A key port of call for both domestic and international banks, Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm is well-versed in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and syndicated facilities. Carlos Abou Jaoude counts various financial institutions on his client roster, and he is well-regarded in the energy, media, and telecoms sectors. Souraya Machnouk is often engaged in cross-border transactions, while Ibrahim Barraj is another key team member.  

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Their high responsiveness, professional approach, and understanding makes them stand out.'
  • ‘Abou Jaoude & Associates is our first-choice firm for complex banking and finance matters, driven by the quality of its partners Carlos Abou Jaoude and Souraya Machnouk.’
  • ‘The firm has a deep understanding of the market and the regulatory framework. They present their advice in straightforward terms, which we can rely on for decision-making at the bank.’
  • ‘Carlos Abou Jaoude is excellent.’
  • ‘Souraya Machnouk is exceptionally knowledgeable in cross-border financial offerings, complex credit facilities, and fintech issues.’
  • ‘Ibrahim Barraj efficiently handles compliance and governance matters.'
  • ‘This firm has a diversified team of experts with a client centered approach and a proven track record.’
  • ‘The team is specialised, has a collaborative approach, and is accessible.’

Key clients

  • Credit Suisse (UBS Group)
  • Central Bank of Lebanon
  • Ernst & Young
  • New York Life Insurance
  • KPMG Citigroup
  • American Express (Amex)
  • First Abu Dhabi Bank Commercial International Bank Egypt
  • National Bank of Kuwait
  • Nomura International
  • I&C Bank
  • Fransabank Group
  • Intercontinental Bank of Lebanon (IBL)
  • Arab Finance Corporation (AFC)
  • The Luxury Fund (TLF)

Work highlights

  • Advised leading financial institution Credit Suisse Lebanon on its strategic exit from the Lebanese market amidst the global merger by absorption between the UBS and Credit Suisse banking groups.
  • Advised Big Four audit firms Ernst & Young and KPMG acting for Swiss banks on the highly complex private banking manual relating to the cross-border offer of financial products and services into Lebanon under capital markets regulation.
  • Advised the lending arm of the National Bank of Kuwait, the largest Kuwaiti bank on a multi-million cross-border Islamic facility to the leading international telecoms group Monty Mobile, involving a complex multi-jurisdiction security structure.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Carlos Abou Jaoude, Souraya Machnouk  

Other key lawyers

Ibrahim Barraj