R.S. Platou Finans decided in late 2006 to open an office in Singapore to capture the growing demand for new financial instruments in the Asian shipping and offshore markets. The Norwegian structured limited partnerships has increased in popularity and in order to be closer to the customers, RS Platou Finans decided to open an office with a view for expansion.
We believe that being placed in Asia and having the ability to meet clients within short notice will give us a great advantage in concluding more limited partnerships structured transactions. With the booming markets and clients demand for expansion the Norwegian structured limited partnerships has created an additional source for Asian based shipping and offshore clients to use the Norwegian equity markets to expand their operations.
Additionally RS Platou recognizes the importance of Asia as a shipping, offshore and maritime center, coupled with all these factors it has become apparent over the last few years the importance of an Asian presence for us.
With the complimentary shipbroking services of R.S. Platou Asia we forsee many synergies in the growth and expansion of R.S. Platou Finans.
ANDERS SCHAU, Managing Director Singapore Office
Anders has worked for Lorentzen & Stemoco in Norway and Russia before he started working for Fortis Bank in Singapore. He has a combined 12 years working experience within the shipping markets comprising shipbroking and banking and has gained extensive knowledge of the industry.
After 6 years as a shipbroker, Anders completed his MBA in the UK before starting his banking career in Singapore. Anders has been living in Asia for 17 years together and is responsible for establishing the Singapore office of R.S. Platou Finans with a focus on building the office for future expansion.
CHERYL SEAH, Analyst Finance Singapore Office
Cheryl joined our Singapore office in June 2007 and has worked for ACM Shipping in Singapore.
After completing her honours degree in Financial Economics in London, Cheryl spent a few years learning the ropes in Business Development with her family business before she focused her efforts in the shipping industry. She thrives in this area of expertise given her background in finance and shipping projects.
Currently, Cheryl employs all her resources in developing R.S. Platou Finans’ Asian portfolio alongside her colleagues.
ALAN SEAH, Director Singapore Office
With more than 15 years of working experience in the banking sector, Alan joined RS Platou Finans in Dec 2007 to strengthen RS Platou Finans' exposure in Asia. Prior to joining RS Platou Finans, Alan was instrumental in expanding the portfolio and branding of DBS Bank's Transportation & Logistics name in the India and Indonesia shipping markets.
Since graduating with his honours degree in Economics in the National University of Singapore, Alan has worked in Sanwa Bank, OCBC Bank and Natexis Banques Populaires. His former responsibilities included the expansion of the transportation portfolio for OCBC Bank and the development of a brand new shipping portfolio for Natexis Banques Populaires in Asia.
LARRY PUPKIN, Director Singapore Office
Larry joined our Singapore office in February 2008. Larry has over 18 years experience in a wide range of shipping markets ranging from vessel management, chartering and sales & purchase.
He started his career in dry cargo chartering as an owners representative for Sovcomflot, after which he shifted to Asia where he established the Fearneys office in Thailand. Subsequently he shifted back to being a principal as a charterer for a substantial oil trader in Geneva. Most recently Larry relocated back to Asia where he has been working as a competitive broker in tanker chartering and tanker sales & projects.
His mutli-disciplined background will enable him to contribute to the expansion of RS Platou Finans Shipping in Asia.
