King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is looking to open an office in Singapore before the end of this year as the firm continues its drive to compete with the top tier international outfits.

The Hong Kong headquartered firm, comprised of four separate partnerships and 31 offices held together in a Swiss verein structure, is understood to be applying for a Foreign Law Practice (FLP) licence in the city-state with a view to setting up independently.