BIZ BUZZ: Du-Baladad adds muscle

MANILA, Philippines – Looks like BDB Law just doubled down on going global.

The powerhouse tax firm, officially known as Du-Baladad and Associates, has locked in a deal with Andersen Global, giving it serious muscle to handle clients with business stretching across borders.

Founded in 2009 by tax maven lawyer Benedicta Du-Baladad, the firm has built a reputation for being the fixer when companies hit tax trouble, whether it’s advisory, disputes, transfer pricing, or scoring those sweet incentives.

And it’s not just local buzz.

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Big names like Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and International Tax Review have been tipping their hats to BDB Law for years.

If this all sounds familiar, it should, this isn’t BDB Law’s first dance with a foreign heavyweight.

The firm is already the exclusive Philippine partner of WTS Global, another international network of top tax experts.

Now, with Andersen’s army of 20,000 pros in over 500 offices worldwide, BDB’s clients can expect even more firepower when it comes to cross-border headaches.

“With Andersen Global’s vast international network, we will be able to deliver even more integrated services, particularly for clients with cross-border operations and complex global structures, ”Du-Baladad said, clearly pumped about the new tie-up.

Andersen boss Mark Vorsatz is just as hyped: “BDB Law brings deep expertise and an exceptional track record of client service in one of Asia Pacific’s most dynamic markets. Their addition strengthens our regional platform and underscores our commitment to delivering best-in-class services worldwide.”

For BDB Law’s clientele — from oil giants to tech players –this team-up means sharper tools to stay ahead of global tax rules and fresh opportunities. — Alden M. Monzon

Asialink ventures into real estate lending

Asialink Finance Corp., a lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), is expanding its offerings.

This time, the company is diversifying into real estate lending, which will be offered in three forms.

The first one is called “sangla titulo,” which can allow a business entity to borrow up to P20 million and offer a property as collateral.

The second offering is for taking out housing units. Under this product, Asialink advances the full payment for the property on behalf of the borrower at an interest rate same with sanlang titulo.

The last product is for acquisition of property. Asialink can lend up to P15 million for the purchase of a property.

“Our sustained and astronomical growth in the past few years has attracted the flow of foreign funds as well as local financing that now allow us to go into new opportunities such as real estate”, said Sam Cariño, company president and CEO. –– Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral