Clifford Chance is highly regarded for its ‘deep knowledge and understanding of the financial services regulatory field’, with a longstanding history of working with regulatory authorities to shape legal frameworks across the UAE. The firm is active in M&A and funds work, and handles a substantial volume of fintech matters, including app creation, payment platforms, and digital asset transactions and exchanges. Team head Jack Hardman is praised for his ‘expertise, dedication, and client-centric approach’, with a practice covering M&A, fintech, and regulatory matters. Co-head Cheuk-Yin Cheung is a derivatives specialist with strong ties to the DIFC, while James Dadford provides support across a range of mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Clifford Chance's team expertise is truly exceptional. Their deep knowledge and understanding of the financial services regulatory field is unparalleled. They communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand and act upon. Their advice has consistently proven to be accurate and reliable, giving us confidence in their guidance.'
- 'Their commitment to excellence sets them apart, making them a valuable partner for any organisation seeking top-tier legal and compliance support.’
‘We mostly deal with Jack Hardman who is exceptional due to his expertise, dedication and client centric approach.'
‘I have been using this team at Clifford Chance for a number of years now and I'm always happy with the advice they provide. It is always provided in a timely manner, clear and very commercial. Clifford Chance clearly operates at a different level compared to other firms in the financial services regulation space that I've worked with.'
‘James Dadford and Jack Hardman are both excellent lawyers, with in-depth expertise in the UAE regulatory environment.’
Key clients
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
- Abu Dhabi Global Market
- Adyen
- Al Ansari
- Arab Monetary Fund
- Bank of America
- Bank of New York Mellon
- Careem Networks FZ
- DP World
- Dubai International Financial Centre Authority
Work highlights
Advising the Central Bank of the UAE on its Central Bank Digital Currency Implementation Strategy.
Counsel to the International Swaps and Derivatives, Inc. as issuer of their industry netting opinions in the UAE and the DIFC, as well as in their ongoing promotion of legal certainty in the UAE OTC derivatives markets for their members.
Advising Careem Networks FZ-LLC on a wide range of fintech matters in the Middle East to develop its financial services and payments platform, including on the creation of a financial services super app.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Jack Hardman; Cheuk-Yin Cheung
Other key lawyers
James Dadford