Vinson & Elkins (V&E) is mulling plans to re-open its Singapore office, signaling its commitment to Asia Pacific despite having closed its Shanghai base in 2013 and Singapore in 2004.

The US energy firm, which currently has three offices in Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo, is in the process of applying to the Singapore Ministry of Law for a Foreign Practice Licence, but is yet to hold a partner vote on the launch.

"The reality is we are still very much in the evaluation stage," said David Liang, the managing partner of Hong Kong, who is heading up the firm's analysis and who sources say could relocate to the city-state in due course.