Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Banking, finance and capital markets

Catherine Martinez joined Crowell & Moring LLP from private practice in January 2023; Martinez's expertise spans Islamic finance, regulatory advice, and multijurisdictional projects.
PricewaterhouseCoopers opened a legal office in Doha in February 2022, which was joined in September 2022 by new head of office Ahmad Anani from Addleshaw Goddard.

Banking, finance and capital markets in Qatar

Al Tamimi & Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri

Matthew Heaton leads the banking and finance team at Al Tamimi & Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri. ‘Unquestionably an outstanding lawyer’, Heaton pairs experience in the European debt markets with established Qatari expertise to support clients, from international banks to high-profile corporates, doing business in Qatar. With particular strength providing regulatory advice on fintech matters, the team covers project finance, private and wholesale banking, trade finance, and investment funds. Muhammad Mitha is recommended for his technical regulatory knowledge, and leads on moveable assets security work. Aviation finance is also an area of strength for the team, along with Islamic finance.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Heaton


Other key lawyers:

Muhammad Mitha


Testimonials

‘Extremely dedicated and solutions-driven.’

‘Matthew Heaton is unquestionably an outstanding lawyer.’

‘The team went above and beyond to support us – their regulatory knowledge is invaluable and their business acumen greatly appreciated.’

Key clients

Natixis (DIFC Branch)


BNP Paribas


Qatar National Bank (Q.P.S.C.)


Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Doha (QFC) Branch


Societe Generale


Mashreq Bank PJSC


Credit Suisse AG, London Branch


Ahli United Bank B.S.C.


HSBC Bank Middle East


Work highlights


  • Advising a syndicate of banks (led by Natixis Dubai) relating financing of the Al Wakra and Al Wukair Wastewater Treatment PPP in Qatar; the lenders will provide a $551m facility comprising of term facility, standby facility and working capital facility.
  • Acted for the global coordinator (BNP Paribas) in respect of a $500m perpetual subordinated tier 2 fixed rate reset notes issued by QIC (Cayman) Limited guaranteed by Qatar Insurance Company Q.S.P.C.
  • Advising Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Dubai (DIFC) Branch as agent, arranger and lender in connection with facilities made available to Standard Chartered Bank DIFC Branch (SCB).

Addleshaw Goddard

Noted as a ‘go-to firm for banking advice', the team at Addleshaw Goddard provides advice on English, State of Qatar and Qatar Financial Centre law-related matters. Robin Hickman leads the Middle East finance offering for the firm; based in Dubai, Hickman specialises in conventional and Sharia compliant finance and debt restructurings. Alan MacRitchie ‘is a fountain of knowledge’, sought after for his advice regarding ‘Qatar specific security queries’. Sitting within the firm’s global finance and projects division, the team leverages its international reach to support clients with cross-jurisdictional interests.

Practice head(s):

Robin Hickman


Other key lawyers:

Alan MacRitchie


Testimonials

‘Addleshaw Goddard have a strong presence in the Doha banking market and are a go-to firm for banking advice.’

‘Alan MacRitchie is a leading expert in banking and a fountain of knowledge on LMA documentation and Qatar specific security queries.’

 

Key clients

Qatar National Bank


HSBC Bank (Middle East), Qatar Branch


The Commercial Bank


Dukhan Bank


Qatar Islamic Bank


Doha Bank


Masraf Al Rayan


Bank of Baroda


Qatar Electricity & Water Company


Abu Issa Group


QTerminals


Al Wakra Water & Contracting


Ras Al Hadd Luxury Services


K&L Gates

Amjad Hussain leads the Middle East banking and Islamic finance team at K&L Gates, a ‘master of his craft‘ whose practice spans transactional and regulatory work. Pairing its ‘deep understanding of local practices‘ with particular real estate investment trusts strength, the team advises clients including major banks and financial institutions. Islamic finance is also an area of expertise for the team, including cross-border secured financing, restructurings, and Sukuk. Simon Chan is a key partner – a ‘diligent, practical’ ‘rising star’, Chan specialises in Shari’ah-compliant project financings.

Practice head(s):

Amjad Hussain


Other key lawyers:

Simon Chan


Testimonials

‘Excellent managing partner interaction with Amjad Hussein.’

‘The unique team proposition is that on most work a leading global expert works with the local team. This is quite unique and attractive.’

‘Amjad Hussein is a brilliant technical legal mind that rounds it off with great acumen for what is implementable.’

‘Client-centric results and output based approach that gets the job done.’

‘Simon Chan is diligent, practical and works hard to deliver for his clients.’

‘Amjad Hussain provides strong leadership, technical guidance and client management.’

‘The team has unrivalled experience in the Qatar market with a deep understanding of local practices. They provide outstanding service to clients that is always promptly delivered, to the point and balanced.’

‘Amjad Hussain is a master of his craft. A seasoned lawyer with a reputation for delivering on big ticket items in a pragmatic and highly effective way. Simon Chan has quickly forged a cult following that provides clients with the exemplary service they require.’

Key clients

Dukhan Bank QPSC


Lesha Bank |(previously known as Qatar First Bank LLC)


The Commercial Bank of Qatar (P.S.Q.C.) |(previously known as Commercial Bank (Q.S.C.)


Doha Bank Q.S.C.


QInvest LLC


Lendable Asset Management LLC


Qatar Islamic Bank (Q.P.S.C.)


Zad Holding Company Q.P.S.C. |(previously known as Qatar Flour Mills Company SAQ)


Qatar National Bank Q.P.S.C. (QNB Group)


Work highlights


  • Advised Lesha Bank on a €20m Shari’ah-complaint financing to a Qatar consortium to purchase a 10.8% stake in Ennismore, an international hospitality group.
  • Advised Lesha Bank on its co-investment, alongside CVC Capital Partners VIII Limited, in Unilever’s global tea business, Ekaterra B.V.
  • Advised Lendable Asset Management on their Shari’ah-compliant wakala facilities to Alif Lamim Investment Pte Ltd. for the $30m financing of an Indonesian P2P lending platform.

Baker & McKenzie Limited

Ian Siddell heads the banking and finance team at Baker & McKenzie Limited, leveraging extensive project finance experience to support high-profile banking clients. Siddell’s practice spans Islamic finance and contractor finance and he is particularly experienced in aircraft finance, debt capital markets and insolvency; he co-manages the firm’s Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah and Bahrain offices. The team’s client base includes sponsors and companies, private equity funds, banks and other financial institutions.

Practice head(s):

Ian Siddell


Other key lawyers:

Basel Barakat


Key clients

Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited


The Commercial Bank (P.S.Q.C.)


Qatar National Bank Q.P.S.C.


DBS Bank Ltd (DIFC Branch)


Ooredoo, Group LLC


Dentons

The ‘helpful and responsive’ banking and finance practice at Dentons pairs international reach with expertise in Qatari law and practices. Heads of team Safwan Moubaydeen and Zaher Nammour offer expertise in large-scale infrastructure and finance projects, advising both private and governmental entities. Experience in the aviation industry is a notable standout characteristic of the team, with a stellar track-record advising aircraft leasing companies.

Practice head(s):

Safwan Moubaydeen; Zaher Nammour


Testimonials

‘The team acted as local counsel in Qatar on a transaction I was involved with. They were helpful and responsive and gave good advice when local law issues arose.’

‘Zaher Nammour was our main point of contact who provided clear advice on what was needed.’

 

Key clients

SAK Holding / Ezdan/ Assya


Qatar International Islamic Bank


Thani 2015


Work highlights


  • Advising on a QAR1bn amended and restated facility agreement.
  • Advising on regulatory requirements, including advice on sanctions relating to business inside and outside Qatar.
  • Advising on an amended and restated facility agreement initially entered into in 2015.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

The Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP banking and finance team assists lenders and borrowers in corporate finance mandates across a range of jurisdictions, along with providing expertise in project finance matters and equity capital markets. Clint Dempsey, Dani Kabbani and Samer Sarkis co-lead the team: Dempsey, based in Dubai, specialises in cross-jurisdictional matters; Kabbani advises both governmental bodies and corporate clients; Sarkis’ practice has an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions.

Practice head(s):

Clint Dempsey; Dani Kabbani; Samer Sarkis


Key clients

Dukhan Bank


Doha Bank


Qatar Development Bank


QNB


MEEZA QSTP LLC (Public)


Daaman Islamic Insurance Company QPSC


Al Mahhar Holding QPSC


Lesha Bank LLC (Public)


Work highlights


  • Acting for Dukhan Bank in relation to a commodities murabaha facility made available to Oryx Corniche Development Co. PJSC, for the construction and development of the conversion of the old Ministry of Interior building into a 5 star hotel in Doha, Qatar.
  • Advised Damaan Islamic Insurance Company (Beema), on the direct listing of 100% of its shares on the Main Market of the Qatar Stock Exchange.
  • Advised Al Mahhar Holding QPSC, on its proposed direct listing of 100% of its shares on the Venture Market of the Qatar Stock Exchange.

Sharq Law Firm

Marwa Ali Bamatraf heads the corporate and commercial team at Sharq Law Firm, which handles a range of banking and finance matters including representing lenders, guarantors, and managers in facility agreements and bond issuances. Bamatraf advises both domestic and international clients; Rashid Al Saad, founder and managing partner, is noted for his expertise regarding major infrastructure projects and commercial transactions.

Practice head(s):

Marwa Ali Bamatraf


Other key lawyers:

Rashid Al Saad; Abdelraouf Elbekei


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented the majority of the banks in Qatar in relation to credit facility agreements amounting to values exceeding QR1bn.
  • Acted as the Qatari counsel of BEEMA, one of the largest Takaful companies in Qatar licensed by the Qatar Central Bank in its successful conversion to a Q.S.P.C. having its shares publicly listed in the primary market of the QSE.
  • Successfully restructured several companies under one holding company through M&A for the subsequent listing of the holding company in the primary market of the QSE.

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners‘ corporate advisory department supports a range of clients including large domestic and international financial bodies, with particular strength in cross-border tax and corporate structuring advice. Salman Mahmood leads the team, with expertise across the energy, infrastructure, and corporate finance sectors. The team advises on a range of public tenders and awards, taxation, and special economic zones.

Practice head(s):

Salman Mahmood


Testimonials

‘This firm has maintained a strong position in the ship financing and is very responsive.’

‘Salman Mahmood is professional, practical and has a deep knowledge of the market and industry.’

‘Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners are a very effective and knowledgeable practice. They have handled cases for our firm related to construction, dispute resolution, banking and human resources. The banking case is currently ongoing and thus far has been expertly handled in a transparent and informative manner.’

‘The people at Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners are knowledgeable and experienced in their particular fields. Their ability to deal with our issue, and all follow up requests and queries was of the highest order.’

Key clients

Stephenson Harwood LLP


CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP


Fujita Corporation


Work highlights


  • Providing legal opinions to three South Korean investment trusts on the authorization, capacity, and execution of a well-known Qatari oil and gas entity in respect of the entering into Consent and Agreement, Direct Agreement, and Sub-Time Charters in relation to subordinated financing of 15 LNG Carriers for a South Korean consortium.
  • Advising on transactions entered into, marketed, or solicited by an American international bank which will include: spot and forward purchases and sales, swaps, options that may be settled physically and other physically settled transactions envisaged by ISDA and which have as an underlie of any of the precious metals (i.e., Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium).
  • Advising an Asia-based credit fund on, and implementing, a Qatar security package, and reviewing and advising on a joint venture agreement, in relation to the issuance of loan notes by an Australian infrastructure group and a guarantee by a Qatari affiliate; and providing a legal opinion in relation thereto.