Banking & Finance
Abdo Rafiq & Partners has an in-depth knowledge of Banking & Finance in the Middle East, more specifically in the UAE, ADGM and the DIFC, having practiced in this field and region for a significant number of years. We regularly advise clients including banks and international companies on their operations and activities in the finance sector in the UAE.
DEEP SECTOR EXPERIENCE
We have sound government and regulator connections, which enables us to provide our clients with practical and cost-effective solutions. All our lawyers are fully qualified with deep sector experience and best suited to advise on any aspects of banking and finance law in the region.
Our team advises clients on structuring, negotiating and documenting finance transactions and has represented prominent banks and financial institutions in various banking transactions.
Our Banking & Finance practice is exceptionally diverse and covers a wide range of areas.
LICENSING OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Our Banking & Finance proficiency includes providing end-to-end legal support on incorporation and licensing of financial institutions in the UAE, ranging from representative offices, branches of foreign banks and local commercial banks. Our team is adept in navigating the licensing regime across the UAE and we have worked closely with the financial services regulators in the UAE including the UAE Central Bank and Securities & Commodities Authority, Dubai Financial Services Authority (DIFC) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM).
FINANCIAL REGULATION
Our team has advised various international banks and financial institutions expanding in to the region on regulatory issues, including compliance with new legislation and regulations, modification of their activities and licensing options and compliance with local regulatory framework.
RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY
We regularly advise on formal restructuring and informal solutions in the UAE under the personal insolvency and bankruptcy regime. Our team also have significant experience advising corporate debtors and financial institutions on recovery and handling of insolvency matters. Our litigation department is very active in supporting the banking and finance practice and we have the capability to offer a complete service on both contentious and non-contentious restructurings.
LITIGATION AND ENFORCEMENT
We have extensive experience in banking litigation and enforcement in the UAE as we have advised on both borrower and lender side on enforcement action through the UAE Courts and obtaining judgments on enforcement of financing agreements and related securities. Some of our clients include major banks and reputable financial institutions operating under the onshore UAE regime, DIFC and ADGM.
PROJECT FINANCE
We regularly assist our clients in providing our advisory services on financing for projects within the UAE or elsewhere using our international network of associate firms.
INVESTMENT FUNDS AND STRUCTURES
The firm provides counsel to various regional investment funds in the UAE which includes establishing Real Estate Investment Trusts in the DIFC.