Add a bookmark to get started

John Goulios

He/HimPartner
Global Co-Chair, Insurance Sector
There are no surprises or unnecessary detours when working with John. He is also very personable and client-focused.
Insurance client
About

John’s straightforward, client-centric approach sets him apart as more than an experienced legal professional, but as a partner who is fiercely committed to his clients' success.

For over 30 years he has offered support with defence and coverage claims representation, and a range of corporate, commercial, and regulatory issues within the insurance sector across AsiaPac. Additionally he has supported clients on a wide range of international commercial disputes in various jurisdictions as well as internal and regulatory investigations.

His clients, some of whom have relied on him for decades, value his unique understanding of the industry, commercial and practical approach and ability to make complex issues clear and manageable.

Committed to understanding his clients' specific industries and challenges, John offers tailored solutions that give clients the confidence to make the right decisions and achieve positive outcomes. John is also known for his connectivity across our extensive global network, which he has continued to develop as Global Co-Chair of Insurance to provide his clients with the right expertise where it is needed.

He has a passion for diversity and environmental concerns and actively engages in discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and environmental awareness.

With a reputation for his strong work ethic, clarity, and ability to provide easy-to-understand advice, John’s positive attitude, responsive manner, and easy-going outlook, make him a successful choice for many.

Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the High Court of AustraliaSolicitor of the Supreme Court of New South WalesSolicitor of the Supreme Court of South AustraliaSolicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria

Highlights

EXPERIENCE

  • Representing various insurance intermediaries on regulatory and compliance issues in Asia and Australia
  • Representing an insurance MGA in the disposal of its Singapore and Hong Kong Business Assets
  • Representing a number of Asian insurance captives in regard to establishment, closure, portfolio transfer and general regulation and compliance
  • Representing a number of international insurers as the AsiaPac lead on all COVID-19 notifications, claims and litigation
  • Representing major global insurer in the Second Test Case issued in the Federal Court of Australia in respect of COVID-19 business interruption claims
  • Representing a Dutch multinational entity in relation to litigation in Malaysia concerning pricing issues under a power purchase agreement
  • Representing a Bermuda based reinsurer in court proceedings in Australia and a SIAC arbitration against an Australian marketing services entity in relation to reinsurance marketing activities undertaken in Japan and Indonesia
  • Representing D&O insurers in respect of a number of US class actions concerning Chinese reverse mergers
  • Representing a global multinational in an internal investigation into its marketing and distribution practices in Indonesia
  • Representing a global multinational in a regional internal investigation into employee use of confidential information
  • Conducting an internal investigation for a US listed company involving allegations of bribery and corruption in Asia
  • Conducting various due diligence and investigations in Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Philippines for a global media company involving allegations of bribery and corruption and fraudulent practices
  • Representing a panel of insurers in a significant construction related claim in Indonesia exceeding USD100 million
  • Representing reinsurers in a USD1.6 billion claim following the 2008 flooding of coal mines in the Queensland Bowen Basin
  • Representing insurers in a number of D&O, Bankers Bond and Financial Institution matters in Thailand
  • Representing reinsurers in regard to reinsurance coverage disputes concerning the 2010 Thai floods
  • Representing a captive insurer in a subrogation recovery action concerning a social engineering fraud claim 
  • Representing a Singapore captive insurer in litigation in Australia in regard to a profession indemnity claim arising out of the construction of a number of defence vessels (100m+)
  • Representing a Singapore captive insurer in subrogation claims in Australia following machinery and equipment defects at a Western Australian mine and in a claim arising from a rail tunnel collapse
  • Representing a Singapore captive insurer in various losses governed by Australian law in relation to an equipment loss in a South African mine following riots and strikes
  • Representing an international insurer under a policy subject to Hong Kong law in relation to significant losses in connection with the 2019 Hong Kong demonstrations
  • Representing a number of international reinsurers of a policy subject to Korean law in relation to a significant loss following an explosion at a gas plant in South Korea
  • Representing a high-net-worth client in relation to litigation commenced in the SICC and related proceedings commenced in the British Virgin Islands
  • Representing an Indonesian entity in a SIAC international arbitration brought by a Japanese joint venture partner for termination following allegations of bribery and corruption
  • Representing an insurer in a high profile D&O claim in Japan, and in connection with related criminal proceedings in Japan, US Securities Exchange Commission and Department of Justice investigations
  • Representing a European manufacturer of general aviation/light aircraft in an ICC arbitration seated in Singapore against a Chinese aircraft manufacturer in a dispute under a manufacturing license agreement involving losses allegedly exceeding EUR150 million and involving complex questions of EASA, TCCA and CAAC regulations and authorisations
     
Education
  • University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Law, 1987
  • University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Commerce,1987

Awards and recognitions

  • Band 2 lawyer and Notable Practitioner, Insurance, Singapore, Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022
  • Leading individual, Insurance, Singapore, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific since 2021
  • Recommended lawyer, Foreign Firms, Indonesia, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2022
  • 5-Star Excellence Insurance Lawyer Award, Insurance Business Asia 5-Star Excellence Awards 2021
  • 5-Star Excellence Award for Insurance Law Firms (Singapore office), Insurance Business Asia 5-Star Excellence Awards 2022

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Panel of arbitrators, Singapore International Arbitration Centre
  • Panel of arbitrators, Pacific International Arbitration Centre
  • Panel of arbitrators and mediators, Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration
  • Singapore Law Academy Pro Bono/CSR Committee
  • Singapore Law Society Foreign Lawyers Advisory Panel
  • Singapore Insurance Institute
  • Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS)
  • Australian Insurance Law Association
  • Australian Professional Indemnity Group (APIG)
  • Law Institute of Victoria
  • Australian Institute of Company Directors

Connect

Phone

+65 6512 9517
(Work, Singapore)
+61 3 9274 5086
(Work, Melbourne)
+61 416 176 279
(Mobile, Melbourne)