Formerly a derivatives trader in London and Hong-Kong, now King’s Counsel specialising in commercial law with a focus on banking, financial services, company, insolvency, and civil fraud litigation. Sharif is also a leading barrister offshore (in particular the DIFC and the Caribbean). He has in-depth knowledge of the financial markets, corporate finance and fintech (including complex derivatives and cryptoassets). Notable cases include: Mozambique v Credit Suisse International (2023), Autonomy v Lynch (2022), General Electric v Alpine (2021), Akhmedova v Akhmedov (2018) (DIFC CFI & CA), Akers v Stanford (BVI HC & CA), Wentworth v Lehman (2017), S&P v ApoBank and RBS (2016) and Chesterfield v Deutsche Bank (2016).
Economics graduate (LSE); research assistant to Bank of England’s monetary policy committee member; derivatives trader (London and Hong Kong 1997 to 1999).
The Lawyer Hot 100; C&P Company & Insolvency Junior of the Year 2016; Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year 2018 and Legal 500 Insolvency Junior of the Year 2020.
Sharif is the Attorney General to HRH The Prince of Wales (2020 – current).
Sharif is also the Chair of Advocate (the legal pro bono charity). He is a Director of the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund and Chair of the Reserves Committee and was the former Chairman of the Personal Insolvency Litigation Advice and Representation Scheme (PILARS).
Publications: Author, Transaction Avoidance in Insolvencies, OUP, 2018
Called to the Bar of the Dubai International Financial Centre and the British Virgin Islands; Chancery Bar Association; COMBAR Insolvency Lawyers’ Association.
Winchester College; London School of Economics (1997 BSc Economics); City University (2000 CPE/Diploma in Law; 2003 MA Law).
Climbing/sailing/skiing.