Al Tamimi & Company‘s team in Bahrain specialises in all aspects of banking and finance, including debt capital markets, project finance, regulatory work, Islamic finance, conventional bilateral and syndicated lending. With well-established expertise throughout the region, the practice distinguishes itself through the scale of its lead and local counsel work for major banks and financial institutions across Bahrain and the wider Middle East. UAE-based partner Rafiq Jaffer heads the firm’s offering for both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with an exceptional reputation thanks to his expertise in debt capital markets transactions and lending transactions, using both conventional and Islamic structures. Natalia Kumar is a name to note in Bahrain and is a trusted advisor to major lenders, borrowers, and international and local financial institutions; she is supported by associate Gargi Agarwal, who is building notable expertise in syndicated lending, project finance and regulatory work. Practice co-head Jody Waugh provides support from the UAE.

Regularly representing the region’s largest banks, corporates and government institutions, Baker & McKenzie Limited’s Bahrain banking and finance team handles complex project, Islamic, contractor and real estate finance mandates. Ian Siddell heads the practice and brings vast experience of finance work across the Gulf states, which in addition to the aforementioned areas, creates a particularly strong practice in debt capital markets, financial restructuring and insolvency matters. Fatima Alhasan is experienced in a broad range of conventional and Islamic finance, also bringing significant expertise in corporate and commercial issues. Delwar Hossain is particularly adept at advising on transactions concerning the Saudi Arabian market, while construction expert Gavin Witcombe is regularly sought after for his project financing knowledge.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s banking and finance team acts for a diverse range of regional and international financial institutions, as well as the Central Bank of Bahrain licensees on their in-country and regional finance initiatives and broader regulatory requirements. Although maintaining a broad spread of conventional lending work, the practice is particularly known for its in-depth expertise in Islamic finance, encompassing capital markets, traditional financing products and repos and derivatives in the Islamic financing space. International managing partner and practice head Jeremy Ingham offers extensive experience across contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency work, acting for banks, financial institutions, corporates and insolvency practitioners. With a strong focus on debt capital markets and Islamic finance, Bilal Kahlon regularly advises on Shariah-compliant and sukuk transactions in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Salman Ahmed in Oman is another key figure and is the main client partner for Ahli United Bank following its conversion from a conventional to an Islamic bank.

The Bahrain finance offering at DLA Piper Middle East LLP is noted for its breadth of expertise. It can regularly be seen advising clients on syndicated and bilateral financings and securitisations, as well as fund establishments, restructurings and regulatory matters. The scope of mandates received is paralleled by the span of sectors in which it operates, having established a strong reputation in technology, fintech and life sciences, among others. Practice head Mohamed Toorani has an enviable track record in cross-border transactions throughout the Gulf. From Dubai, Paul McViety and Peter Somekh provide significant support, advising on the full spectrum of matters, from project and asset finance to debt restructurings and sukuk transactions.

ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners is a trusted advisor to major banks throughout Bahrain and the broader Gulf, highly regarded for its expertise in conventional and Islamic banking, project finance, derivatives and capital markets. Practice head Steven Brown is well versed across the spectrum of cross-border finance transactions and also brings strong knowledge of corporate M&A, project development and business restructuring. He is supported by associate Rahul Sud, who has specialist expertise in the fintech and payment services sectors.

Zu'bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants has a strong track record across a wide array of banking, conventional and Islamic finance mandates in Bahrain. Leading figures in the practice include Qays Zu’bi, Hatim Q Zu’bi, Naveen Thakur and Eman Omar, all offering extensive experience in project finance and investment funds work, as well as broader corporate and commercial issues. Eleanor Livingstone is also a key practitioner; she was promoted from senior associate to partner in May 2023.