Zahir Riaz, Aliya Yusuf, Asim Nasim, Shahid Raza and Umar Shahid collectively lead the department at Orr, Dignam & Co. The practice is well placed to work on a broad array of capital markets matters and frequently advises on the issuance and listing of various types of securities and financial instruments. It also advises on global depository receipts and significant IPOs. The firm is adept at advising on other areas, such as on term finance certificates, and various forms of debt and equity instruments. It is well-regarded too for its regulatory advice.

The team at Akhund Forbes receives praise for its ‘responsiveness, professionalism and proactive problem-solving’ skills. Headed by Rabel Akhund, the group delivers ‘exceptional results’ to its clients. The department has been busy advising on the structuring of new products for the Pakistani REIT market and assisting its clients with listing new REITs on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The group is also highly sought after for its regulatory advice. In addition, it has been working on numerous listed company M&A transactions across a range of industry sectors, including food and agri-processing, as well as banking and financial services. Sahar Iqbal has ‘deep expertise’ in this area and has considerable experience advising asset management companies and mutual funds.

Irfan Tayebaly and Vaseeq Khalid jointly head the busy practice at Mohsin Tayebaly & Co. It regularly works on transactions involving international and local debt and equity financings. The agile team is recognised for its ability to work on complicated IPOs and frequently advises on corporate debt instruments. It is recommended for its work on term finance certificates, and for its advice on the issue of preference shares in Pakistan. The practice continues to act as legal counsel for numerous issuers and trustees.

The able team at Haidermota & Co Advocates is well placed to advise on complex debt and equity capital market offerings. It is skilled at handling all types of debt and equity securitisation of assets and derivatives. The group regularly advises on financings and IPOs. In addition, the department is recommended for its work in other areas such as private placements, de-listings, and real estate investment trusts. It also advises on insider trading. Clients include corporate entities, banks and other financial institutions. Zahra Abid, Ali Vasi and Shabbir Harianawala are the heads of the department.

The excellent team at Ahmed & Qazi continues to act for issuers, arrangers, advisors, underwriters and subscribers. The department advises on all types of debt and equity issues by way of public offerings or private placements. It is highly regarded for its advice on matters such as share issuances, equity warrant options, and the full range of equity instruments. Nazif Ahmed heads the department.

Faresa Jafarey Ahsan heads the practice at Liaquat Merchant Associates. The department regularly provides support to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on a diverse range of issues, such as the listing applications of companies. It also advises on the regulatory framework when companies default on obligations. In addition, the group advises on the de-listing of companies on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Syed Shayan Ahmed is another seasoned member of the team. Ahmed routinely advises on a wide range of capital markets matters and has particular experience advising on compliance issues.

Spearheaded by Bilal Shaukat, RIAA BARKER GILLETTE has a solid reputation for its work on a variety of complex transactions. In the local and foreign markets, it regularly advises on public and private debt and equity offerings. It is skilled at handling IPOs and rights issues, as well as advising on structured finance products. The team is well placed to also advise on securitisations and privatisations. Clients include issuers, investors and underwriters. It acts for private and public entities, as well as banks and venture capitalists. Adil Tirmizey is another key contact.