Akin is recognised for its considerable depth of expertise in both corporate and Shari’ah-compliant lending mandates, regularly advising clients in relation to major aviation, oil and industrial finance matters. Department head Rizwan Kanji is adept at handling Murabaha facilities, internal restructurings and Wakala agreements. Andrew Heller is a name to note for multi-jurisdictional direct lending transactions. Nicola Minervini and Sahar Abas bring additional strength to the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is outstanding, highly experienced, genuinely supportive, and consistently committed to delivering exceptional results. Their expertise and support were instrumental in the success of our inaugural international sukuk.'
- ‘Rizwan Kanji, Sahar Abas, and Nicola Minervini were exceptional in every respect as legal counsel. Their expertise, commitment, and strategic insight added real value to the process and were key to its success.’
Key clients
- GFH Financial Group B.S.C.
- Emirates NBD Capital Limited
- Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C.
- Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited
Work highlights
Advised GFH Financial Group B.S.C. in establishing a Shari’ah compliant investment fund which has been uniquely structured to satisfy Shari’ah requirements and ensure U.S. tax efficiency.
Advised long-standing client Emirates NBD Capital Limited in relation to the Shari’ah compliant AED 1.2 billion (circa US$327 million) Murabaha financing for Parkin Company P.J.S.C.
Advised a syndicate of financiers on a US$1 billion senior unsecured dual tranche conventional and Islamic compliant financing for Avolon Aerospace, a leading global aviation finance company.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Rizwan Kanji
Other key lawyers
Andrew Heller; Nicola Minervini; Sahar Abas