insurance company over gasoil cargo valued at approximately US$ 1.5 million. The cargo was to be shipped from Singapore to Karabela Port, Timor-Leste. During the course of the voyage, the vessel carrying the cargo was hijacked by pirates in the waters off the coast of Tanjung Berakit, Indonesia. The disputed claim involved allegations of conspiracy and that the piracy act was staged. Further allegations raised were that the Plaintiff failed to comply with the Marine Insurance Act and lacked insurable interest. Clients successfully obtained judgment for the full claim amount.
Financial Regulatory Compliance & Advisory
  • Advised a US Treasury Bond proprietary trader in respect of allegations of Wash Trading and Market Manipulation which also involved investigations conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (New York).
  • Assisted with a matter which was a highly publicised corruption scandal in South America involving the first ever FCPA resolution involving a Singapore company and an unprecedented global settlement between three jurisdictions.
  • Assisted in the Defence of a proprietary trader who was charged by the SGX Disciplinary Tribunal. The said trader was alleged to have contravened SGX-ST Rule 13.8.1, market manipulation and creation of false market (the “rule”). Issues raised include the definition of “layering”, whether “iceberg orders” amount to market manipulation especially when such orders are applied on penny stocks with little movement and whether such an act contravenes the said rule.
  • Assisted in a matter involving a reputable securities broker seeking to recover trading losses made and disputed by the Defendant. Issues raised include whether a trading limit imposed is for the benefit of the broker or the customer.
  • Assisted in the internal Investigation of an employee of a client, a Forex Trader who purportedly performed several “wash trades” contravening Part I paragraph 6 of the Blue Book. Issues include whether a private and confidential agreement between two individuals to perform what seems to be a “wash trade” like transaction, contravenes the Blue Book.
  • Advised a wealth manager facing internal disciplinary proceedings in respect of a complaint made regarding the failure to comply with section 58 of the Financial Advisers Act (Cap. 110)
  • Advised a trader facing internal disciplinary proceedings in respect of an internal complaint of alleged insider trading.
Corporate Practice
  • Assisted in a complex share pledge between a mining company and a consortium of 11 banks for the re-financing of eight oil rigs.
  • Conducted due diligence for a company seeking to list itself on the London Stock Exchange.
  • In early 2020, Gerard was appointed as lead counsel by one of the largest automotive manufacturers to advise on regulatory and general corporate matters in Singapore.
  • Gerard acts for one of the largest lighting companies based in Bangkok on general corporate matters.
Public Judgments (2018-2025)
  • Wong Leng Si Rachel v Olivia Wu Su Han [2023] SLR(StC) 648 [2022] SGDC 42
  • Wong Leng Si Rachel v Wu Su Han Olivia [2022] SGHC 151 [2022] SGHC 151
  • Banner (China) Investment Co Ltd v Ang Tjun Min Jimmy [2025] SGHC 12 [2025] SGHC 12
  • ByBit Fintech Ltd v Ho Kai Xin and others [2023] 5 SLR 1748 [2023] SGHC 199
  • C & P Lighting Co, Ltd v Cityneon Holdings Limited and another [2018] SGDC 61 [2018] SGDC 61
  • Thery Jean-Francois Loong v Hamilton Autohub Pte Ltd and others [2025] SGDC 9 [2025] SGDC 9
  • Chen Mingxing and others v Zhang Jian and others [2021] SGHC 3 [2021] SGHC 3
  • Simran Bedi v Montgomery, Mark A [2022] SGHC 67 [2022] SGHC 67
  • Wong Leng Si Rachel v Olivia Wu Su Han [2023] SLR(StC) 375 [2022] SGDC 150
  • Zou Xinye v Ang Eileen and another [2024] SGMC 9 [2024] SGMC 9
  • The “Sevilla Knutsen” [2022] 4 SLR 1423[2022] SGHC 20
  • Travel 360 Pte Ltd v Shalom Israel (Asia-Pacific) Ltd and another appeal [2022] SGDC 262[2022] SGDC 262
  • Hon G v Tan Pei Li [2023] SGMC 21[2023] SGMC 21
  • Ng Chee Tian and another v Ng Chee Pong and others [2024] SGHC 226[2024] SGHC 226
  • Fang Yiqiang and others v Goh Siong Heng Benson [2023] SGDC 11[2023] SGDC 11
  • Re Hodlnaut Pte Ltd [2023] 4 SLR 862[2022] SGHC 209
  • Chia Hsien Leng, Ayron v Fasten Enterprises (Pte) Ltd and others [2024] SGDC 324[2024] SGDC 324
  • Singapore School Transport Association and another v Ang Chee Seng [2023] SGDC 220[2023] SGDC 220
  • Soh Rui Yong v Syed Abdul Malik bin Syed Hussain Aljunied [2023] SLR(StC) 284[2022] SGDC 127
  • Simran Bedi v Montgomery, Mark A [2022] SGHC 67[2022] SGHC 67
  • Tjiang Giok Moy and another v Ang Jimmy Tjun Min (Citibank NA, non-party) [2024] SGHC 146[2024] SGHC 146
  • Hon G v Tan Pei Li [2023] SGHC 193

Selected Experience

Publications

  • ‘Forum: Keeping Hearts Young’, contributed to Sarah Wong’s Article (Asian Legal Business, November 2025)
  • ‘With Competition Heating Up at Home, SG Firms Pursue Regional Growth’, contributed to Sarah Wong’s Article (Asian Legal Business, March 2024.)
  • ‘Can the Court reduce the quantum of a Mareva injunction in the event of the Applicant’s non-compliance with the Supreme Court Practice Directions?’ (Lexology, October 2023.)
  • ‘Can Crypto Assets be held on Trust and if so, what type of property are they? The General Division of The High Court of Singapore clarified these issues in the landmark case of ByBit Fintech Limited V Ho Kai Xin & Ors. [2023] SGHC 199’ (Lexology, July 2023.)
  • ‘High Court rules crypto asset holder has legally enforceable property right in landmark decision’ (Business Times, July 2023.)
  • ‘Navigating the Labyrinth: Cryptocurrency Enforcement’ (Law Gazette, October 2022.)
  • ‘Cryptoexchange, Hodlnaut, Placed Under Interim Judicial Management: Key Takeaways from Re Hodlnaut Pte Ltd [2022] SGHC 209 (“Re Hodlnaut”),’ (Lexology, September 2022.)
  • Co-authored the annotations
    • Lexis Advance- Annotated Laws of Singapore, Hire-Purchase Act
    • Lexis Advance- Annotated Laws of Singapore, Sale of Goods (United Nations Convention) Act
    • Lexis Advance – Annotated Laws of Singapore, Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act
    • Halsbury’s Laws of Singapore Commercial Law Sale and Supply of Goods and Services Vol 5(2) 2024 Reissue

The annotations have been published under the Annotated Laws of Singapore by LexisNexis Singapore

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