Kyri Evagora

Kyri is global chair of the firm’s Energy & Natural Resources Industry Group and has over 30 years of experience as an international disputes and commercial lawyer to clients in the energy and natural resources sector. Over the years, Kyri’s practice has evolved to meet the changing needs of global multinational clients in the energy and natural resources and commodities sectors. His specialisation is in advising companies that trade, finance, and transport commodities – with experience covering the related disciplines of trading, sale of goods, trade finance, insurance, international arbitration, and dispute resolution.

Kyri has received accolades from clients and peers over the years, including by independent publications:

Legal 500 UK 2026 states that Kyri is considered a “phenomenal strategist, with an unrivalled knowledge of the commodities trading industry” according to interviewees
Ranked by Best Lawyers Singapore 2025 for Arbitration and Mediation
Ranked by Best Lawyers Singapore 2023 for Energy Law
Ranked by Best Lawyers Singapore 2022 for Energy Law
Ranked as an Eminent Practitioner in his field by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2020
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2020 states that Kyri is considered a “powerhouse in derivatives and commodities”, according to interviewees
Named to The Legal 500 UK Hall of Fame 2020. This recognises individuals who have “received constant praise by their clients” and who have been listed in The Legal 500 rankings for eight or more consecutive years
Ranked as an Eminent Practitioner in his field by Chambers USA (Nationwide) 2019
Chambers USA (Nationwide) 2019 states that Kyri is “extremely practical, commercially oriented and very good at solving complex problems”. Clients note “he is incredibly thoughtful about understanding our business globally”
Ranked by Chambers USA (Nationwide) as Eminent Practitioner 2018
The Legal 500 UK 2017 states that Kyri is “known for his ‘dynamic leadership’”
Ranked by Chambers USA (Nationwide) as Eminent Practitioner 2017
Identified as a Top 100 LGBT global executive by The Financial Times

Recognised by the UK Best Lawyers list 2017 for commodities
The Legal 500 UK 2016 comments that Kyri “is ‘a superb team leader and a hardy fighter’”
The Legal 500 UK 2015 says that the “team, under Kyri Evagora, is ‘consistently outstanding, top of the class’, with clients noting its ‘very broad strength and depth, and unparalleled quality’”
Chambers UK 2015 states that “sources are quick to highlight him as a ‘big name in commodities,’ whose know-how has been instrumental in developing the practice”
The Legal 500 UK 2014 comments that “Kyri Evagora has ‘a depth of product knowledge few can replicate’”
Chambers UK 2014 states that Kyri “is regarded as an excellent head of practice and is dedicated to client service. One impressed client notes, ‘He is superb; he really knows his stuff and is instantly likeable’”
Kyri is recognised in the Super Lawyers UK 2015 directory for Energy & Natural Resources
The Legal 500 UK 2013 says that the “team, under Kyri Evagora, is ‘first class’ and ‘in tune with the industry’, with ‘truly vast quality and breadth of expertise’”
Chambers UK 2013 described Kyri as “dynamic”, “blindingly good”, and “hugely customer-focused, friendly and, responsive and very commercial”. He was also ranked for Energy & Natural Resources in the inaugural publication of the Super Lawyers UK directory
Chambers UK 2012 published that Kyri “promises the world to clients and delivers it”, and that “his expertise lies in management, relying upon his dynamism to ensure client satisfaction and the desired outcome”
Chambers UK 2011 described Kyri as having “brilliant knowledge and capability” and “a strong client base among commodity traders and has expertise in oil and petroleum products”
The Legal 500 UK 2011 stated that Kyri was “pretty much the best in commodity trading” and “stands out in the team”
Chambers UK 2010 described Kyri as “effective, enthusiastic and energetic” and “held in high regard for his ability to work shoulder to shoulder with his clients”
The Legal 500 UK 2010 stated that Kyri is “magnificent in commodities litigation”

Experience

Representative matters

Successfully defended one of the world’s largest commodities traders in a multimillion dollar litigation in the English High Court. The case involved allegations of fraud and issues concerning monies paid by mistake.

Successfully represented a global trading house in four arbitrations arising out of contracts concluded without authority. The case involved allegations of bribery and corruption.

Represented a global commodities trader in connection with claims worth approximately USD 100 million brought against an African sovereign state and other related parties.

Successfully represented a global trading house in four arbitrations arising out of contracts concluded without authority. The case involved allegations of bribery and corruption.

Represented a global commodities trader in connection with claims worth approximately USD 100 million brought against an African sovereign state and other related parties.

Represented one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies in a USD 500 million arbitration.

Acted for a major LNG trader in connection with disputes in arbitration (HKAC) relating to the supply of LNG.

Acted for major LNG trader in connection with issues arising out of a Master Sale Agreement following an explosion at an LNG production facility (SIAC).

Acted for commodities trading company through multiple cross-practice workstreams on a number of issues arising out of default of a major Asia-based oil refinery including acting for the client in DIFC-LCIA arbitration claims worth US$60 million, and structuring new contractual arrangements to support and collaterize the refineries repayment obligations.

Acted for a leading Asia based agricultural commodity trading company in connection with disputes arising out of the sale and supply of agricultural commodities (GAFTA).

Acted for a large commodities trader in connection with an international arbitration under DIAC rules arising out of a long term agreement for the sale and delivery of commodities to a Middle Eastern power plant and related disputes subject to LCIA rules with a third party arising out of a contract for differences.

Acted for the claimant commodity trader in arbitration under HKIAC rules in connection with claims against the insurance provider’s failure to make payment under a trade credit insurance policy, including issues relating to the materiality of structured commodity finance sales.

Acted for commodities traders in 12 consolidated LCIA arbitration proceedings in substantial disputes concerning validity and enforceability of a series of structured trade finance transactions involving a Russian bank.

Defended a commodity trader in High Court proceedings relating to multi-million dollar claims based on allegations of fraud and an alleged misappropriation of funds.

Acted for a leading commodity trader in an insurance recovery claim before the English High Court in connection with a wide spread fraud committed in Ukraine.

Acted for a buyer of LNG in connection with a multi-million dollar dispute, under HKIAC rules, arising out of a master agreement and confirmation memorandum including issues of force majeure and market practices of Reasonable and Prudent Operator.

Acted for the buyer of an LNG in connection with a dispute, subject to arbitration under ICC rules, arising out of a master agreement and confirmation memorandum including issues relating to claims for damages following the purchase of a replacement cargo and its pricing in volatile market conditions.

Represented a financial institution in defending an English High Court action in connection with commodities market research, trading and investment arrangements.

Advised in connection with six multi-party ad hoc arbitrations relating to the financing and importation of commodities into India defending allegations of misdelivery.

Advised a US commodities company in respect of 2 multimillion dollar ICC arbitrations brought by a state owned entity concerning long term energy supply agreements.

Advised in connection with a multibillion dollar mining dispute and LCIA arbitration.

Advised in connection with multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration involving Chinese metals inventories.

Advised in connection with claims arising out of soft commodities inventories in Indonesia.

Advised in connection with collateral management agreements and claims arising thereafter with respect of fraudulent misappropriation of coal stockpiles in Turkey.

Advised on interim freezing injunctions against third parties in connection with soya bean inventory in Indonesia.

Advised the successful appellant ‘Bunge’ in the Supreme Court in the case of Bunge SA v Nidera BV.

Advised in a Dutch arbitration arising out of a dispute under a corporate joint venture in Romania.

Advised in emergency interim legal proceedings on insolvency and in support of litigation/arbitration.

Advised in connection with Chinese commodity financing structures and documentation.

Advised on a wide variety of coal trading matters – disputes and transactions.

Provided advice on collateral management agreements and security documentation relating to warehouse financings in a variety of geographies.

Developing general terms and conditions, master agreements and associated documentation for oil and other commodity producers, traders and banks.

Advised in large international commercial arbitrations including arising out of commercial agreements in respect of concentrates metals and oil trading.

Advised for a major oil trader in relation to its claims in connection with 35 crude and product derivative contracts. The case involved emergency injunctive orders and multi-jurisdictional issues.

Acting in landmark Court of Appeal case concerning the misdelivery of copper in China.

Advised clients in major international litigation relating to derivatives agreements and the ISDA Master Agreement.

Acting for the successful claimant in English High Court proceedings in relation to disputes under a gasoil supply contract, resulting in a judgment for over US$80 million and related ancillary relief being granted in the client's favour in 2010.

Advised in connection with failed complex structured commodity finance and storage transactions in Brazil, Ukraine, Indonesia, India and other jurisdictions.

Advised a major oil company in relation to major commercial disputes with a state-owned energy company.

Advise non-U.S. bank regarding structuring a global commodity trading business and the U.S. regulatory issues arising in connection with U.S. based derivatives trading.

Recognitions

Included in The Legal 500 UK 2026 ‘Hall of Fame’ for Commodities Disputes
Selected through peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ in Singapore for Energy Law, 2022-2023