Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill’s reputation is upheld by its excellent relationship with Malaysia’s leading banks and financial institutions. The banking and finance offering is wide-ranging, from syndicated loans and club deals, asset finance and project finance to ESG-related banking advice. On the Islamic finance side, the group advises on Shariah-compliant financing principles. Tay Weng Hwee oversees the team and is well versed in debt capital market and financial restructuring mandates. Megat Hizaini Hassan is highly regarded in the Islamic finance arena and regularly handles sukuk mandates and Murabahah transactions, while Bella Chu Chai Yee focuses on cross-border business acquisitions and joint venture structuring.
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Profile
Work Department
Corporate
Position
Partner (Islamic Finance, Financial Services).
Career
The resident authority on Islamic finance who leads on the majority of its Sukuk mandates
Noted by market commentators for his extensive focus on Islamic finance, Megat has been recognised as one of the leading lawyers in his area of practice, through publications such as the International Financial Law Review’s Guide to the World’s Leading Islamic Finance Lawyers and Expert Guides, Legal 500, Chambers Asia as well as Islamic Finance News’ Leading Lawyers Directory.
He frequently advises financial institutions on complex Sukuk structures and is particularly well-versed in advising on banking regulatory matters relating to Shari'a-compliant products. He covers a wide range of structures, including Murabahah and Ijarah transactions. He is especially active in assisting banks with debt restructuring issues. Clients have noted his “knowledge and experience in applying Shariah concepts are indeed valuable”.
He sits as a member of the Shariah Advisory Body for both Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Berhad (“STMKB”), a Bursa Malaysia-listed company that deals with family takaful (Islamic insurance), and Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Am Berhad (an STMKB subsidiary company that deals with general takaful). He has also been appointed as a Shariah committee member for Mizuho Bank (Malaysia) Berhad effective May 2021. Megat advises clients on issues pertaining to the legal and regulatory framework, as well
as matters relating to applicable Shariah standards for Islamic financial or investment transactions.
Megat was recently ranked “Band 3” for Banking & Finance, as well as on the “Spotlight Table” for Islamic Finance by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025. He was also recently acknowledged as a "Leading Partner" for Banking and Finance (including Islamic Finance) and Capital Markets practices on The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025 rankings. In 2022, he was noted as one of Malaysia’s Top 100 lawyers in The A-List by the Asia Business Law Journal. He was also recently ranked as “Highly Regarded” in the IFLR1000 2024 lawyer rankings for Banking and Islamic Finance.
Languages
English, Malay, Arabic
Education
- LLM (Law), University of Cambridge
- LLM (Law), Harvard University
- LLB (Hons), International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM)
- Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm has great appreciation of the specific requirements under Islamic banking and finance. In addition, the firm is well versed on the legal issues surrounding the work that we have contracted to them.’
‘On various occasions, the individuals are willing to accommodate urgent requests and willing to attend to matters at short notice, particularly Mr Megat Hizaini and Associate.'
‘The Islamic Finance practice team is very quick in their response and have been very helpful in helping clients to navigate legal challenges in our business operation.’
‘Megat Hizaini Hassan is very knowledgeable and has in depth understanding of Islamic finance. His expertise is very useful for clients to find solutions and alternatives.’
Key clients
- AFFIN Islamic Bank Berhad
- Direct Lending Sdn Bhd
- OSK Holdings Berhad
- Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC)
- Maybank Islamic Berhad
- Urusharta Jamaah Sdn Bhd
Work highlights
Advised OSK Holdings Berhad in respect of the legal documentation for its Islamic term financing and Islamic revolving credit facility.
Advised Urusharta Jamaah on the legal documentation in respect of the Islamic Securities Selling and Buying – Negotiated Transaction, entered into between the client and three agents, Maybank Investment Bank, Kenanga Investment and CGS-CIMB Securities.