Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Banking, finance and capital markets

Mazen Rasamny leads the banking and finance at Rasma Legal, which operates with a strong focus on data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity matters surrounding Fintech.

Banking, finance and capital markets in Lebanon

Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm

A key port of call for both domestic and international banks, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is well-versed in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and syndicated facilities. Carlos Abou Jaoude counts various financial institutions on his client roster, and he is well-regarded in the energy, media, and telecoms sectors. Souraya Machnouk is often engaged in cross-border transactions, while Ibrahim Barraj is another key team member.

 

Praxisleiter:

Carlos Abou Jaoude; Souraya Machnouk


 


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ibrahim Barraj


Referenzen

‘Their high responsiveness, professional approach, and understanding makes them stand out.’

‘Abou Jaoude & Associates is our first-choice firm for complex banking and finance matters, driven by the quality of its partners Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk.’

‘The firm has a deep understanding of the market and the regulatory framework. They present their advice in straightforward terms, which we can rely on for decision-making at the bank.’

Kernmandanten

Credit Suisse (UBS Group)


Central Bank of Lebanon


Ernst & Young


New York Life Insurance


KPMG Citigroup


American Express (Amex)


First Abu Dhabi Bank Commercial International Bank Egypt


National Bank of Kuwait


Nomura International


I&C Bank


Fransabank Group


Intercontinental Bank of Lebanon (IBL)


Arab Finance Corporation (AFC)


The Luxury Fund (TLF)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised leading financial institution Credit Suisse Lebanon on its strategic exit from the Lebanese market amidst the global merger by absorption between the UBS and Credit Suisse banking groups.
  • Advised Big Four audit firms Ernst & Young and KPMG acting for Swiss banks on the highly complex private banking manual relating to the cross-border offer of financial products and services into Lebanon under capital markets regulation.
  • Advised the lending arm of the National Bank of Kuwait, the largest Kuwaiti bank on a multi-million cross-border Islamic facility to the leading international telecoms group Monty Mobile, involving a complex multi-jurisdiction security structure.

Alem & Associates

Alem & Associates is a key port of call for investment banks on restructuring, compliance, security offerings as well as Islamic finance. Mohamed Y Alem  is well-regarded in the capital markets sector, Omar El Assir is an expert in private equity, and Maya Tabet Chidiac handles transactional matters.

Praxisleiter:

Mohamed Y. Alem; Omar El Assir; Maya Tabet Chidiac


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Youmna Gharzouzi


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Chedid Law Offices in association with Dentons

Elias Chedid heads the practice at Chedid Law Offices in association with Dentons, which is experienced in advising both borrowers and lenders in cross-border financial transactions. Chedid handles capital markets, banking and finance, as well as private equity matters, while Georgette Salamé has a strong track record in regulatory mandates within the financial services sector.

Praxisleiter:

Elias Chedid


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Georgette Salamé


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El-Aref International Law Office

Lauded for its ‘deep expertise in both conventional and Islamic finance’, El-Aref International Law Office is noted for its activity in financing transactions. Team head Aref El-Aref regularly advises lenders, sponsors, and borrowers on capital markets, regulatory securities, and debt financing, while Katia Daou advises banks on security documents and enforcement procedural issues. Mohamad Ramadan is also a key individual, specialising in transactions regarding syndicated and term loan financing.

Praxisleiter:

Aref El-Aref


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Katia Daou; Mohamad Ramadan


Referenzen

‘The team excels due to its deep expertise in both conventional and Islamic finance, delivering high-quality, tailored legal advice. The team’s responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to commercially sound solutions set them apart.’

‘The individuals at El-Aref International Law Office stand out for their expertise, responsiveness, and practical approach. They consistently provide tailored solutions and maintain clear communication. Aref El-Aref has been exceptional in his attention to detail and proactive problem-solving.’

‘Their expertise, knowledge, and availability make them stand out.’

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Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP

Well-regarded in the capital markets sector, Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP is highly knowledgeable of restructuring transactions. Chadia El Meouchi co-leads the group with Carine Farran, both of whom are highly proficient in conventional and Islamic banking law. Salim El Meouchi and Walid Honein are also key team members.

Praxisleiter:

Chadia El Meouchi; Carine Farran


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Salim El Meouchi; Walid Honein; Zouheir El Baba; Nazek El Hout


Kernmandanten

CDCI International


Debbaneh Saikali Group Holding SAL


Deutsche Bank


Secil SAL


Ciment de Sibline SAL


Emaar Properties


EIB


Banque Misr Liban


Audi Saradar Private Bank


Pinsent Masons LLP


Clifford Chance LLP


Holdal Group


White & Case LLP


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted a leading multilateral financial institution with the restructuring and settlement of a substantial portfolio of loans for an aggregate amount of more than USD 150M.
  • Assisted a banking and financial institution on various local law issues surrounding the financing of up to USD 1BN involving a leading international sovereign wealth fund.
  • Assisted an international engineering company on its entry into a bridge facility agreement, amounting to up to USD 1,500,000,000.

Obeid & Partners

With ‘a strong international perspective’, Obeid & Partners is particularly well-versed in credit financing, loan facilities, and regulatory mandates. Ziad Obeid is praised for his ‘exceptional and versatile legal expertise’ and co-leads the team with Marie Hayek.

Praxisleiter:

Ziad Obeid; Marie Hayek


Referenzen

‘Obaid & Partners consistently delivers exceptional legal expertise in banking and finance, navigating complex financial landscapes with precision and insight.’

‘Ziad Obaid stands out as a practitioner due to his exceptional legal expertise, client-focused approach, and dedication.’

‘They have deep expertise in MENA region, combined with a strong international perspective. When working together, we value the team’s extensive experience in cross-border transactions and multilingual capabilities, which I consider essential when choosing a partner in the MENA region.’

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