The banking and finance team at ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners is praised by clients for its ‘unparalleled combination of technical excellence, commercial insight, and pragmatic execution’. The department is directed by Rob Little, who boasts over 28 years of experience in conventional, Islamic, and capital markets transactions. Ibrahim Sattout is a key member of the team for both local and cross-border Islamic finance sales, including Murabaha and Sukuk, as well as debt restructuring and project financing. John Cunha and Ezekiel Tuma’s areas of expertise include sales pertaining to derivatives, issuance, bonds, and a range of other products. Hussein Azmy is also a key member of the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Great work product always promptly delivered.’
- ‘Very responsive team. Have found them to deal with issues quickly and have handled transactions in an efficient manner. Are very user-friendly and good to work with.’
- ‘John Cunha is an exceptional lawyer. He knows the local laws inside-out and communicates the legal position in a very clear and concise manner. Our go-to lawyer for Kuwait matters.’
- ‘ASAR’s Banking & Finance and Corporate M&A practices stand out in Kuwait and the wider GCC for their unparalleled combination of technical excellence, commercial insight, and pragmatic execution.’
- ‘I work closely with John Cunha, who stands out for his exceptional technical skill, commercial acumen, and calm, pragmatic approach. He consistently delivers clear, practical advice on complex matters and is highly responsive and solution-focused.’
- ‘One of the top law firms in Kuwait, they have the best lawyers for every important sector in Kuwait, their diverse knowledge makes the difference.’
Key clients
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC
- Ahli United Bank B.S.C.
- Arab banking Corporation
- Citibank
- Emirates NBD Bank PJSC
- HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd
- Kuwait Finance House
- National Bank of Kuwait
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
- Standard Chartered
- Warba Bank
- Gulf Bank
Work highlights
Acted as Kuwait law counsel to each of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC, Arab Banking Corporation (B.S.C.), Boubyan Bank K.S.C.P., Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, HSBC Bank plc, Mashreqbank PSC, Mizuho International plc, Standard Chartered Bank, and The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector in relation to the issuance by KFH Sukuk Company of USD1bn 5.376% trust certificates due 2030 under its USD4bn Trust Certificate Issuance Programme.
Acted as Kuwait law counsel to Kuwait Finance House in relation to the transfer of the current outstanding financing exposure (on the same economic terms) for two Aircraft, MSN 62566 and MSN 62567, being acquired by Macquarie AirFinance Holding Ltd or its affiliate(s) from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company, and a new financing for a third aircraft to be acquired by Macquarie AirFinance from ALAFCO, MSN 62570, for the purpose of funding the acquisition of the above aircrafts by Macquarie AirFinance through an Ijarah financing structure, in a financing deal valued at USD90.48m
Acted as Kuwait law counsel to several Joint Lead Managers in connection with the issuance of USD750m trust certificates due 2031 by EQUATE Sukuk SPC Ltd under its USD2bn Trust Certificate Issuance Programme and representing obligations of EQUATE Petrochemical Company K.S.C.C., such obligations unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by The Kuwait Olefins Company K.S.C.C.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Rob Little
Other key lawyers
Sam Habbas; Ibrahim Sattout; Ezekiel Tuma; John Cunha; Hussein Azmy