Akhund Forbes
More informationRenowned for its expertise in high–value and complex transactions and praised for having 'rich experience in international finance transactions', Akhund Forbes boasts a full-service offering spanning sovereign debt refinancing, loans, and micro-credit transactions for a growing roster of domestic and international clients. The team is also active in advising clients on sovereign debt refinancing matters, as well as liaising with international and multilateral lenders on high-value loans to stabilise the country’s balance of payments. The group’s expertise also extends to assistance with structured sukuk and bond transactions for corporate clients. Rabel Akhund leads the practice with extensive experience acting on behalf of international financial institutions and multinational companies, and he has overseen the firm’s recent expansion to Bangladesh. Akhund is supported by Sahar Iqbal, who has been the go-to counsel for ADB and JS Bank Limited. Senior associate Bilal Awais is another notable name who has worked extensively with the China Development Bank.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Akhund Forbes responded to us with quality feedback timely and effectively.'
- 'Rabel Akhund always provided professional services for us.'
- 'Very professional in banking and finance, reasonable and flexible in pricing, and can render responses very quickly.'
- 'Has rich experience in international finance transactions.'
- 'Rabel Akhund is very responsive and he could provide prompt, high-quality advice for urgent matters.'
- 'They have good knowledge and are always available for open discussions. They always guide their clients on the expected outcome, instead of giving a rosy picture. Technologically they are very strong.'
- 'Very professional people.'
Key clients
- Act Polyols (Pvt) Limited
- Pinsent Masons LLP
- JS Bank Limited
- Arif Habib Group
- edotco Group Sdn Berhad
- Edotco Pakistan (Private Limited)
- Aisha Steel Mills Limited
- Mastercard
- Deutsche Bank
- Credit Suisse
- China Development Bank
- Act Polyols
- China Power Hub Generation Company Limited
- FenXun Partners
- Asian Development Bank
- Paine Sevens LLC
- Kleiner Perkins
- Sequoia Capital
- Privatisation Commission, Govt of Pakistan
- Faysal Funds
- ZoodPay
Work highlights
- Represented China Development Bank in a USD1bn and USD700m loan to the Government of Pakistan to support it with its balance of payments.
- Advised Asian Development Bank on the provision of loan facility allowing the use of village banking methodology in micro credit to alleviate poverty.
- Advised China Power Hub Generation Company Limited on the issuance of commercial and Sukuk papers amounting in excess of PKR70bn in order to manage the increasing price of imported coal in international market.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rabel Akhund