Gargi Agarwal
Al Tamimi & CompanyAl Tamimi & Company‘s team in Bahrain specialises in all aspects of banking and finance, including debt capital markets, project finance, regulatory work, Islamic finance, conventional bilateral and syndicated lending. With well-established expertise throughout the region, the practice distinguishes itself through the scale of its lead and local counsel work for major banks and financial institutions across Bahrain and the wider Middle East. UAE-based partner Rafiq Jaffer heads the firm’s offering for both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with an exceptional reputation thanks to his expertise in debt capital markets transactions and lending transactions, using both conventional and Islamic structures. Natalia Kumar is a name to note in Bahrain and is a trusted advisor to major lenders, borrowers, and international and local financial institutions; she is supported by associate Gargi Agarwal, who is building notable expertise in syndicated lending, project finance and regulatory work. Practice co-head Jody Waugh provides support from the UAE.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The practice is unique in that it is one of the few, if not only, dedicated banking and finance practice in Bahrain that is focused on the Bahrain market. The team undertakes both international and local counsel work and also has English law capabilities.’
‘With the team’s regional footprint, if input from any other region is required, the Bahrain team is able to coordinate and provide this. It is a one stop shop.’
‘The team is technically sound, responsive, commercially minded, are able to deliver in tight timeframes, are in-tune with the Bahrain market and work closely with the Central Bank of Bahrain and other government entities which enables them to provide practical advice and solutions.’
‘Natalia Kumar is exceptional. She is responsive, technically excellent, understands our needs and delivers a stand out service with her can-do attitude. The advice we receive is pragmatic and commercial and she is willing to deliver the same level and quality of service in tight deadlines.’
‘The team's capability to meet our various requirements in different locations of Middle East irrespective of the transaction size is fantastic. The commitment of the team in closing the work within the timelines gives us lot of confidence to our business and relationship with our clients in the region. ’
‘The team, led by Rafiq Jaffer, and Gargi Agarwal, brings lot of quality in the work, the promptness in delivering clarifications and the consistency maintained par excellence. ’
Key clients
- Citibank N.A.
- GFH Financial Group B.S.C. (previously known as Gulf Finance House)
- Gulf International Bank B.S.C.
- Arcapita Capital Investment Management B.S.C. (C)
- Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK)
- National Bank of Bahrain B.S.C.
- ICICI Bank Limited
- Woori Bank
- HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
- Mashreq Bank P.S.C.
- Arab Banking Corporation B.S.C. (Bank ABC)
- ACWA
- JS Bank Limited
- Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C.
- Infracorp
- First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC
- United Gulf Bank B.S.C.
- Ahli United Bank B.S.C.
- Enerflex Limited (Canada)
Work highlights
- Representing Citibank as lead local counsel in relation to the sale of its retail banking business in Bahrain to Ahli United Bank.
- Represented HSBC Bank Middle East, acting on a $300m Push Facility guaranteed by the Italian Export Credit Agency to the Oil and Gas Holding Company.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Natalia Kumar
Al Tamimi & CompanyPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jody Waugh, Rafiq Jaffer