10 Most Influential Debt Capital Market Lawyers in Middle East 2023

Capital Markets, with the possibility of high return on investments, have become a hot topic not only in the western world but also across the Middle East. A strong market for debt investors, the region provides an intriguing landscape for capital markets, allowing lawyers to strengthen their practices in innovative and unique ways. Yet, amidst the dynamic range of practitioners, a few have managed to stand out, their wide range of expertise and in-depth knowledge making a significant impact on the industry.

With specialisation in various fields including Tier 1 issuances, sukuk and hybrid capital matters, as well as conventional and Shari’a compliant issuances, these legal mavens offer unparalleled experience and proficiency that have earned them regional and global recognition. Here we cast the spotlight on ten foremost Debt Lawyers who have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Capital Markets throughout the Middle East.

Our list includes lawyers from renowned firms such as Linklaters, Clifford Chance LLP, Allen & Overy LLP, White & Case LLP, Simmons & Simmons, Latham & Watkins LLP, Bird & Bird (MEA) LLP and Dentons. Each lawyer-firm pairing brings forth unparalleled expertise and understanding of the market, providing top-notch service and effective resolution strategies in dealing with debt cases in the region’s capital market.

Jonathan A Fried – Linklaters

Jonathan Fried, a seasoned debt practitioner based in Dubai, has considerable experience within the Middle East. Known for his prowess in Tier 1 issuances, Fried has represented multinational companies and government entities. He has an impressive track record in sukuk and hybrid capital matters. He operates from Linklaters.

Stuart Ure – Clifford Chance LLP

Based in Dubai and known for his vast experience across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Stuart Ure is a well-respected DCM lawyer. His proficiency extends to both conventional and Islamic transactions, marking him as an expert in Tier 1 issuances, sukuk and high-yield products.

Bilal Ahmad – Allen & Overy LLP

Bilal Ahmad, based in Dubai, is a marked figure in the realm of sukuk. With a solid reputation acting for financial institutions as arrangers and dealers, Bilal demonstrates experience and competency in both domestic and international transactions. His understanding of conventional debt capital markets is equally commendable. He represents the global firm Allen & Overy.

Debashis Dey – White & Case LLP

Debashis Dey’s practice spans the whole region, with a focus on UAE and Saudi Arabia. Known for his proficiency in sukuk, he frequently represents lead managers on sovereign issuances. Dey splits his time between Dubai and London for the esteemed White & Case LLP.

Lee Irvine – Simmons & Simmons

Lee Irvine, based in Dubai, is renowned for his practice in Debt Capital Markets. He has a wealth of experience handling both conventional and Shari’a-compliant issuances, and serves clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. His clients usually include financial institutions. You can learn more about Lee at Simmons & Simmons.

Nomaan Raja – Latham & Watkins LLP

Well-known for his expertise in sukuk and sovereign issuances, Dubai-based Nomaan Raja has highlighted his proficiency in high-yield bond offerings throughout the region especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. You can find him at Latham & Watkins LLP.

Anzal Mohammed – Allen & Overy LLP

Anzal Mohammed, also based in Dubai, has a strong standing in both conventional and Shari’a-compliant debt capital markets. He is noted for his successes in sukuk and Tier 1 issuances, representing managers, arrangers and dealers. He is also a part of Allen & Overy.

Gregory Man – Bird & Bird (MEA) LLP

Gregory Man, heading the Middle East finance and financial regulation practice at Bird & Bird, is based in Dubai. He has gained recognition for acting for issuers, arrangers and lead managers on both sukuk and conventional debt issuances, majorly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. You can reach him at Bird & Bird.

Basil Al-Jafari – Latham & Watkins LLP

Based in Latham’s Dubai office, Basil Al-Jafari is an rising star assisting with a variety of debt capital markets transactions, including Shari’a-compliant and hybrid issuances. His clients include financial institutions, governments and corporate clients. He works for Latham & Watkins LLP.

Alex Roussos – Dentons

Alex Roussos, based in Dubai, excels in advising banks across the region as well as acting for issuers in the oil and gas and power sectors. His area of proficiency includes conventional, Islamic and hybrid debt capital markets, focused on sukuk.

These accomplished Capital Markets: Debt lawyers in the Middle East hold the reins of the industry with their extensive knowledge and rich experience. They have played key roles in shaping the region’s capital markets and continue to lead the way with their innovative and strategic solutions.