Akin Continues Expansion in the Middle East with Addition of Project Finance Partner Jennifer Riddle

(Riyadh) – Akin today announced the continued expansion of its corporate and project finance capabilities in the Middle East with the addition of project finance partner Jennifer Riddle.

Riddle joins Akin from White & Case. Her arrival closely follows that of Alexander Malahias, who will co-lead the firm’s launch in Riyadh, expected later this year. Until Akin receives its final regulatory approval from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Riddle will be based in the firm’s Abu Dhabi office.

“Launching our office in Saudi Arabia is a pivotal move in our long-term strategy, reflecting our commitment to the region’s evolving market,” said Akin co-chair-elect Abid Qureshi. “Our strengths in corporate finance, energy and infrastructure are well-aligned with the Kingdom’s ambitions, and we see significant, sustained growth opportunities. Clients value advisors who offer both global experience and deep regional knowledge, and this expansion ensures we continue to meet that need."

Recognized as one of the leading project finance partners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Riyadh, Riddle brings extensive experience in energy and infrastructure financing, with a strong focus on renewable energy. Her expertise in asset-backed finance and ECA finance structures has contributed to award-winning projects across the region. Her arrival further strengthens Akin’s energy transition team, reinforcing the firm’s ability to support clients in the rapidly evolving energy sector.

“Jennifer’s in-depth understanding of the Middle East market and her outstanding track record in project finance greatly enhance our capabilities and are key to our expansion in the region” said Sebastian Rice, partner in charge of Akin’s international markets. “Arriving hot on the heels of Alex, Jennifer further deepens our Middle East presence and our KSA expertise.”

Together, Riddle and Malahias have worked extensively with key regional entities including Red Sea Global, NEOM and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), aligning with Akin’s practice strengths and reinforcing its expanding footprint in the Middle East. To read more about the recent arrival of Alexander Malahias, click here.

“I’m excited to join Akin at such a strategic time for both the firm and the Middle East market,” said Jennifer Riddle. “Akin’s bold vision for the region, top-tier project finance capabilities, and progressive strategy create an exceptional platform to deliver real value to my clients.”

About Akin’s Corporate Practice

Our market-leading corporate & finance lawyers work with clients to structure and execute complex transactions and devise creative debt and equity capital solutions around the world. Our team of 300+ transactional lawyers, in major financial centers on three continents, works across borders, industries and the capital structure.

We provide counsel to alternative capital providers, including private equity, private credit, infrastructure, sovereign wealth and other investment funds, public and private companies, boards of directors and family offices, in connection with mergers and acquisitions (M&A), special situations and other investments, debt financings and capital markets transactions, projects & energy transactions and corporate governance matters worldwide.

About Akin’s Projects & Energy Transition Practice

Akin’s depth in the energy sector covers the spectrum of energy transition and renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, bioenergy, landfill gas, carbon capture and storage, renewable natural gas and hydrogen projects. Our award-winning, Chambers-ranked projects & energy transition team helps clients develop, finance, construct, operate, buy and sell energy and infrastructure projects and companies throughout the world. Our lawyers offer deep industry knowledge and an understanding of the related complex investment vehicles, tax incentives and tangle of regulations surrounding them.

Akin is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.