Clifford Chance and Islamic Finance

Clifford Chance is a leading global law firm with a significant presence in Islamic finance. They advise a diverse range of clients, including financial institutions, corporations, sovereigns, and private equity firms, on Sharia-compliant transactions across various sectors.

The firm’s Islamic finance practice is deeply rooted in its global network, particularly within key markets like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. This allows them to provide clients with locally nuanced and internationally informed legal advice.

Clifford Chance’s expertise in Islamic finance covers a wide spectrum of services. They are proficient in structuring, documenting, and negotiating complex Islamic finance transactions, including:

• Sukuk (Islamic bonds): Advising on the issuance and structuring of various types of Sukuk, from sovereign to corporate issuances, and ensuring compliance with Sharia principles and relevant regulations.
• Islamic Banking: Assisting banks and financial institutions in developing Sharia-compliant banking products, advising on regulatory compliance, and handling disputes related to Islamic banking practices.
• Islamic Funds: Advising on the establishment and operation of Islamic investment funds, ensuring Sharia compliance and adherence to relevant fund regulations.
• Project Finance: Structuring and advising on project finance deals that comply with Sharia principles, often involving infrastructure projects in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
• Real Estate Finance: Facilitating Sharia-compliant real estate transactions, including financing for development, acquisition, and leasing.
• Derivatives and Hedging: Providing advice on Sharia-compliant hedging strategies and derivative products.
• Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in disputes related to Islamic finance transactions, leveraging their understanding of both Sharia principles and international legal standards.

Clifford Chance distinguishes itself through its deep understanding of both conventional finance and Sharia principles. Their lawyers possess expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and work closely with Sharia scholars to ensure that transactions are structured in accordance with Islamic law. This dual expertise allows them to bridge the gap between conventional and Islamic finance, facilitating innovative and compliant solutions for their clients.

The firm’s commitment to thought leadership in Islamic finance is evident through its publications, conferences, and active participation in industry discussions. They regularly contribute to the development of best practices and standards within the Islamic finance industry.

Clifford Chance’s Islamic finance practice is recognized by leading legal directories and publications, reflecting the firm’s strong reputation and the quality of its legal advice. Their dedicated team of lawyers provides a comprehensive suite of services to meet the evolving needs of clients operating in the dynamic world of Islamic finance.