Islamic Finance | Asia-Pacific

A&O Shearman has a market-leading position for major Islamic financings, notably sukuk issuances. Experienced in representing financial institutions, government bodies and heavyweight corporates, the team in Singapore is well placed to advise on legal matters across the region, with particular activity in Malaysia and Indonesia. The firm is also highly adept at assisting clients with the restructuring of existing sukuk. Notable clients include the Republic of Indonesia and CIMB Investment Bank. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Adnan, Sundra & Low has a highly regarded Malaysia-based legal practice with particular proficiency in Islamic financings. The lawyers are noted for a wide base of expertise across different structures. The law firm is especially well known for sukuk issuances, and is also active on murabaha, wakala and tawarruq structures. The team is often involved in sukuk financings in the energy and real estate sectors. The department regularly represents a broad client base comprising banks, financial institutions, investment funds and governments. The firm's clients include JP Morgan, Citigroup and Merrill Lynch.

Baker McKenzie is renowned for advising high-profile Islamic and commercial banks throughout the region. The firm is well versed in the structuring and documentation of various Islamic banking and finance products. The team's expertise covers Shari'a-compliant loan facilities, sukuk, project finance and real estate deals. The lawyers are also well placed to advise clients on transactions based on the murabaha principle. Baker McKenzie stands out for its extensive cross-border capabilities delivered through its network of offices, with Islamic finance specialists operating out of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Clifford Chance's Singapore and Hong Kong-based lawyers, aided by a strong offering in the Middle East, advise on a diverse range of Shari'a-compliant legal matters, including sukuk, wakala and murabaha structures. The team is highly active representing a variety of clients including governments, energy companies and banks in high-profile sukuk offerings in Malaysia and Indonesia, thanks to its extensive global network. Clifford Chance regularly advises on Shari'a-compliant project finance arrangements.

Linklaters has notable expertise in Islamic finance legal matters, especially in its Singapore office. The firm is able to assist clients with a range of Shari'a-compliant issues, including sukuk, wakala and murabaha, particularly in relation to the capital markets sphere. The team is especially active on Islamic financings in Malaysia, and also has a tie-up with local firm Widyawan & Partners in Indonesia.

Lawyers in Allen & Gledhill's Singapore office have extensive experience in handling Islamic banking and capital markets structures. The firm is proficient in assisting issuers with setting up sukuk programmes, as well as advising on derivatives law relating to Islamic finance. The team also advises banks on murabaha loans within the Singaporean market.

Leading Indonesian corporate law firm Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has a strong focus on DCM, regularly representing issuers in sukuk deals. The team is also well versed in Shari'a-compliant banking regulations. Its clients include CIMB and Dubai Islamic Bank.

Haidermota & Co is a leading law firm in Pakistan and has extensive expertise in Islamic finance structurings, both DCM and banking facilities. The firm is well placed to advise on musharaka financings, including in relation to projects. The team is also regularly engaged by lenders and issuers on sukuk issuances in Pakistan, and has offices in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Mohsin Tayebaly & Co is a prominent law firm in Pakistan with strong expertise in Shari'a-compliant banking. The firm's highly regarded banking and finance team has significant experience in handling all areas of Islamic financing, from sukuk to musharaka structures.