Richard Williams
Partner Singapore
Richard is a partner specialising in Asset & Structured finance, with a particular focus on the Aviation industry.
Richard has a broad range of asset finance experience, with a strategic focus on the aviation finance and leasing sector, where he advises banks, investors, leasing companies and airlines on the full range of asset finance products. His breadth of knowledge and skills are recognised by leading legal directories and industry journals, highlighting him as a leading lawyer in the aviation sector.
Richard regularly advises clients on trade finance transactions where he has a reputation for delivering strategic legal counsel to multinational corporations, finance institutions, and trade organisations. Richard has successfully structured and negotiated a range of financial instruments, including letters of credit, guarantees, supply chain financing, and export credit arrangements and he is familiar with the industry standards that govern trade finance operations.
In 2025, Richard has been ranked by Chambers and Partners in their Aviation Finance guide for both Singapore and the Asia Pacific Region.
- Advised multiple parties on the historic merger of Tata SIA Airlines Limited (“Vistara”) with Air India, creating a unified full-service airline under the Air India brand.
- Advised Standard Chartered on the financing of two A320neo aircraft for TATA SIA Airlines Limited, operating as Vistara, utilising a unique structuring through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (“GIFT City” or “GIFT”) using an entity which is not a wholly owned subsidiary of the airline.
- Advising Airborne Capital in relation to the establishment of investment vehicles and issuers in relation to the Tailwind 2019-1 asset backed securitisation.
- Advising an international airline on the financing of a portfolio of aircraft pursuant to an enhanced equipment trust certificate financing.
- Advising an international leasing company on the establishment of a joint venture platform for the investment, ownership and leasing of aircraft.
Education
- 2001 – 2002 · Nottingham Law School, Legal Practice Course
- 1998 – 2001 · Exeter University, Law LLB (First Class)
memberships & associations
- Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales
- Admitted to the New York State Bar
- Admitted as a solicitor to the Caymans Islands
- Admitted as a solicitor to the British Virgin Islands
- Admitted as a solicitor to the courts of Ireland
- PressTwo WFW deals win at Ishka Deal of the Year Awards 2024
- ArticleThe Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, a Further Crucial GIFT to the Indian Aviation Industry
- PressWFW advises on landmark merger of Air India and Vistara
- ArticleDid the Indian Courts Go First in giving the Cape Town Convention Prevalence in India?
- PressWFW advises Standard Chartered on financing of two A320neo aircraft
