Banking and finance

ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners

Client Satisfaction

ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners‘ banking and finance practice ’stands out as a beacon of excellence in Kuwait‘, and the team’s ’unwavering dedication and meticulous approach have cemented their reputation as the crème de la crème‘. The sizeable group is home to senior partner Sam Habbas, Rob Little, Ibrahim Sattout, Ezekiel Tuma and John Cunha; the quintet’s expertise spans bilateral and syndicated financing, private equity matters, project finance, trade finance and Islamic finance. Tuma has particular expertise in handling acquisition financing and restructuring mandates, and Little is singled out for his strength in assisting with securities and Sukuk transactions. In the capital markets space, Cunha is instructed by issuers, arrangers and underwriters on debt capital markets transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Great technical ability and good problem solvers.'
‘Rob Little and John Cunha are excellent technically and always willing to find practical solutions to a given problem.'
‘ASAR have been working on capital markets transactions for many years. They are very familiar with the bond and loan products. They respect timetables and are always available to assist.’
‘Very professional, knowledgeable, experienced, and dependable.’
‘The firm's banking and finance practice stands out as a beacon of excellence in Kuwait, consistently setting the gold standard for legal advisory services. Their unwavering dedication and meticulous approach have cemented their reputation as the crème de la crème among Kuwait’s legal advisors. The team is not only revered by their clients but is also held in high esteem by regulators, showcasing the breadth and depth of their influence in the industry. They have played a pivotal role in shaping the legal ecosystem for bonds and sukuk in Kuwait, further establishing them as the preferred legal firm for the finance and banking sector.’
‘In my interactions with Robert Little and John Cunha, their profound expertise and commitment have always been evident. They are not only at the top of their game but also command immense respect from regulators and peers alike. Robert's precision and comprehensive knowledge, complemented by John's strategic insights, make them an unbeatable duo. Their ability to stay ahead of the curve, anticipate challenges, and devise proactive solutions has made them invaluable partners. Their seminal role in establishing the legal framework for bonds and Sukuk, combined with their unmatched track record, cements their position as leaders and the go-to legal advisors in the finance and banking industry.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC
Ahli United Bank B.S.C.
Citibank
Emirates NBD Bank PJSC
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited
Kuwait Finance House
National Bank of Kuwait
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Standard Chartered
Warba Bank
Gulf Bank
Arab Banking Corporation (B.S.C.)
JPMorgan Chase Bank
Gulf Investment Corporation
Macquarie Air Finance Group Limited
Boubyan Bank

Work highlights

Advising Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) K.S.C.P. as issuer and Kamco Investment Company K.S.C.(Public) and Gulf Bank K.S.C.P. as joint lead managers on a KD165,000,000 bonds (due December 2028).
Acting as counsel to KIPCO on a landmark issuance of KD103 million by Kuwait Projects Company Sukuk Limited.
Advised a consortium of banks on arranging financing for Burgan Bank K.S.C.P. worth $800,000,000.

Lawyers

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