Banking & Finance
Navigating regulatory
requirements
The UAE has established itself as a financial hub within the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East generally. To successfully establish viable banking and finance operations in the region, the advice of competent legal consultants with local knowledge and experience is essential.
A maze of regulatory requirements need to be navigated by new entrants into the market and for many financial transactions, a proper understanding of Islamic principles is a prerequisite. Lutfi & Co.’s lawyers are fully conversant with all aspects of banking regulation and supervision in the region and regularly advise international banks and financial institutions on the establishment of operations in the UAE, DIFC and DIFX.
Lutfi & Co has a dedicated team of specialist lawyers dealing with regulatory as well as litigation matters related to Foreign Exchange (FOREX). Based out of the UAE and with associate offices across the world, we are able to address some of the most complex issues when it comes to developing and managing FOREX related matters. We advise on foreign exchange contracts, setting up of funds and other collective investment vehicles, finance leasing arrangements, secured commercial lending, trade, project and corporate financing arrangements, equity and loan finance, and the taking, enforcement, and realization of security interests and debt recovery.
In addition to advising on traditional project finance structures, our lawyers have developed increasingly innovative financing solutions for the projects market. We are fully familiar with all forms of bank and capital markets financing. We have substantial experience of advising on projects that combine different forms of: structured finance techniques such as monetization; asset acquisitions; Islamic-funding techniques; project bonds; securitizations; portfolio financings; restructurings; investment funds; leveraged finance; borrowing base structures; and derivatives products.
With the growing sophistication of the Middle East banking and finance market, there is increasing need for new and innovative financial products. With our expertise in structured project financing we are able to assist with the underwriting, syndication and securitization of loans and derivatives transactions.
Property financing
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Borrower compliance with requirements of lenders including lending and security documentation
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Loan documentation
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Security documentation including charges, real property mortgages, equitable mortgages and guarantees
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Syndicated facility and security documentation for complex financing transactions
Our principal areas of
expertise include:
Corporate financing
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Acquisition financing
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Borrower and lender financial issues
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Corporate governance
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Corporate funds management
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Income trusts and real estate investment trusts
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Joint ventures
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Public and private securities related to corporate debt
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Financial restructuring
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Structured financing
Asset financing
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Documentation on equipment and floor plan agreements
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Financial transactions involving securities on the equipment
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Financing structures for project and other corporate needs
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Documentation and negotiation process regarding structured finance transactions, loan syndications, project and trade finance
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Representation of clients when claiming securities and assets.