Saranpaal Calais
Partner
Sydney

Saranpaal Calais
Partner
Sydney
Contact details
Saranpaal is a technology and digital lawyer, advising clients in APAC on a wide range of strategic technology transactions including tech-driven collaborations and joint ventures, digital transformation projects, software development and licensing, cloud computing and complex commercial contracting.
Saranpaal regularly advises on the tech and data aspects of fintech, ecommerce, payments, insurtech and digital assets, and well as on the commercialisation of emerging technologies including AI, blockchain, and advanced robotics. Saranpaal also advises on the operational aspects of mobile telecoms and digital infrastructure deals.
Saranpaal has significant experience advising on technology and operational separation and transition issues for complex M&A transactions, as well as on Australian privacy and data protection compliance.
Saranpaal has spent time seconded to two of Australia’s largest banks leading negotiations on enterprise-wide strategic digital transformation projects. In 2015, Saranpaal co-founded a technology company that developed a data analytics platform for the aviation industry.
Qualifications
Academic
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Sydney, 2010
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Aeronautical (Space), University of Sydney, 2008
Related articles

Blog Post: 26 July 2023
Regulating Generative AI: What to Expect in Mainland China within the Emerging Regulatory Frameworks
While many authorities around the world are still exploring how best to regulate generative artificial intelligence (AI) services, the People’s Republic of China (the PRC) has become among the first…
Publications: 25 May 2023
How has GDPR influenced the evolution of data protection in APAC?
Publications: 26 April 2023
Experience highlights
Advising a major Philippines telco (PLDT) and its mobile subsidiary (Smart Communications) on its 3-year, USD500m enterprise-wide digital transformation programme, including advising on strategic partnerships with global technology and communications leaders (Huawei and Amdocs) to transform legacy service delivery platforms
Advising Asahi Australia on an AUD200m digital transformation program engaging multiple strategic technology vendors as part of an enterprise IT consolidation and hybrid cloud strategy.
Advising IOOF Holdings on the technology, IP and data aspects of its AUD1.44bn acquisition of superannuation and wealth management business MLC Wealth, including the engagement of strategic technology vendors as part of an associated digital transformation programme.
Advising a major mobile and online payment platform provider (Alipay) on the technology, data and IP aspects of an advanced blockchain-based money remittance network, including a developing a consortium framework for members (comprising digital wallets, banks, nodes, liquidity providers and other members) to operate across multiple SE Asian jurisdictions

Qualifications
Academic
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Sydney, 2010
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Aeronautical (Space), University of Sydney, 2008
Other noteworthy experience
Advising:
- PEXA, Australia’s online property exchange network, on the technology, data and IP aspects of its dual-track process and subsequent AUD1.62bn trade sale
- The world's largest infrastructure asset manager (MIRA) and a pension fund (the Public Sector Pension Investment Board) on the technology, data and IP aspects of their AUD1.6bn acquisition of a 40-year concession to operate South Australia's land titles registry
- (KDDI) on the Australian telecommunication regulatory aspects of an autonomous automobile venture
- A sovereign investment fund on its proposed entry into a joint venture with a leading peer-to-peer lending platform for expansion into Indonesia and across South-East Asia
- A major SE Asian transportation network company on a strategic payments technology collaboration arrangement with a major retail chain
- A major SE Asian transportation network company on a strategic payments technology and fleet collaboration arrangements with a major logistics group
- A major Indonesian telco on the engagement of a global management consultancy to drive a significant enterprise wide digital transformation program, and associated transactions
- A US Private Equity Fund on the operational and commercial aspects of a “build to suit” tower joint venture in the Philippines partnering with a regional tower operator
- A Philippines Conglomerate on a Data Centre platform joint venture, partnering with a regional data centre operator to build and operate a number of sites in the Philippines.