Adnan Sundra & Low standouts for its expertise in Islamic finance, advising on a high proportion of Sukuk issuances in Malaysia year on year. The firm is a leader in Sukuk issuances globally. It acts for banks operating in the Islamic finance sphere in Malaysia, along with major issuers. The firm is now at the forefront of sustainability-linked Islamic finance and recently acted for Malaysia Wakala Sukuk Berhad and the Government of Malaysia on the world’s first sovereign US dollar sustainability Sukuk issuance by the Government of Malaysia. Adrian Chee Meng Yang and Deepak Sadasivan, who are outstanding practitioners in the field, lead the practice alongside Kim Lim, Hairolnisah Hamdan and Putri Norlisa Najib.

Albar & Partners has outstanding banking and finance credentials, with Islamic finance being a core part of the practice. The Islamic finance-focused team has a broad outlook, covering a range of Sukuks, Islamic medium term notes programmes and other Shariah products. Much of the practice is driven by the firm’s strong connections to key banks in Malaysia, including Maybank Islamic, CIMB Investment Bank, and RHB Investment Bank. Joint managing partners Lily Tan Chea Li and Chung Swee Loong are co-heads of the banking and finance group with a substantial focus on the Islamic finance segment. Sharifah Dalilah Albar is another key partner.

Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has an outstanding reputation in the Islamic finance sector thanks to the presence of Megat Hizaini Hassan, who advises on a multitude of structures, including Murabahah and Ijarah transactions, and is a leading authority in debt restructurings under Shariah standards. Jointly led by Hassan and Tay Weng Hwee, the team has extensive experience in Malaysian and foreign-denominated Shariah financings. It frequently advises on high-value Sukuk issuances and acts for some of the most active banks in the sector.

Zul Rafique & Partners is at the forefront of the Islamic finance field, including the emergence of sustainability-linked Sukuks. Thanks to its background in asset-backed securitisation and debt capital markets, it has a steady pipeline of Islamic finance engagements, including transactions under Shariah principles such as Musyarakah, Mudharaba, Murabaha, Istisna and Ijarah. The practice's extensive list of bank and issuer clients illustrates its strong reputation. Loh Mei Mei heads the banking and finance team, which includes Ashela Ramaya, Celine Rangithan, Kung Suan Im and Chan Kwan Hoe, all of whom are experienced in Islamic finance.

Shearn Delamore & Co’s long history in banking and finance and its extensive client base of banks and issuers, provides the platform for a thriving Islamic finance practice. It has demonstrated expertise in Islamic facilities, Islamic medium-term note programmes and Sukuk issuances. Christina Kow and Pamela Kung are the key partners in the team.

Shook Lin & Bok has a fine record in financings and debt restructurings under Islamic principles. The firm is also active in reviewing clients’ Islamic finance documentation, including developing new template documentation. Jalalullail Othman is an experienced figure in the Islamic finance segment. Islamic finance specialist Syed Adam Alhabshi joined Raja, Darryl & Loh in April 2022.

Skrine has built its presence in Islamic finance in recent years, now acting on a range of engagements such as Sukuk issuances under medium-term note programmes, reviewing template documents and assessing the enforceability of documents under Islamic principles. Sharifah Shafika Alsagoff and Hafidah Aman Hashim have experience in Islamic finance, while Claudia Cheah provides further expertise in Islamic finance disputes.