Shakespeare Martineau LLP‘s Islamic finance practice is split between its offices in Birmingham and London. Together, they advise clients in the commercial and residential property finance sector. The practice regularly acts for UK-based Islamic banks but also has a notable clientele of Middle Eastern banks and sponsors. Practice head Mohammed Saqub also leads the real estate team and is a key authority on commercial property investment, handling the full spectrum of Islamic finance facility documents. Both Andrew Stevens and Afreen Mehdi Cole support the team on the full spectrum of facilities. Fatema Miah is highlighted for her deep expertise on the property aspects of Islamic finance transactions. The bench grew in March 2025 with the addition of Habib Ullah.
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Key clients

  • Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC
  • ADIB UK
  • Al Rayan Bank plc
  • Gatehouse Bank plc
  • Habib Bank AG Zurich (Islamic and conventional)
  • Islamic Development Bank
  • Masraf Al Rayan
  • OFFA
  • Qatar Islamic Bank PLC
  • UBL
  • Nester
  • Bank of London and the Middle East
  • Nomo
  • Ahli United Bank (UK) PLC
  • Stride Up

Work highlights

Assisted Al Rayan on the refinance of circa £35,000,000 secured against real estate in the UK.
Undertook a significant acquisition and funding round with a Gulf Shariah-compliant private equity investor based in the UAE in a UK Islamic Finance Fintech.
Advising a number of Islamic banks (e.g. Al Rayan, Gatehouse and NOMO) on their retail mortgages, helping to add circa £500 million to their retail books.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Mohammed Saqub

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Fatema Miah

Practice head

Mohammed Saqub

Other key lawyers

Andrew Stevens; Afreen Mehdi Cole; Fatema Miah; Habib Ullah