Al Tamimi & Company’s Banking & Finance practice reflects the firm’s position as a leader in the Gulf.  The practice advises a number of prominent banks and companies on their finance operations and activities in the UAE and GCC.

The practice advises lenders and borrowers on all aspects of structuring, negotiating and documenting finance transactions. We represent local and international banks and financial institutions in both conventional and Islamic transactions.

The banking and finance team has extensive experience working for financial institutions in the Middle East region and abroad. All lawyers are fully conversant with all aspects of banking and finance law in the region.

The Banking & Finance practice provides advice in a wide range of areas:

Islamic Finance

Acting for a majority of the Islamic finance institutions operating in the Middle East, we advise on requirements ranging from establishment and licensing through to structuring and documentation.

Banking Litigation and Enforcement

Our expertise is at the forefront of banking litigation and enforcement in the region, a reputation we secure through obtaining regular judgments for the enforcement of corporate and retail finance documents and related securities.

Derivatives

Our lawyers offer specialist advice relating to ISDA and related treasury documentation and their enforceability. Our activity in this area also extends to assisting banks in the development of Shariah compliant hedging products.

Investment Funds and Structures

We provide counsel to various regional investment funds and our experience includes establishing the first Real Estate Investment Trust in the DIFC.

Ship, Aircraft and Asset Financing

Guidance on vessels, aircrafts, oil rigs, vehicular assets and other large equipment and plant acquisition financing is a well established area within the Practice.

Real Estate Financing

Our work in the regional real estate development finance space is varied and we have facilitated milestone deals involving many of the most high profile hotels, shopping and leisure centres in the region.

Trade and Export Financing

The team offer support on an extensive range of structured trade finance and working capital facilities and products.

Project Finance

We regularly play a key role in the financing of flagship projects and infrastructure within the Middle East, including a majority of the projects recently undertaken in the UAE and Kuwait.

Incorporation and Licensing of Financial Institutions

Experience in this important area of the Practice’s proficiency includes assistance in the establishment and licensing of numerous financial institutions in the region, ranging from representative offices, branches of foreign banks and local commercial banks. Coverage includes the relevant Central Bank and securities authorities, together with the financial centres of the DIFC, ADGM and QFC.

Debt Capital Markets

We have experience advising issuers and underwriters across the region on the full spectrum of debt capital market products and structures.

Financial Regulation

The regulatory team within the Practice advises many of the financial institutions operating in the region on regulatory issues, including new legislative. Our market knowledge in this area is unmatched which is supported by our close working relationship with market participants and governmental agencies and regulators.

Restructuring and Insolvency

We regularly advise on formal restructuring and informal workouts in the region, having acted for corporate debtors and financial institutions. In additional to our practical advice and solutions, with our litigation department we are able to offer a complete service on both contentious and non-contentious restructurings.