Islamic Finance
The Islamic finance industry has grown significantly in recent times, both in terms of overall market share and geographical footprint. Shari’ah compliant transactions are being increasingly used globally, including in less traditional Islamic finance jurisdictions, to tap into a diversified source of funding, whether through Shari’ah compliant debt, equity or hybrid transactions.
Global Capabilities
We have a global, integrated team of lawyers who offer deep experience in a range of Shari’ah compliant products and services, including investment funds, syndicated and bilateral financings, debt capital markets, projects and project finance, corporate and private equity. Our Islamic finance practice has advised on Islamic finance transactions in jurisdictions within Latin America, the United States, the Far East, the Middle East and Africa.
Innovative Solutions
Our team has established a solid reputation in Islamic finance transactions and is renowned for its commercial approach and development of novel deal structures. We first understand our clients’ business goals, then advise them on the best Shari’ah compliant legal structures to achieve those goals, often creating bespoke solutions to overcome various hurdles and challenges.
Our clients include Islamic and conventional financial institutions (including financial institutions with Islamic windows), multilateral development banks, global asset managers, fund sponsors, sovereign states and government related entities. With a deep understanding of Shari’ah principles, our team has worked closely with a range of Shari’ah committees and advisers, structuring complex, groundbreaking Islamic finance transactions.
In particular, the team advises in:
- Landmark sukuk and securitization transactions across the world, successfully structuring and documenting both Regulation S and Rule 144A issuances. The team has advised major players in the market, including financial institutions, sovereigns, multilateral development banks, supranational entities and corporates.
- The establishment of various Shari’ah compliant funds, parallel funds and feeder funds covering various asset classes, including real estate, private equity and credit funds.
- Shari’ah compliant real estate investments into the U.S. and U.K. by Shari’ah compliant funds and institutions. The real estate assets include commercial office space, senior living accommodation, select hotels and malls.
- Dispute resolution, arbitration and regulatory matters involving Islamic and Shari’ah compliant transactions.
- Novel Shari’ah compliant financing structures, including mortgage financing, acquisition financing and working capital structures.
- Shari’ah compliant project financings across various sectors, including energy, entertainment, leisure and infrastructure projects.
- Institutional private placements, including U.S. and cross-border private placement debt and equity transactions, amendments and restructurings of investment.
