This position is with a company based in the United Arab Emirates, operating in the commercial and retail banking sector. The role is Senior Legal Counsel with a focus on Islamic Finance.

The Role

Senior Legal Counsel – Islamic Finance, based in the UAE. This is a senior associate-level position within the legal function of a commercial and retail banking organisation. The role centres on providing legal counsel across Islamic finance products, structures, and transactions.

Likely Focus

Expected Profile

• Advising on Sharia-compliant financing structures and documentation
• Reviewing and drafting legal agreements related to Islamic finance products such as Murabaha, Ijara, Musharaka, and Sukuk
• Supporting the business on regulatory and compliance matters specific to Islamic banking in the UAE
• Liaising with internal stakeholders including product, risk, and compliance teams
• Monitoring developments in UAE and regional Islamic finance regulation
• Providing legal opinions and guidance on transactional and operational matters
• Qualified lawyer with demonstrable experience in Islamic finance law
• Background in a commercial bank, investment bank, or law firm with an Islamic finance practice
• Solid understanding of Sharia principles as applied to financial products and structures
• Familiarity with UAE Central Bank regulations and AAOIFI standards
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex financial documentation
• Strong written and spoken English; Arabic would be an advantage in this market
• Comfortable working within a large, regulated banking institution