RazaThinks

LAW / MARKETS / SYSTEMS

Senior Banking & Finance Lawyer with 15+ years' cross-jurisdictional experience spanning the UAE and Pakistan. Notes on risk, structure, and the rules that shape economies.

15+
Years Experience
$10B+
Transactions
2
Jurisdictions
About

"I write about systems—and the contracts that hold them together."

Banking Law
UCL LL.M
Barrister

Professional Profile

Senior Banking & Finance Lawyer with 15+ years' cross-jurisdictional experience spanning the UAE and Pakistan. Proven expertise in structured finance, Islamic and conventional banking, capital markets, derivatives, and corporate governance.

Trusted legal advisor to leading banks, conglomerates, and investment groups, with a strong track record in managing multi-billion-dollar transactions, negotiating complex agreements, and developing innovative Shariah-compliant financial products.

Currently serving as Legal Counsel at Commercial Bank of Dubai PSC, leading legal work-streams for syndicated and bilateral facilities, structured trade finance transactions, and debt capital markets programs.

Experience

Professional Journey

A career spanning leading financial institutions across the UAE and Pakistan, with expertise in structured finance, Islamic banking, and capital markets.

SYSTEMS FIRST. STRUCTURE ALWAYS.

If you understand the architecture, you can navigate the risk.

Islamic Finance

Shariah-compliant product structuring, Sukuk issuances, Commodity Murabaha, Wakala, and Ijarah arrangements

Capital Markets

Debt capital markets programs, syndicated facilities, bilateral financings, and structured trade finance

Derivatives

ISDA Master Agreements, profit rate swaps, FX options, commodity hedging, and risk management instruments

Documentation

Facility Agreements, Security Packages, Fee Letters, escrow arrangements, and ancillary agreements

Corporate Governance

Legal compliance, risk management frameworks, and regulatory advisory across jurisdictions

Cross-Border

Multi-jurisdictional transactions, international enforcement, and asset tracing

M&A

Merger and acquisition advisory, due diligence, and transaction structuring

Project Finance

Aviation, shipping, real estate, and infrastructure project financing

Education & Qualifications

Academic Foundation

World-class legal education from leading institutions in London, combined with professional qualifications across multiple jurisdictions.

2007

Bar Vocational Course

Very Competent

Inns of Court School of Law
London
2006

LL.M Banking & Finance Law

Merit

University College London
London
2005

LL.B (Hons.)

London School of Economics
London

Bar Admissions

Advocate High Court

Islamabad Bar Association, Pakistan
2008

Barrister-at-Law

Lincoln's Inn, England & Wales
2007

Languages

English

Fluent

Urdu

Fluent

Spanish

Intermediate
Recognition

Achievements & Recognition

A track record of excellence across leading financial institutions, recognized for legal innovation and leadership.

Commercial Bank of Dubai PSC

  • Primary legal lead on structured finance and capital markets mandates

Mashreqbank (Dubai)

  • Highest appraisal rating (2012–2013)
  • Appointed Operational Risk Manager

Majid Al Futtaim Ventures (Dubai)

  • Lead counsel for Majid Al Futtaim Finance
  • Internal Audit Co-ordinator for the Legal Department

Al Hilal Bank (Abu Dhabi)

  • "Hero of Legal Department" award
  • Participated in development of ISDA-IIFM Master Agreement for Islamic derivatives

Principles

Clarity beats complexity.

Explain the regime like you're briefing a decision-maker under time pressure.

Structure reduces risk.

Good documentation is a defense against uncertainty.

Context shapes the rule.

Law lives in markets—interpret it with the real world in mind.

Let's build better systems.

For speaking, advisory, or collaboration—reach out.