ASAFO & CO. MOROCCO Sarl is a prominent player in the Moroccan and broader North African banking and finance arena. The firm has cultivated a robust reputation for its exceptional services, catering to an array of financial institutions and governmental entities. The team offers extensive expertise in acquisition finance, project finance, and asset finance, and is capable of adeptly serving both corporate borrowers and bank lenders. The Casablanca team is headed by founder and managing partner Patrick Larrivé, who excels in cross-border investment funds in both African and international jurisdictions. Louis Dubois is another name to note; Dubois has recently acted on several financing works for banks and energy infrastructure sector clients.

Clifford Chance's Morocco offering spans the full range of banking, finance, and capital markets matters. The firm has a strong focus on project finance, especially in the areas of energy and infrastructure. The practice is led by Mustapha Mourahib and Ouns Lemseffer. Mourahib is an expert in advising borrowers and sponsors on financing large-scale facilities across the region. Lemseffer recently advised large government-owned corporations on project financing concerning large renewable energy facilities. Additionally, Meriem Komiha often supports Lemseffer on large-scale financings for renewable energy facilities in Morocco.

Norton Rose Fulbright is a market leader in operations, project financing, financial restructuring, and corporate lending transactions. Alain Malek leads the Morocco and North African practice. Malek is a seasoned practitioner with a strong track record handling cross-border transactions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with particular expertise in the insurance, energy, and telecoms sectors. Additionally, Roberto Cristofolini specialises in banking and stock exchange law in Morocco and France and recently advised the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Morocco on the private equity funds adopted by the Council of Government.

DLA Piper has a strong client list of international banks and investment funds, including the World Bank. The firm provides strong support with debt capital markets, derivatives, and financings. Leading the firm is Fabrice Armand, an expert in debt capital markets, derivatives, and alternative investment funds. Armand has recently worked on international investments into the Moroccan energy sector, and international financings and acquisitions of African insurance groups. Armand is supported by associate Gaëlle Bouriau in several significant cases.

EAR & Co has a strong track record of successfully managing significant financing transactions, as well as advising on restructurings, regulatory banking issues, securitisations, and general financings. The experienced team is co-led by Mohieddine El Amari, who recently advised the European Investment Bank concerning financial documentation and issuances. Working alongside him is co-head Mariam Rouissi, a specialist in financial regulation. Rouissi has recently advised banks on securitisations and loan agreements.

GIDE LOYRETTE NOUEL covers the entire spectrum of banking and finance transactions. Wacef Bentaibi spearheads the Casablanca office, advising state-owned enterprises, sponsors, and lenders on structuring, drafting, and negotiating for finance transactions. Bentaibi also regularly advises large banks and infrastructure developers on project-related joint ventures and international tenders. Bentaibi is supported by Mounia Larhrissi on the firm’s most significant matters, including advising the European Investment Bank on emerging legislation concerning financings that had been granted to Moroccan public institutions and companies.

UGGC Africa’s banking and finance team is a trusted partner to Moroccan and foreign credit establishments, alongside extensive involvement in project finance, restructurings, and securitisations. Ali Bougrine, the firm’s managing partner, specialises in banking and finance as well as corporate and M&A work. Bougrine recently led a joint venture matter between an aeronautical electrical systems manufacturer and Boeing, leveraging his cross-disciplinary experience to advise on both funding aspects regarding banks as well as corporate matters regarding the organisation of the board. Laurent Sablé is well versed in advising clients in high value transactions and conducting relevant negotiations with Moroccan authorities.

As a member of the Africa Legal Network, the ADNA banking and finance team often conducts cross-border transactions across the continent, with recent examples including advising on matters in Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Egypt. Safia Fassi-Fihri heads the practice with her strong expertise in credit financing, often acting for both lenders and borrowers on large multijurisdictional transactions between Africa and Europe.

Afrique Advisors offers a wide range of specialised services, including financial regulations, compliance, corporate finance, and project finance. The firm is experienced in working on high value financings and conducting financial due diligence. The practice is headed by Laila Slassi, a specialist in tax structuring of high value cross-border transactions, particularly concerning leverage buyouts.

Bakouchi & Habachi - HB Law Firm LLP's team provides banking and capital markets advice to banks, private equity, and insurance clients in Morocco. The practice is jointly led by Salima Bakouchi, who frequently advises on bond loans and financing projects, and Kamal Habachi, who assists clients with the issuance of structured deposit certificates.

Fraikech Associés is a trusted partner of choice for major domestic banks and international investment banks, frequently advising on intricate transactions. Leading the practice is the ‘knowledgeable, experienced, and focused‘ Oussama Fraikech, a seasoned specialist in corporate and finance law, as well as exchange regulation and securities.

URITI is an independent law boutique that often acts for lenders, including large Moroccan banks, on financing works. The firm focuses on financing works on construction projects of various industrial infrastructure and real estate properties in Morocco. The practice is headed by Kenza Bounjou, who founded the firm and specialises in energy and infrastructure transactions.