ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners

Banking & Finance; Capital Markets & Securities; Corporate; Islamic Finance; Restructuring & Insolvency; Mergers & Acquisitions

Of Counsel

Emile Khoury Hélou is a senior associate based in Kuwait and joined the firm in January 2019. Prior to joining ASAR, Emile practiced in Lebanon for 20 years. Emile has extensive experience in conventional and Islamic banking and finance, capital markets, project finance, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, commercial and corporate law.

Professional Experience

Corporate: Offered strategic counsel to international and national corporations such as Checkout.com, Delivery Hero, Bain and Company, Alshaya, in establishing a local presence in Kuwait, which involved navigating foreign ownership restrictions, managing electronic payments, launching websites and mobile apps, and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Additionally, provided legal opinions and support in the establishment of local businesses.

Banking (Al Rajhi): Advised global financial institutions and private banks on banking and securities activities in Kuwait for Al Rajhi. Drafted internal documents for client financing based on Shari’a principles, covering areas like real estate, securities, retail financing, mortgages, and pledges. Ensured compliance with Kuwaiti administration procedures, including those of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Justice and Public Notary.

M&A (Merger between two Lebanese Banks): Advised on M&A between two banks established in Bahrain and Lebanon. Conducted due diligence on financing documents, securities, and insurance policies. Reviewed and drafted sale and purchase agreement, and the transfer of the guarantees.

Finance: Participated in project financing collaborations between Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) and Warba Bank, as well as Kuwait Finance House and Warba Bank. These projects adhered to Sharia compliance standards, following market practices outlined in the LMA document. The financing documents, including the Wakala Agreement, fee letter, Kuwait law legal opinion, and officer certificate, were a combination of conventional and Islamic approaches and were drafted and reviewed to ensure approval by the Sharia boards of both banks.

French, Arabic and English

Admitted to the Beirut Bar in Lebanon, 1998

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in Lebanese Law, St. Joseph University, Lebanon, 1992

Master of Laws (LLM), St. Joseph University, Lebanon, 1997