Decoding Oman’s Top 10 Powerhouse Law Influencers in Corporate & Finance

Oman’s legal industry has grown significantly over the past decade, with numerous local and international law firms establishing a strong presence in the area of corporate and finance law. These firms and their top-tier lawyers, who specialize in areas such as project finance, debt restructuring, and acquisition and merger transactions, play a crucial role in the economic development of the region. In this feature, we profile some of the most notable corporate and finance lawyers impacting the Omani legal landscape and driving economic business in the Sultanate.

The lawyers we consider are not only distinguished in their professional expertise but also in the breadth and depth of their experience, their contribution to the legislative and regulatory landscape, and their commitment to their clients and the industry. Representing a range of firm sizes and areas of specialized competence, these lawyers have made significant strides in catapulting Oman onto the global financial stage. Each of them has their unique strength and abilities that bring value to their practice and their clients.

So, without further ado, let’s delve into our list of accomplished attorneys, spotlighting their noteworthy skills, and understand their contribution to Corporate & Finance law in Oman.

Marcus Pery

Coming from the well-regarded Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co (AMJ), Marcus Pery is an esteemed name in finance law. Having advised on several major matters in project finance and debt restructuring, Pery is consistently sought after by leading international and Omani banks. He is often invited to advise the Sultanate’s Ministry of Finance, demonstrating his strong influence on the country’s economic policy-making.

Sadaf Buchanan

Sadaf Buchanan, a leading light at Dentons, is a noteworthy figure in Oman’s banking and finance sector. Heading Dentons’ Omani banking and finance team, she has an extensive track record that spans across project bonds and Tier 1 securities issuances and billion-dollar term loan facilities negotiation.

Roger Byrne

Roger Byrne serves as the leader of Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s Muscat office and is also the head of the firm’s finance team across the GCC. Byrne’s extensive list of accomplishments includes providing advice on Shari’a-compliant financings and high-value syndicated lending facilities and conducting banking regulatory work.

Mansoor Jamal Malik

Standing out at Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co (AMJ) as a commanding figure is Mansoor Jamal Malik. Malik has played a significant role in drafting crucial legislation and is widely regarded as an authority on Oman’s economy. His extensive practice covers Islamic finance and sukuk mandates in addition to M&A and commercial contract advice.

Jamie Gibson

Gibson serves as managing partner at Dentons’ Muscat branch and leads the firm’s Omani corporate team. His broad commercial knowledge is evident in his extensive advisement work on high-value M&A and joint venture mandates, particularly in the infrastructure and construction sectors.

Oliver Stevens

The partner spearheading Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s Omani corporate group is Oliver Stevens. His areas of expertise range from advising on M&A and private equity buyouts in the Omani market to assisting with investment fund launches and commercial contract issues.

Ben Ewing

Ben Ewing is the managing partner of the CMS’s Muscat office where he leads much of the firm’s Omani transactional and commercial advisory work. Recently, his focus has been on corporate structuring mandates and the establishment of joint ventures.

Jeremy Pooley

Jeremy Pooley, based out of Said Al Shahry & Partners, is a celebrated international corporate lawyer. His comprehensive practice includes advising on M&A transactions, joint venture agreements, fund launches, and corporate restructuring.

Ardeshir Patel

Ardeshir Patel at Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co (AMJ) is adept in handling M&A and corporate structuring. His recent achievements include transactions in the insurance sector.

Justine Harding

Justine Harding, a Counsel at Dentons, carries a strong reputation in banking and finance law. Proficient in Islamic finance and debt capital markets, Harding is particularly skilled at representing financial institutions.