• The financial services sector in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has established itself as a regional powerhouse and an increasingly important global financial center. The sector benefits from the UAE's strategic location, political stability, and business-friendly policies. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) are world-class financial free zones offering a common law framework, independent regulators (DFSA and FSRA), and a tax-friendly environment. Islamic finance is a key strength, with the UAE being one of the largest markets for Sharia-compliant assets. The banking sector is robust and increasingly digital. Wealth management thrives due to the UAE's high-net-worth population, while the insurance sector grows with mandatory health coverage laws. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market provide avenues for equity and debt financing. Moreover, the UAE's commitment to FinTech, with initiatives like the DIFC FinTech Hive and ADGM's RegLab, is driving innovation in areas like digital banking, payments, and wealth management, further enhancing the sector's dynamism and global appeal.

    Our financial services team advise a diverse clientele, from local banks and financial institutions to international players, on matters such as licensing, compliance with capital adequacy norms, and the structuring of financial products. The firm's expertise extends to capital markets, where we assist with IPOs, bond issuances, and regulatory compliance for listed entities. In wealth management, we advise on structuring investment funds, private banking services, and cross-border tax implications.

    • Advised Emirates Development Bank in connection with a AED300 million credit facility for the expansion of a prominent hospital in the Emirate of Dubai.
    • Advised as UAE and DIFC counsel, a multilateral development finance institution, in relation to a US$97.5 million secured financing.
    • Advised lenders as UAE counsel in connection with a term loan financing to a multinational borrower with two UAE subsidiaries.
    • Advised as UAE co-counsel in connection with a Chapter 11 filing of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX Group.
    • Advised finance parties as UAE counsel in connection with a US$1.56 billion financing for a leading German multinational online food-delivery service.
    • Advised a global financial institution on the UAE legal and regulatory landscape applicable to the cross-border trading of carbon credits and emissions allowances.
    • Represented a leading UAE bank in recovering a substantial loan amount exceeding AED100 million from a defaulting borrower.
    • Advising a multinational corporation in defending bankruptcy claims initiated by high-net-worth individuals in the UAE Court aimed at staying execution proceedings commenced by creditors for a claim value exceeding AED350 million.