A key port of call for both domestic and international banks, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is well-versed in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and syndicated facilities. Carlos Abou Jaoude counts various financial institutions on his client roster, and he is well-regarded in the energy, media, and telecoms sectors. Souraya Machnouk is often engaged in cross-border transactions, while Ibrahim Barraj is another key team member.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Their high responsiveness, professional approach, and understanding makes them stand out.'
- ‘Abou Jaoude & Associates is our first-choice firm for complex banking and finance matters, driven by the quality of its partners Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk.’
- ‘The firm has a deep understanding of the market and the regulatory framework. They present their advice in straightforward terms, which we can rely on for decision-making at the bank.’
- ‘Carlos Abou Jaoude is excellent.’
- ‘Souraya Machnouk is exceptionally knowledgeable in cross-border financial offerings, complex credit facilities, and fintech issues.’
- ‘Ibrahim Barraj efficiently handles compliance and governance matters.'
- ‘This firm has a diversified team of experts with a client centered approach and a proven track record.’
- ‘The team is specialised, has a collaborative approach, and is accessible.’
Key clients
- Credit Suisse (UBS Group)
- Central Bank of Lebanon
- Ernst & Young
- New York Life Insurance
- KPMG Citigroup
- American Express (Amex)
- First Abu Dhabi Bank Commercial International Bank Egypt
- National Bank of Kuwait
- Nomura International
- I&C Bank
Work highlights
Advised leading financial institution Credit Suisse Lebanon on its strategic exit from the Lebanese market amidst the global merger by absorption between the UBS and Credit Suisse banking groups.
Advised Big Four audit firms Ernst & Young and KPMG acting for Swiss banks on the highly complex private banking manual relating to the cross-border offer of financial products and services into Lebanon under capital markets regulation.
Advised the lending arm of the National Bank of Kuwait, the largest Kuwaiti bank on a multi-million cross-border Islamic facility to the leading international telecoms group Monty Mobile, involving a complex multi-jurisdiction security structure.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Carlos Abou Jaoude; Souraya Machnouk
Other key lawyers
Ibrahim Barraj