Lauded for its ability to combine ‘deep technical expertise with a strategic, forward-thinking approach’, Norton Rose Fulbright advises a broad mix of regional and international clients on both Islamic and conventional fund structures. The team is increasingly instructed on sustainability-linked, digital asset, and infrastructure-focused funds, and regularly supports managers with fund establishment across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and global jurisdictions. Zubair Mir is highly regarded for his blend of experience and market insight, particularly in matters involving Abu Dhabi-based managers and sovereign entities. He oversees the team alongside Geoffroy Hermanns, who continues to advise on first-of-a-kind formation mandates and complex investment structures. Shakir Mogalia provides further support across the full lifecycle of fund formation and investment mandates, while Matthew Shanahan contributes key regulatory expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team’s deep understanding of the investment funds landscape was evident from day one. Their ability to anticipate challenges and guide us through some particularly tricky regulatory and structuring issues was invaluable. We felt reassured knowing we had true experts by our side, helping us make informed decisions with confidence.’
- ‘Zubair Mir has been a trusted advisor since our inception, providing unwavering support and strategic insight through every stage of our growth. His deep understanding of the investment landscape and ability to navigate complex decisions has been instrumental in us achieving success.'
- ‘I have been dealing with Norton Rose Fulbright for a number of years now across multiple fund structures and jurisdictions. The team's knowledge, expertise and strength are what put the firm apart from other competitors. The firm's presence in multiple jurisdictions and the strength of the team in each of these jurisdictions is, I believe, a recipe for success.’
- 'Geoffroy Hermanns and Shakir Mogalia are both very knowledgeable, experienced and reachable at all times. No matter how urgent the matter is or how short the time frame is, they always manage to provide me with the required information/assistance, and we always complete the project we are working on within the predetermined timeframe.'
- ‘We find the team excellent - they are a highly responsive and collaborative team that always bring a global perspective and local insight. They add real value to complex fund structuring and regulatory matters.'
- ‘Zubair Mir is a master strategist in fund formation, with an extraordinary ability to distil complexity into clear, actionable advice. His precision and foresight consistently elevate the quality of every transaction.'
Key clients
- Lunate Capital LLC
- Emirates NBD Asset Management Ltd
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
Work highlights
Advised Lunate Capital LLC, in addition to its existing nine sub-funds, on the establishment of the Chimera JP MorganGglobal Sukuk ETF and the Chimera Iboxx Us Treasury Bill ETF.
Advised Emirates NBD Asset Management Ltd on the establishment of a new public fund in the DIFC and the creation of up to 14 different sub-funds for this fund, which will each be set up as Conventional or Shari’ah-compliant sub-funds.
Advised First Abu Dhabi Bank on the launch of the third sub-fund, "FAB Multi-Strategy Funds - FAB MENA Plus Fixed Maturity Portfolio Series 3", under its umbrella fund, "FAB Multi-Strategy Funds", which is a domestic, onshore UAE fund managed by First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Geoffroy Hermanns
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Shakir Mogalia
Practice head
Zubair Mir; Geoffroy Hermanns
Other key lawyers
Shakir Mogalia; Matthew Shanahan